Coronary Artery Disease Management: 4 Strategies to Reduce Your Risk of Stroke

May marks American Stroke Month in the United States, and at Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins in Miami, Florida, we think it’s the ideal time to review key strategies to reduce your risk of suffering from stroke, now and in the future. 

Vascular medicine specialist and interventional cardiologist Dr. Enrique Hernandez points out that much of the power of prevention is already in your hands. While there’s plenty that medical science can do to treat the risk factors for stroke, the best treatment is prevention. 

Today, we’ll examine four self-care strategies that are under your control, whether you already have stroke risk factors or you want to avoid them in the future. Here’s what you need to know. 

Stroke and coronary artery disease

If you’re at risk for coronary artery disease (CAD), then you’re also at risk of stroke. Both of these conditions share an underlying link through arteriosclerosis, blocked and stiff arteries. 

Atherosclerosis — a type of arteriosclerosis — is systemic, so CAD and stroke often coexist when your arteries are affected. If you have CAD, your risk of stroke climbs, and if you’ve survived a stroke, CAD is likely present, with or without symptoms. 

Our stroke management strategies therefore also address CAD, as well as representing a foundation for the improvement of your general health. Here are the four things you can do to keep on top of your arteries’ health.

1. Monitor your metrics

Today’s technology means that affordable devices with which you can track your own vital statistics at home, daily are available. You no longer need to leave vitals for office visits. 

These numbers are the most important to keep track of to minimize your risk of stroke: 

• Blood pressure: This statistic is the most important to monitor, because high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke.
• Heart rate and rhythm: Some blood pressure monitors and smartwatches check for atrial fibrillation, an irregular, often rapid change in your heart rate.
• Blood sugar levels: This is especially important if you’re diabetic, as high blood sugar causes progressive damage to blood vessels.
• Body mass index (BMI): Obesity contributes to stroke risk, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
• Daily activity: Use a step counter or smartwatch monitor to assure your activity levels meet your targets.

Home cholesterol screening is also possible, though it doesn’t replace regular lab testing. Follow all doctors’ orders to control any underlying conditions you may have. 

2. Stay physically active

Generally, physicians recommend 150 minutes of moderate, low-impact aerobic activity per week as a foundation level for overall health. That means 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week. Adding flexibility and strength exercises in addition to the basic level helps you gain even more health benefits. 

3. Prioritize nutrition

A heart-friendly diet is also a stroke-friendly nutrition. An eating plan that follows elements of the Mediterranean diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and modest amounts of lean protein. 

Cut back on salt, sugar, and processed foods that frequently present both, along with unhealthy saturated and trans fats. The right menu promotes lower blood pressure, cholesterol control, blood sugar management, and weight loss. 

4. Address your vices

Eliminate smoking and other tobacco use and limit your alcohol intake to gain immediate anti-stroke benefits. Manage stress through activity, meditation, mindfulness, and a healthy sleep cycle. Prioritizing restful sleep ensures your body’s self-repair mechanisms work at peak efficiency. 

Contact Advanced Vascular Cardiac & Veins to discuss your stroke risk with Dr. Hernandez. Call or click to book with our nearest location today.