{"id":26450,"date":"2021-08-20T12:40:48","date_gmt":"2021-08-20T12:40:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medical.andonline.com\/?p=26450"},"modified":"2023-05-25T03:17:18","modified_gmt":"2023-05-25T03:17:18","slug":"the-link-between-hypertension-and-stroke-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medical.andonline.com\/the-link-between-hypertension-and-stroke-risk\/?lang=ce","title":{"rendered":"The Link Between Hypertension and Stroke Risk"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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The Link Between Hypertension and Stroke Risk<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>\n
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Hypertension is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions amongst adults. In the U.S.,\u00a0nearly half of adults<\/a>\u00a0have high blood pressure.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

That\u2019s a startling statistic on its own, but becomes even more concerning when you consider the increased risk of developing other health conditions.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Amongst these conditions is an increased risk of stroke. More than half of strokes are a result of hypertension. The good news is that there are ways to reduce your risk, but first let\u2019s take a closer look at the connections between hypertension and stroke.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Types of stroke<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Hypertension is one of the most prevalent\u00a0chronic conditions amongst adults. In the U.S.,\u00a0nearly half of adults<\/a>\u00a0have high blood pressure. That\u2019s a startling statistic on its own, but becomes even more concerning when you consider the increased risk of\u00a0developing\u00a0other\u00a0health conditions.<\/p>\n

Amongst these conditions is an increased risk of stroke.\u00a0More than\u00a0half of strokes are a result of hypertension. The good news is that there are ways to reduce your risk, but first let\u2019s take a closer look at the connections between hypertension and stroke.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div><\/p>\n

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How hypertension increases risk<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

So,\u00a0why does high blood pressure increase your stroke risk? Simply put\u00a0\u2013 it stresses out your\u00a0blood vessels.<\/p>\n

Hypertension puts\u00a0blood vessels\u00a0under constant stress\u00a0and\u00a0damages the artery walls,\u00a0making\u00a0them weaker.\u00a0This makes it more likely to develop clots due to poor blood flow. It can also damage arteries to the point of bursting or tearing, which can lead to internal bleeding.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

Identify stroke F.A.S.T.<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

If you or a loved one are at higher risk of stroke, it\u2019s important to know the signs. Thankfully, there\u2019s an acronym to help you out \u2013\u00a0F.A.S.T.<\/a><\/p>\n

It stands for:<\/p>\n

F<\/strong>ace drooping<\/p>\n

A<\/strong>rm weakness<\/p>\n

S<\/strong>peech difficulty<\/p>\n

T<\/strong>ime to call 911<\/p>\n

It\u2019s simple, straightforward, and can save a life.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

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Reducing your risk<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Now for the good news. You can\u00a0greatly reduce your risk<\/a>\u00a0of stroke by managing your blood pressure. Simple steps like being more active, eating healthier, and medication\u00a0prescribed by your doctor, can make a huge difference.<\/p>\n

Hypertension and stroke can be scary, but with a well-executed game plan you can control your blood pressure and reduce the stress on you and your arteries. If you\u2019re concerned about your blood pressure and\/or risk of stroke, speak with your doctor. They can help you develop a plan that fits you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n