A stroke is an urgent medical emergency that often seems to strike out of the blue. But, the reality is that many of the underlying causes of a stroke have likely been silently progressing for years, or even decades.
Studies estimate that 80% of strokes could be prevented. Many people on the road to a stroke right now could get off that path -- starting with a call to your doctor.
One of the key steps you can take to reduce your risk for a stroke starts with regular visits to your primary doctor.
“We saw a lot during the pandemic where patients weren’t following up as much,” said Dr. Rebbeca Grysiewicz, with Corewell Health’s Comprehensive Stroke Center. “So it’s really important ... to get back to your physician and address all of these risk factors that ... when they’re controlled, significantly reduce your risk of having that stroke in the first place.”
Those doctor visits are critical for younger people, too.
“We are seeing more young patients having strokes. About 10% of strokes are patients that are under 50 years of age,” Grysiewicz said. “It’s important for younger people to also establish care with a physician and make sure they’re addressing blood pressure, diabetes, quit smoking, cholesterol, all of those things.”
Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can reduce the risk of stroke. Grysiewicz said there is also a new emphasis on the importance of sleep.
“It’s the recharge time. So when you’re going to sleep, your brain is resetting and doing a lot of healing that needs to go on,” Grysiewicz said. “And if you’re not getting quality sleep, that process of healing is not happening on a regular basis.”
Treating problems like sleep apnea can also decrease the risk of stroke.
The bottom line is: Addressing health problems sooner can help keep you on the healthy path later on in life.
“About 80% of strokes can actually be prevented,” Grysiewicz said. “So there’s a lot of opportunity in our day-to-day lives to do the right things to keep your body your brain and your heart healthy.”
This is where it’s so helpful to have a health care provider who you like and trust, one who can get to know you and help you get your health problems under control. If you haven’t seen a doctor in a while, make the call, get the appointment, and don’t cancel it.
Watch Dr. McGeorge’s full report on this below.