HEART STROKE

How to Avoid a Stroke:

Strokes, in which there's a disruption of blood flow to the brain, are the most common cause of neurological disability in the United States, usually resulting from atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) or hypertension. To avoid strokes make the following lifestyle changes.

... Instructions...

1. Maintain a healthy body weight and lifestyle: Exercise aerobically four times a week for 30 to 40 minutes; eat lots of fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods.

2. Avoid fats, especially saturated fats found in meat, butter and beef shortening.

3. Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure makes the heart and blood vessels work harder. (See "How to Prevent Hypertension.") Treat high blood pressure as recommended by your doctor.

4. Check your cholesterol. Most malls and many senior centers offer cholesterol tests for a nominal fee.

5. Test your blood sugar. Chronic high blood sugar is harmful to the arteries. Free blood sugar testing is often offered at pharmacies.

6. Ask your doctor to check your blood hematocrit level. High hematocrits make a person more prone to strokes.

7. Stop smoking if you do. Nicotine causes the blood vessels to narrow and constrict, which impedes circulation.

8. Reduce or eliminate drug and alcohol intake. Abuse of either can cause strokes in teenagers and young adults.

9. Avoid constipation. Straining to move your bowels is hard on your heart and blood vessels.

10. Reduce your stress. Chronic stress causes the blood vessels to narrow, which makes blood pressure rise and the heart work harder.

11. Relax. Take a yoga class, read a good book to your loved one, pray, meditate or do whatever else relaxes you and increases your sense of well-being.

12. Take an aspirin every other day unless otherwise advised by your doctor. Aspirin helps your blood flow more easily.