The American Stroke Association tells us that there is a high correlation between high blood pressure and stroke. According to the Association, doctors refer to high blood pressure as ‘the silent killer’ because you can have this disorder and never know it until it is too late. If it is not treated, your high blood pressure can cause serious medical problems including stroke, heart attack and serious kidney problems.
Why Does High Blood Pressure Cause Stroke?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is probably the most common cause of strokes. This is because it puts more stress on your blood vessel walls. Over time, this causes your blood vessels to get thicker and to deteriorate. This can eventually lead to blood clots and plaque forming in the blood vessel, which can then travel into the brain and cause a stroke. High blood pressure also leads to several types of heart disease, which also increases risk of stroke.
If you have had a stroke, it is very important for you to keep your hypertension under control to reduce the chances of having another stroke.
What Is the Cause of High Blood Pressure?
In most cases, we cannot say exactly what causes high blood pressure. But there are several factors that are linked to high blood pressure, and higher risk of stroke:
- Your family has a history of high blood pressure.
- If you are over 35, you are more likely to have high blood pressure if you are male; for females, it is after 45.
- Men are more likely to have the problem than women until age 45. From 45-64, men and women have about the same risk. After 64, women are more likely to have it.
- If you are African American, you have a 41% chance of having hypertension. If you are white, you have a 28% chance.
How To Treat High Blood Pressure?
The great news is that high blood pressure can be easily managed for most people, which reduces the chance of stroke. Keep these things in mind:
- Eat a diet lower in sodium and high in fruits and vegetables (try our EZ Peel Vegetable Peeler for easier peeling after stroke). Also eat lower fat dairy products that can help to cut blood pressure. Also, if you increase your intake of potassium, this could help to lower your blood pressure.
- Exercise regularly. This can help you to lose weight and to lower your blood pressure. You should consult with your doctor about the level of activity appropriate for your age and general health.
- Medications are available that can help to manage the condition. Your doctor may try several drugs with you before he finds the one that works best for you. There are over 50 hypertension drugs on the market with various side effects, so you may need to try a few to make the right fit.
If you have had a stroke, please keep in mind some of our other very helpful dining products that can help you to live your life to the fullest:
