Reduce Your Risk of Stroke
Posted: October 27, 2015
A stroke can leave us changed in a number of ways, most which are scary to even consider. It happens when the heart’s atrium is unable to correctly pump blood, which leads to the formation of a clot. If a part of the clot detaches, it can travel to the brain, blocking its blood supply.
If you have been diagnosed with an atrial fibrillation, or AFib, a heart-rhythm disorder, you are five times more at risk for having a stroke than the average person. This is why it is especially important to get screened for AFib, so you can take precautions to protect yourself against stroke.
To reduce your risk of stroke, in addition to getting AFib treatment from your doctor, you can make some healthy lifestyle changes:
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Get your blood pressure down. Hypertension is one of the main causes of AFib. However, if caught in time, getting your blood pressure down can prevent the disease. If you already have AFib, keeping a healthy blood pressure is vital to maintaining your health.
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Get to a healthy weight. Being overweight with AFib is an especially dangerous combination. A study found that if you are obese and lose 10 percent of your body fat, you can drastically reduce your AFib symptoms. It is just as important to keep the weight off, because the study also showed that gaining even 5 percent of the weight back could double the risk of having an AFib-related episode.
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Exercise moderately. To get moving, it’s great to walk, jog, swim, or participate in certain sports. Just remember that if you have AFib, high-intensity workouts can put you more at risk. Consult your doctor before starting an exercise program, and gradually build up your endurance.
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Calm down. If you are stressed, that can trigger an AFib-related problem. Lowering your stress level can be difficult, because worrying about atrial fibrillation itself can be a source of stress. These worries can be soothed by talking to your doctor openly about your concerns. Staying active or practicing yoga can also be a great way to relieve stress.
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Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.