Medically Reviewed by Christopher B. Zust, MD

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability amongst Americans, especially men. Those with a higher risk of stroke include people 55 or older, as well as African American and Hispanic patients, who have a higher risk of stroke than people of other races.

According to the Stroke Advisory Council, South Carolina is in the buckle of the stroke belt, where stroke risk is two to three times greater than the national average. The good news is that 80% of strokes can be prevented.

It is important to know your risk of having a stroke and take action to reduce it.

• High blood pressure is a main risk factor, yet nearly one in three men aren’t even aware they have it.
• Being inactive can increase your risk for stroke. Even though 30 minutes of daily exercise can decrease the risk, only one in four men get enough physical activity. Some examples of aerobic exercise that can help lower blood pressure include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing. Another possibility is high-intensity interval training. This type of training involves alternating short bursts of intense activity with periods of lighter activity.
• Smoking damages blood vessels and can lead to stroke. Stopping smoking helps lower blood pressure and can reduce the risk of heart disease, improve overall health, and possibly lead to a longer life.
• Being overweight and carrying too much weight around the waist can increase the risk of high blood pressure. Weight loss is one of the most effective tools for controlling your numbers
• Eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol and reducing your sodium intake are important lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce blood pressure.
• Diabetes is a well-established stroke factor that prevents your body from processing food properly. Your body can’t make insulin or can’t use insulin correctly, which causes glucose (sugar) to build up in your blood. Over time, high glucose levels can damage the body’s blood vessels, increasing the chance of stroke.

Talk with your primary care physician about taking the right steps to avoid stroke.