The health-savvy can tick off lots of reasons to watch your diet and exercise, and one of the best is to avoid a stroke. Stroke is the third-leading killer in the United States, according to the experts at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
But you can reduce the risk of having one. If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to get it back into normal range by maintaining your proper weight, avoiding drugs known to raise blood pressure and exercising more. At the dinner table, cut back on salt, and eat fruits and vegetables to increase potassium in your diet.
Quit smoking. Cigarette smoking has been linked to the buildup of fatty substances in the carotid artery, the main neck artery that carries blood to the brain, and blockage of the carotid artery is a leading cause of stroke.
What's more, nicotine increases blood pressure, and carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen your blood carries to the brain. Cigarette smoke also thickens blood, increasing the likelihood of clotting. When you stop smoking, of course, you also reduce your risk of lung disease, heart disease and a number of cancers.
