3/4 of strokes happen to people over the age of 65. However, health experts do warn the public that a stroke can occur at anyone at any age, regardless of gender and race. Therefore, it is important for you to reduce the risks of a stroke.

So, you may be asking yourself how do you minimize your risk of stroke?

We are going to share with you 7 simple ways that you can reduce your chances of having a stroke.

So, how do you reduce your chances of having a stroke?

According to Minna Masor, neurosciences clinical coordinator at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, there are seven things that you can do to help reduce your chances of having a stroke:

1. Keep track of your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and one of the most controllable risk factors. Get your blood pressure checked often. Talk to your doctor to see how you can lower your heart rate numbers through diet and exercise or with use of blood pressure medications.
2. Keep track of your blood sugar. Diabetes can not only increase your chances of having a stroke, but it often comes with other significant risk factors too. According to the National Stroke Association, they estimate that diabetes increases your risk of stroke up to 4x. If you are diabetic, knowing and controlling your blood sugar levels will decrease your risk of having a stroke.
3. Find out if you have an irregular heartbeat. Having an irregular heartbeat can significantly increase your risk of stroke. If you have this condition, your heart muscle isn’t properly pumping your blood. And this can often lead to blood clotting that can cause a stroke. Have your heart checked regularly. Talk to your doctor about options for correcting or minimizing your risk of a stroke.
4. Quit smoking. Smoking doubles your risk of stroke because it make your heart work harder. It also increases the likelihood of clots forming, plaque build-up of in your arteries, and blocking blood flow to your brain. The single best thing you can do for your heart is to stop smoking.
5. Lose those extra pounds. Extra body weight puts a strain, not on your heart and circulatory system. Your heart needs to work harder to pump the blood through your entire system. The extra pounds can increase your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Maintain a healthy weight with exercise and proper nutrition.
6. Eat healthy. A recent study conducted at Harvard University reported that eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables can lower your stroke risk by up to 30%. The researchers discovered that citrus fruits and dark green vegetables and cauliflower are beneficial. According to this study, high concentrations of folic acid, fiber, and potassium may be a key factor to reducing stroke.
7. Exercise daily.  Exercise has long been known to fight against heart disease and other heart issues, so toning and strengthening your cardiovascular system will help protect you against stroke makes sense.

By following these 7 steps, it will help you reduce your risk of having a stroke. Which tip are going to start implementing into your life tomorrow for a healthier heart?

Read Blood pressure and lifestyle and When the heart stops…for more more about your heart health.