A stroke is an emergency medical situation that often occurs suddenly. However, for those who are more likely to experience one, it can take years for your risk to increase. Maintaining open communication with your primary care provider will help you manage your stroke risk.
Alexandra Sutherland, APRN-CNP, a nurse practitioner in our Paducah market, outlines some questions you should discuss with your primary care provider to not only stay aware of what your stroke risk is, but also to identify anything you can be doing to lower it.
If you have a family history of stroke or are at a higher risk of experiencing one, make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your options.
What should I ask my primary care provider about strokes?
Having a family history of stroke can mean that you’re more likely to experience one yourself. However, just because someone in your family has doesn’t mean you necessarily will. There are many things you can do to minimize your stroke risk.
Alexandra answers some questions about what you should talk to your primary care provider about to manage your risk factors and possibly prevent a stroke.
Is having a stroke hereditary?
While there is not a single gene that makes strokes hereditary, having a family history of stroke does increase stroke risk due to many genetic disorders increasing stroke risk.
What are some risk factors for stroke?
Risk factors for stroke include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity, sleep apnea, alcohol and/or substance abuse, older age (greater than 80 years old), race and ethnicity (stroke is more common in black patients than white patients) and family history.
What can I do to decrease my risk of stroke?
To decrease your risk of stroke it is encouraged that you abstain from drinking alcohol, smoking and substance abuse. You can also decrease your risk of stroke by increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, getting an adequate amount of sleep at night and eating a healthy diet.
If you have chronic conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia or diabetes it is important that you work with your physician to manage these conditions. Sometimes it is recommended to take a baby aspirin every day, especially if lifestyle modifications are unsuccessful. However, you should discuss this with your primary care provider to determine if this would be beneficial for you.
What are the signs or symptoms of stroke?
BEFAST is an acronym that can be used to help remember the signs and symptoms of stroke. This acronym stands for:
- Balance: Sudden difficulties with balance, walking, or coordination
- Eyes: Sudden vision changes such as double vision, blurred vision or tunnel vision
- Facial drooping: Especially significant if it is only on one side of the body
- Arm weakness: Similar to facial drooping – critical if it is only on one side of your body
- Speech difficulty: Strokes can make it difficult to speak and cause words to be slurred
- Time: Note the time that the symptoms began and getting treatment as quickly as possible
What should I do if I have symptoms of stroke?
If you have symptoms of stroke, you should call 911 immediately. You should not wait to see if the symptoms improve, as there are certain treatments that are only viable options if given within four-and-a-half hours and are most effective when given as soon as possible.
What dietary changes should I make if I have an increased risk of stroke?
A Mediterranean diet is often helpful in decreasing your risk of stroke. This diet consists of emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish, legumes, non-tropical vegetable oils and nuts, while limiting sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages and red meats.
Additionally, decreasing sodium and saturated fats in your diet is also helpful in decreasing stroke risk.
Are there any tests I need to get due to my increased stroke risk?
It’s recommended to regularly monitor your blood pressure, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure. It is also recommended to have your lipid/cholesterol monitored yearly.
In certain circumstances, vascular imaging to assess carotid artery stenosis is warranted. However, this is typically not recommended if you are not having any symptoms.
Are there medications I can take if I am at an increased risk of stroke?
This depends on what other conditions you have that increase your risk for stroke. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, there are medications that we can use to lower these. It’s also recommended to take a daily aspirin if you have cardiovascular disease or with certain abnormal heart rhythms.
These medications should be assessed on an individual basis with your primary care provider.
How we can help
While seeing your primary care provider for your annual wellness visit is an important way to stay healthy, it’s especially critical if you have a higher risk of a stroke. Make an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your risk factors and understand your options to reduce your chances of a stroke.
Learn about the stroke care and neurology as well as primary care services we offer at Mercy Health.
