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What is the Link Between Cholesterol and Stroke Risk?
Cholesterol is a type of fat in your blood which increases the risk of stroke. High levels of cholesterol in your blood cause fatty deposits to form on the inside walls of your arteries, narrowing and hardening them, reducing blood flow to your heart and brain. This increases your risk for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
How Can You Lower Your Cholesterol to Lower Your Stroke Risk?
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to lower your cholesterol and reduce your stroke risk. Here are some important lifestyle changes that can help to reduce bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of stroke:
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet, low in saturated fat and rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables, can help lower your cholesterol and reduce your stroke risk. Eating foods that are high in essential fatty acids like omega-3s can also help.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise helps raise good cholesterol and get your heart rate up. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking or jogging, most days of the week.
Quit Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of stroke by causing hardening of the arteries. Quitting smoking is one of the best lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your stroke risk.
Lose Weight if Necessary
Being overweight increases your risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases, as it can lead to higher cholesterol levels in the blood. Losing even a little weight can significantly lower your stroke risk.
Conclusion
High cholesterol increases your risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, but the good news is that making lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and losing weight if necessary can help reduce your cholesterol levels and your risk of stroke. Remember to check with your doctor before making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle.
