Modifiable Risk Factors For Stroke

A modifiable risk factor is a health risk which is in your control. Age, gender and genetics are non-modifiable factors as we cannot change them. A modifiable risk factor however, can be eliminated with the correct lifestyle.

A recent study of 6,000 people from 22 countries called 'Interstroke' evaluated risk factors of stroke. The study showed that 10 risk factors are associated with 90% of the incidence of stroke and that most of these can be changed by lifestyle.

A stroke can be devastating resulting in death or a lifetime of physical impairment. The good news from this study is that many strokes can be predicted and the resultant burden of the disease reduced by following certain measures. Of the modifiable risk factors, blood pressure (hypertension) control was identified as the most important.

Five modifiable risk factors of hypertension, current smoking, abdominal obesity, diet and physical activity accounted for 80% of stroke.

When additional risk factors such as having Type 2 Diabetes, a high alcohol intake, psychosocial issues, abnormal apoliproprotein ratios and cardiac causes (such atrial fibrillation or flutter, previous myocardial infarction or valve disease) are taken into account these 10 risk factors account for 90% of the risk of stroke (1).

The following are key strategies for significantly reducing the risk of stroke:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit your salt, processed and takeaway food intake
• Eat a balanced diet of vegetables, fruit, fish, poultry, meat, nuts and seeds, low fat dairy and whole grain carbohydrates
• Limit alcohol intake. Aim for no more than 2 standard drinks per day
• Go to your GP for a check up regularly
• Monitor your cholesterol levels
• Quit smoking
• Measure your waist regularly
• Exercise daily - aim for at least 30 minutes
• Get treatment for depression or stress

Unlike cardiac disease where there can be a lifetime of medication in order to reduce risk factors, the above strategies are all about leading a healthy lifestyle and that is free.

References

1. O'Donnell. M. J, Xavier. D, Liu L, et al. Risk factors for ischemic and intracerebal haemorrhagic stroke in 22 countries (The Interstroke Study): Lancet 2010; DOI: 10.1016/S01140-6736(10)60834-3. Available at: http://www.thelancet.com/