Stroke stands as the fifth-leading contributor to mortality and a prime instigator of severe, enduring disability in the U.S. The American Stroke Association, a branch of the American Heart Association, asserts that stroke is largely preventable, treatable, and surmountable. This May, as American Stroke Month unfolds, individuals throughout the Central Valley are urged to take incremental measures to diminish their stroke risk.
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Stroke
The majority of strokes are preventable through education and lifestyle adjustments like increased physical activity, prudent dietary choices, and abstention from tobacco and nicotine. Managing high blood pressure, or hypertension, emerges as a pivotal aspect of prevention, being the primary culprit behind strokes. While embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle aids in averting hypertension, it’s imperative to comprehend and, when necessary, regulate blood pressure levels through lifestyle modifications and medication.
“Knowledge wields immense power, particularly in the context of addressing conditions like high blood pressure,” remarked Dr. Bonnie Her, a family medicine physician and board member of the American Heart Association, Central Valley. “Hypertension is often dubbed ‘the silent killer,’ yet it need not remain so. We possess the means to swiftly and effectively manage it, hence I urge everyone to proactively acquaint themselves with their blood pressure readings to avert more dire events such as stroke.”
The most reliable method of monitoring blood pressure entails having it checked by a healthcare professional at least annually, routinely tracking it at home with a validated monitor, and discussing the readings with a physician. For most individuals, a normal blood pressure reading should fall below 120/80 mm Hg. Those with hypertension or other risk factors may necessitate more frequent monitoring.
Additional resources:
Download a fact sheet elucidating how high blood pressure precipitates strokes (PDF).
Comprehend your blood pressure metrics.
Learn how to conduct blood pressure monitoring at home.
Institute meaningful changes to forestall strokes.
While preventive measures significantly reduce the likelihood of stroke, it remains imperative to recognize the warning signs using the F.A.S.T. acronym. If you observe facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulties, it’s time to summon emergency services by dialing 911. For further information, visit Stroke.org/StrokeMonth.
Locally, the Central Valley can reaffirm its dedication to combating heart disease and stroke this autumn at the Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk on September 28, 2024, at Tesoro Viejo. Details about the event, including registration instructions, are available at CentralValleyHeartWalk.org.
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