HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE PATIENTS:
HOW TO LOWER YOUR RISK OF STROKE
Having hypertension – commonly called high blood pressure – is one of the major risks for what causes a stroke. Fortunately, these 7 steps can help reduce those risks.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE PATIENTS:
HERE ARE 7 STEPS FOR LOWERING YOUR STROKE RISK
Quick Read:
HEART-HEALTHY CHOICES CAN HELP LOWER STROKE RISK,
So eat healthy, exercise, etc. to tip the odds in your favor.
CONTROLLING YOUR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Can lower your stroke risk.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT AN ASPIRIN REGIMEN
To see if it’s right for you.
Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is the single biggest risk factor for what causes clot-related (ischemic) strokes, the most common kind of stroke. Thankfully, hypertension is a very controllable stroke risk factor.
What is Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)?
The force that blood exerts on your blood vessels is your blood pressure, and when it’s measured, the reading is expressed in two numbers: systolic over diastolic. Systolic, the top number, is the number that represents blood pressure when your heart beats. Diastolic, the bottom number, is your blood pressure between beats while the heart relaxes for a moment before beating again. In general hypertension or high blood pressure is above 130/80.
1. Watch Your Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, it’s not really effective only check your blood pressure via infrequent trips to the doctor. Instead, purchase a blood pressure monitor for use at home. Many options are available, and some insurance and flexible spending plans cover them (be sure to check with your plan(s) beforehand, just to be sure. In addition, you may be able to enter your numbers on your smartphone for easy tracking and reporting back to the doctor.
2. Get on a Healthy Diet
Sure, eating healthy is perhaps the one piece of advice we all could take. But, for those with high blood pressure, it’s simply one of the most powerful ways to take control and help prevent what causes a stroke. As you may have heard, a heart-healthy diet is one that’s high in fiber and low in saturated and trans-fats.
3. Get Moving, Often
Start by talking to your doctor before you begin any new exercise routine.
If you build up to at least 30 minutes of exercise – even if it’s in 10-minute increments – several days each week, you’ll be on the right track for a new heart-healthy lifestyle.
4. Get and Stay Fit
The reason maintaining a healthy weight important is that being heavier makes your heart work harder. That can make your blood pressure worse, raising other heart health risks that may lead to stroke.
5. Kick the Smoking Habit
And if you’re a woman, it’s especially important because female smokers face greater heart health risks than male smokers. Talk to your doctor about finding the best smoking cessation plan for you is more than worth the time. Plus, some quit-smoking plans are covered by insurance, though you should check with your plan first to make sure.
6. Ask the Doctor about Aspirin
A doctor-directed regimen of low dose aspirin can help keep your blood flowing. Check with your doctor to see if an aspirin regimen is right for you.
7. Get Regular Checkups and Take Your Prescription Medications
When you have high blood pressure, making and keeping regular checkups with your doctor – and following his or her recommendations about prescriptions – is a powerful way to control it. That, in turn, helps control one of the biggest risks for what causes stroke. Think of your doctor as your partner in your heart-healthy journey, a resource for the information you need to beat the odds of having a stroke.
LEARN MORE ABOUT STROKES
Warning Signs of a Stroke
From facial drooping to arm weakness, stroke warning signs can be easy to spot if you know what to look for.
Learn About the Most Common Type of Stroke
Read about when and how ischemic strokes can occur, and what causes them.
How Stroke Affects the Body
From recovery to lifestyle changes and challenges – find out what to expect after experiencing a stroke event.
You Know about F.A.S.T. Now Learn 5 Other Stroke Symptoms
Learn about stroke symptoms and remember that not every stroke survivor experiences the same signs and symptoms of a stroke.
Stroke Symptoms in Women
Stroke symptoms in women can be different than those found in men. For example, hiccups or numbness may be a possible stroke. Learn about the symptoms of stroke in women and help save a life.
What is a Ministroke and Can I Prevent One?
What is TIA or Ministroke? Learn about Transient Ischemic Attack, its symptoms, and how to prevent TIA with heart-healthy lifestyle choices.
Think FAST: How Well Do You Know the Warning Signs of a Stroke?
In the U.S. some kind of a stroke occurs every 40 seconds. Strokes are preventable and treatable. Find facts, tips and information on stroke prevention.
MANAGING RISK:
WHY PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS MAY NOT BE ENOUGH
If you take prescription medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, they may not be enough to protect your heart. Talk to your doctor about whether these medications are enough for you and whether adding an aspirin regimen can help further reduce the risk of another heart attack or clot-related (ischemic) stroke.
Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
STROKE SURVIVORS HAVE A LOT TO LIVE FORWARD TO
PENNY S.
“It’s like you’re there, but it’s like you’re in an [out of] body experience.”
ANNA B.
“I didn’t think I was having a stroke. I knew everyone was acting really urgent. It was scary for me!”
TOM K.
“I had very good handwriting … and now it’s terrible, but that’s a small price to pay in this life and death situation.”
JOYCE A.
“I’m celebrating my 52nd birthday in two weeks, and … I’m thankful to be alive.”
TONI G.
“Education is key for me. I feel so good that I’m able to help people.”
Aspirin regimen products for recurrent stroke prevention
Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
Bayer® Aspirin is available in a variety of doses and forms.
Learn more by clicking on a product below.
Use as directed.
1 This tool is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, medical advice, or medical treatment. Contact your healthcare provider after using the tool to discuss your heart health or if you have any health concerns.
2 Estimated risk of a cardiovascular event, specifically, the risk of a heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI) or stroke in the next five years.