If you have concerns about a stroke in Winchester, VA, you can count on the board-certified neurologists at Winchester Neurological Consultants to be there with the answers that you need.
If you think that strokes are only for the elderly, you are wrong. Strokes can happen at any age. By knowing what the risks are for strokes, you can take the necessary steps to lower your risk before you actually have a stroke. Environment, habits, age, sex, heredity, and health all play an important role in your risk of stroke.
Health Conditions That Raise Your Risk of Stroke
Previous strokes or TIAs
If you have already had a stroke or a TIA you have a higher risk of having another. Take these previous strokes or TIAs as a warning and talk to your neurologists about steps that you can take to make sure that you don't have another.
High blood pressure
When your blood pressure is high, your heart is working harder and this can cause the blood vessels and arteries to weaken. When they're weaker it is more likely that one will burst under the pressure or from plaque blocking them. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke.
High cholesterol
Cholesterol is a natural substance that is produced by the liver. When you have too much cholesterol it can cause the arteries to be blocked and this leads to them bursting. If it is an artery in the brain, this can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke.
Diabetes
Diabetes causes sugar to build up in the blood and this can prevent the nutrients from getting to the brain. High blood pressure is also common in those who have diabetes. Keeping your diabetes under control is critical to lowering your risk of stroke.
Heart disease
Several different heart diseases and disorders can contribute to a higher risk of stroke. Coronary heart disease, irregular heartbeat, heart valve defects, and enlarged heart chambers can all contribute.
Obesity
Being overweight can make you more likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes. Since both of these increase your risk of stroke, there is a cause and effect to obesity.
Other Things That Increase Your Stroke Risk
If you are a female, a non-Hispanic black or Pacific Islander, and over 65 years of age, you are at an increased risk of having a stroke. If you smoke, drink alcohol excessively eat a diet high in saturated fats, don't get enough exercise, or have a family history of strokes, you are at increased risk of having a stroke.
Contact Winchester Neurological Consultants with your questions about stroke risk in Winchester, VA. To make an appointment for a consultation call (540) 667-1828.