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"Yes. Stroke is preventable," says Dr. Tom Jeerakathil, Neurologist at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton. That's encouraging news.

Stroke, a brain attack, is a medical emergency. It happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is cut off. Brain cells in the injured area become damaged or die due to lack of oxygen. The effects of stroke can be devastating to both the victim and the victim's family, particularly when the victim is robbed of strength and independence thereby affecting their personal relationships and ability to work.

Fortunately, this emergency is avoidable. "Stroke can be prevented by what we call risk factor control," says Jeerakathil. There are certain conditions and lifestyle choices that can put you at a greater, or lesser, risk for stroke.

Risk factors you can change

• Control your blood pressure
  High blood pressure is the single most important stroke risk factor that you can control. A 10 point drop in blood pressure can give you a 40% less chance of having a stroke," says Jeerakathil.



• Quit Smoking
  Smoking increases your risk of stroke two to three times. "If you stop, your risk for stroke diminishes quickly within the first year. After five years, you are at the same risk as someone who has never smoked who has a similar risk profile in other areas," says Jeerakathil. Notably, exposure to second-hand smoke puts you at twice the risk for stroke.



• Control your cholesterol
  The link between high levels of bad cholesterol, LDL, and heart disease are stronger than the connection between bad cholesterol levels and stroke. "However, LDL causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) which increases your risk of stroke," says Jeerakathil. He advises keeping your cholesterol levels in a good range.



• Exercise
  "Exercise is a major factor in reducing the risk of stroke," says Jeerakathil. You can cut your chances of having a stroke in half with the right type and amount of exercise. Exercising often leads to additional healthy lifestyle choices, as well, that can help prevent the four dominant chronic diseases: cancer, diabetes, lung disease and cardiovascular disease and stroke.



• Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, fibre and Omega-3 fatty acids
  Healthy eating can help to lower body weight and the size of your waist. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) level is a good indication of whether or not you are at your ideal body weight. High BMI levels put women at risk of stroke. "High BMI levels coupled with a large waist in men is particularly bad," says Jeerakathil. "Excessive body weight definitely does increase your risk for stroke."



• Keep blood sugar levels within normal limits
  Almost 20% of people who have a stroke are diabetic. Diabetics have an increased risk of stroke because, over time, high levels of blood sugar can damage the blood vessels leading to the brain. Managing the disease well if you have diabetes can substantially reduce your risk of stroke.



• Control Atrial fibrillation
  Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder that increases the chance of blood clots forming, which can lead to stroke. If you are on medication for atrial fibrillation, take it as prescribed.

Risk factors you can't change

Unfortunately, not all risk factors for stroke can be controlled by your decisions. For instance, your chance of having a stroke increases as you age. Most stroke victims are over 65, although the average age of stroke victims continues to decrease. Your risk of a stroke is higher if immediate family members, such as your grandparents, parents, brothers or sisters, had a stroke before the age of 65.

Canadians of First Nations, as well as those of African, Hispanic and South Asian, descent are also at a higher risk because of their higher rates of high blood pressure and diabetes. Men have a slightly higher risk of stroke than women. However, many women die from stroke because they live longer than men. Additionally, those around them often do not recognize the signs of stroke until it's too late. Also, if you have already experienced a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA), your chance of having another is higher.

TIAs (Transient Ischemic Attacks), sometimes called mini-strokes, are also serious. "If an individual has had a TIA, they are at risk of having a very serious event – like stroke, heart attack or death," says Dr. Jeerakathil. As a preventative measure, neurologists across the country are investigating the root of patients' TIAs and prescribing prevention.

Dr. Jeerakathil and a group of neurologists at the A.H. Owen and Family Stroke Prevention Clinic, University of Alberta Hospital, see thousands of TIA patients each year. Sometimes treatment involves surgery, but in many cases, serious events can be avoided by reducing the risk factors that you control.