Stroke Awareness: Facts and Tips

Have your blood pressure checked yearly. Untreated hypertension is a major stroke risk factor. If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, follow the prescribed treatment. Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm that can increase your stroke risk by 500%. Have your cholesterol level check yearly. A cholesterol level over 200 is high and high cholesterol can clog arteries and cause a stroke. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, keep your glucose level under control. The American Diabetes Association points out that 2 of 3 people with diabetes die from stroke or heart disease. Circulation problems, such as atherosclerosis, sickle cell anemia and severe anemia, if untreated, can cause a stroke.