Stroke is a condition in which blood supply to the brain is disrupted due to a blockage or rupture of blood vessels. Disruption in blood supply to the brain can cause cell death and caused parts of the body controlled by the brain unable to function properly. Considered as one of the chronic diseases, strokes must be treated quickly to minimize damage to the brain.

Several factors can increase the risk of stroke, such as a history of hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, age, and heredity. Not less important, lifestyle can also affect the risk of stroke. Smoking, lack of exercise, and alcohol intake are some of the things that can increase the risk of stroke.

For those of you who have a high risk of stroke, it never hurts to start a healthier lifestyle. Even if you are in your 50s, switching to a healthy lifestyle is known to be able to help reduce the risk of stroke, especially in women. According to the results of a recent study conducted by Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk and even prevent the occurrence of stroke, even though the changes are made at your 50s.

In their study, researchers collected medical history data from nearly 60,000 women with an average age of 52 who participated in the Nurses' Health Study. After approximately 26 years of follow-up, it was found thata healthier lifestyle (stopping smoking, daily exercise, and weight loss) could reduce the risk of stroke by up to 25%. These changes can also reduce the risk of ischemic stroke by 36%. Increasing food intake such as fish and beans, and reducing meat intake is known to have a positive effect in reducing these risks.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from iStock

Source(s):

• Jain, P., Suemoto, C.K., Rexrode, K., et al (2020). Hypothetical Lifestyle Strategies in Middle-Aged Women and the Long-Term Risk of Stroke. Stroke, DOI: 10.1161 / STROKEAHA.119.026761.
• Science Daily - Women’s lifestyle changes. Even in middle age, may reduce future stroke risk (2020). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/04/200409085637.htm, 14 April 2020.