Stroke

/ Know Your Risk

Stroke prevention

Certain health and lifestyle issues, called risk factors, increase your chances of having a stroke. The leading risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure but there are many other factors that also put you at risk. Knowing which risk factors you have can help you to make healthy changes. Talk to your health care provider about ways to help reduce your risk of experiencing a stroke.

Certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center

Spectrum Health is committed to fostering better outcomes for stroke patients.

Certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center

Spectrum Health is committed to fostering better outcomes for stroke patients.

What Is My Risk?

Risk factors are different for each person. Some factors, such as your age, can’t be changed but others can. The more risk factors you have the higher your chances are for experiencing a stroke.

Risk Factors

  • You have high blood pressure
  • You’re overweight
  • You have unhealthy cholesterol levels
  • You have an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
  • You’ve had a heart attack
  • You have narrowed arteries in your neck (carotid stenosis)
  • You have diabetes
  • You rarely exercise
  • You often eat salty, fried or greasy foods
  • You smoke
  • You have more than two alcoholic drinks per day
  • You’re over age 60
  • You have a parent, brother or sister who's had a stroke

Stroke Prevention

Did you know that 80 percent of strokes are preventable? 

A healthy lifestyle can help prevent stroke. Breaking old habits can be hard but when your health is at stake, it’s never too late to make changes for the better. Some lifestyle changes might be easy for you. Others might be tough. If you need help, talk with your doctor, family and friends.

Reduce Your Risk

Make healthy changes and reduce your risk for experiencing a stroke:

  • Diet: eat a low fat, low salt diet high in fiber. A Mediterranean diet has been proven to help decrease risk for stroke and heart disease.
  • Weight management: If you are overweight, develop a plan with your health care provider to lose weight and lower your body mass index to a normal or near-normal level. Making diet changes and increasing physical activity can help.
  • Stop smoking: If you smoke, the time to quit is now. No more time for excuses. Smoking raises blood pressure and damages arteries—both of which can lead to a stroke. To stop smoking, ask your doctor for help. Join a stop-smoking program. Make a list of reasons to quit, including that you’ll lower your risk of lung cancer, and read it daily.
  • Limit alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the risk for stroke. Alcohol can also react with certain medicines. Ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to drink alcohol.
  • Reduce stress: Stress can make your heart work harder and raise blood pressure. To reduce stress, try to let go of daily annoyances. Ask yourself if problems will still matter a week from now. Getting proper rest can also help. Finally, don’t be embarrassed to ask for help when you need it.
  • Exercise: Strength and aerobic training improves your ability to function and do activities of daily living. It also reduces your risk for stroke. Develop a custom plan with your health care provider to meet activity goals.
  • Take medications as prescribed by your doctor. If you are having trouble paying for your medications, then talk with your doctor about resources available to help you with the cost.

Our Programs & Services

Treatments for Stroke

Our stroke experts are with you every step of the way to optimize your recovery and help prevent another stroke.

Stroke Rehabilitation

Our interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams are dedicated to providing expert and coordinated care.

Neurovascular Clinic

Spectrum Health is a regional leader in comprehensive stroke care and is the highest volume stroke center in the state of Michigan.

Meet Your Provider Team

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Stroke Outcomes

Certified Stroke Programs At-A-Glance PDF