Prevention

More than 80% of all strokes are preventable

Prevention is your first line of defense against stroke, carotid artery disease, and many other vascular diseases. It begins with putting a stop to atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a big word for a serious problem: waxy buildup in your arteries. This buildup is called plaque. It’s made up of fatty substances, cholesterol, and calcium.

Plaque buildup causes your arteries to narrow and harden. This can slow or even stop blood flow. With less blood flow, your cells and organs get less of the essential oxygen they need to survive.

This plaque buildup causes problems for your brain and your heart. Depending on the location of the blockage, it can cause:

• Carotid artery disease – lack of blood flow to the brain
• Intracranial stenosis – lack of blood flow in the brain
• Coronary heart disease – lack of blood flow to areas of the heart
• Peripheral vascular disease – lack of blood to your extremities (e.g., hands, legs, feet)

Preventing Atherosclerosis

Factors that may contribute to stroke and carotid artery disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, physical inactivity, smoking, and advanced age.

Talk to your doctor maintaining healthy arteries. Here are some steps you can take to prevent and even reverse the buildup of plaque in your arteries:

• Stay active. Exercise regularly.
• Eat a healthy diet. Include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, talk to us about fitness, nutrition, and other tools to lose weight.
• Don’t smoke.
• If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to manage your disease.
• Take medication as prescribed to reduce your risk factors. This may include high cholesterol or high blood pressure medication.

Aurora BayCare offers a wide variety of therapies and support to help you live a healthy life.