Proactive Tips to Prevent Strokes

October 29th is stroke prevention day. This day was created by the World Stroke Organization to help spread awareness of strokes, and the risk factors and signs to look out for. Med Group NJ is proud to offer you information on stroke prevention in New Jersey.

What happens during a stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. When blood flow gets cut off to the brain, the affected tissue in the brain becomes starved of oxygen. As a result, brain cells can begin to die. The long-term effects of a stroke depend on the severity and type of stroke a person suffers.

What are the different types of strokes?

• Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Often understood as a warning or “ministroke,” a TIA only blocks blood flow to the brain for less than five minutes.
• Ischemic stroke: Similar to when a blood clot disrupts the flow of blood to the heart, during an ischemic stroke, a blood clot (often due to atherosclerosis) disrupts the flow of blood to the brain.
• Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by a weakened vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain, hemorrhagic strokes can cause permanent brain damage.
  

How can you prevent a stroke?

Though strokes can be hereditary, there are many lifestyle choices that can contribute to reducing the risk of having a stroke. The most common reasons a stroke occurs are due to excess alcohol intake, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking cigarettes.

Reduce your risk of stroke with a healthy lifestyle, incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet to lower cholesterol, limiting alcohol consumption, and doing physical activity to improve your blood pressure.

Count on the experts at Med Group NJ to provide you with treatment for stroke in New Jersey. Our specialists are passionate about cardiology and are dedicated to helping you understand the state of your heart and providing you with a diagnosis and treatment. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.