Stroke risk and prevention

Strokes can be fatal, but the risk can be reduced. Many stroke risk factors are lifestyle related, so everyone has the power to reduce their risk of having a stroke. More than 80% of strokes can be prevented.

You can take action to lower your risk of stroke. The F.A.S.T test is an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke.

If you see any of these signs call 911 straight away. There can be other signs too: Your face, arm or leg can be numb, clumsy, weak, or paralysed.

This can be on one or both sides of your body Nausea and vomiting.

If you see any of the signs of stroke, call 911 straight away. Even if you aren’t sure, or the signs only last for a few minutes, call 911.

A stroke risk factor increases your risk of having a stroke. There are some stroke risk factors that you cannot do anything about – being older, being male, a family history or already having had a stroke. But everyone can take action to lower their risk: Your risk goes up as you get older, so a regular health check is especially important once you turn 45.

If you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, you need a regular health check once you turn 30. They’ll talk with you about your risk factors and what you need to do to lower your risk.

Your GP can help you make healthy choices part of your daily life

They will let you know if you need medication to lower your risk of stroke.

is the biggest risk factor for stroke

High blood pressure can lead to blocked arteries

It can also make them weaker, causing them to break which can cause a stroke. is around 120/80.

If your blood pressure is regularly over 140/90, you have high blood pressure. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked by a GP, nurse or pharmacist. is a type of fat in the blood.

High cholesterol can lead to blocked arteries

This can cause a stroke

High total cholesterol is 5.5 mmol/L or more.

However, a good level for your cholesterol depends on your other risk factors.

Your GP will tell you how to maintain healthy cholesterol levels

Is a heart condition.

Your heart beats fast and out of rhythm

AF can lead to blocked arteries.

This can cause a stroke

If you have AF, you may have a pounding or fluttering heartbeat.

This is also called having heart palpitations

Some people experience symptoms such as an irregular pulse, shortness of breath, chest pain, tiredness, dizziness, or feeling faint or lightheaded.

Some people don’t notice any symptoms at all

A doctor can check your pulse.

If it feels irregular, they will organise more tests. can lead to blocked arteries.

This can cause a stroke

If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar when you’re supposed to. Talk with your GP about medication and healthy choices to help manage your diabetes.

is the second biggest risk factor for stroke

It can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.

It can also lead to being overweight

These things increase your risk of stroke

Aim to be active for 30 minutes most days. You need to increase your heart rate, feel a little warm and get a bit out of breath. You also need to do activities that build muscle strength. Your 30 minutes can be any kind of exercise or activity.

You can break it up into short sessions

Get into activities you enjoy

Invite friends and family to join in

Eating unhealthy food can lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol.

It can also lead to being overweight

These things increase your risk of stroke

The key to eating well is to enjoy a variety of nutritious foods from each of the Five Food Groups: , yoghurt, cheese or alternatives, mostly reduced fat. Cut down the amount of salt, sugar and saturated fat you eat.

Eat more of the healthy foods you enjoy

Cook at home, and share mealtimes with family and friends if you can.

These things can increase your risk of stroke

Your doctor can give you advice on what a healthy weight is for you. You can get there with healthy eating and being more active. Start by setting a small goal and making small changes that will get you there.

If you are overweight, losing just 5% of your body weight can improve your health. Your GP can refer you to a dietitian and a physiotherapist.

They can help you get to a healthy weight

Alcohol can lead to high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation.

It can contribute to being overweight and make diabetes harder to control.

All these things increase your risk of stroke

The American Guidelines say healthy men and women should have no more than 10 standard drinks a week, and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day. The Guidelines are for healthy people. Talk with your doctor about alcohol and your risk of stroke.

Check the drink label to see how many standard drinks you are having. The less you drink, the lower your risk of harm from alcohol.

Smoking can lead to high blood pressure

It narrows and hardens your arteries and increases the stickiness of blood.

All these things increase your risk of stroke

Breathing in other people’s smoke also increases your risk of stroke. Only 100% smoke-free environments can protect you from the effects of passive smoking. It’s never too late to stop smoking. Once you stop, your risk of stroke drops immediately.

If you see any of the signs of stroke, call 911 immediately. Even if you aren’t sure, or the signs go away, call 911. StrokeLine’s allied health professionals provide advice on stroke prevention, treatment and recovery.

StrokeLine is a free and confidential service. A stroke interrupts blood flow to an area of the brain Signs of stroke Face.

Check their face

Has their mouth drooped? Arms. Can they lift both arms? Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? Time is critical Feeling dizzy, losing balance, or falling over for no reason Losing your vision. This can be in one or both eyes Headache , usually severe and sudden Trouble swallowing Lower your risk of stroke Have a health check with your general practitioner (GP) Be active, eat well, be a healthy weight, avoid alcohol and don’t smoke Have a health check with your GP Ask your GP for a Heart Health Check.

Your GP will assess your risk of having a stroke or heart attack Get your blood pressure checked High blood pressure (hypertension) Normal blood pressure Get your cholesterol checked Cholesterol Check for an irregular pulse Atrial fibrillation (AF) Check for type 2 diabetes If left undiagnosed or untreated, diabetes Get active Not doing enough physical activity Talk to your GP before starting an exercise program.

Your GP can refer you to a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist.

They can help you get active

Visit health.gov.au/health-topics/physical-activity-and-exercise Healthy eating Vegetables , legumes, beans Fruit Grain (cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain and high fibre Lean meats and poultry , fish , eggs , tofu, nuts and seeds Milk Drink plenty of water Your GP can refer you to a dietitian.

A dietitian can help you with healthy eating. Visit eatforhealth.gov.au Be a healthy weight Being overweight can lead to high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes Avoid alcohol Your GP can tell you about help to cut down or stop drinking alcohol.

Visit nhmrc.gov.au/health-advice/alcohol Don’t smoke It can be hard to quit smoking so make sure you get the help you need. Visit Quit for help to quit smoking Where to get help Your GP (doctor) StrokeLine 1800 787 653 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, American Eastern Standard Time.

Visit strokefoundation.org.au Quitline 13 78 48.

Key Points

• Strokes can be fatal, but the risk can be reduced
• Many stroke risk factors are lifestyle related, so everyone has the power to reduce their risk of having a stroke
• More than 80% of strokes can be prevented
• You can take action to lower your risk of stroke
• F.A.S.T test is an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke