Strokes are killers – claiming more than 137,000 victims last year. They are the third leading cause of death, behind "diseases of the heart" and all types of cancer, says the American Heart Association. Some risk factors can't be controlled, such as age (over the age of 55), gender (male), family history, and race (black). But you can take control of eight of the biggest factors that put you at risk.
1. High blood pressure
Hypertension is the leading risk factor for stroke. People with untreated hypertension are four times as likely to have a stroke. So, get your blood pressure checked, and if it's high, work toward lowering it. Normal blood pressure is 120/80. The upper normal systolic level (top reading) is 140, and the upper normal limit of diastolic pressure (lower reading) is 90. Experts believe a major key to lowering blood pressure is reducing salt intake.
