Prevention
It is possible to reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. This often means making or maintaining healthy lifestyle changes and may include taking medicine prescribed by a doctor.
Take steps to prevent stroke with the Small Steps, Bright Future campaign.
Making changes in the following areas could affect an individual’s risk for heart disease, heart attack or stroke:
Alcohol Use
Long-term heavy drinking can increase blood pressure and lead to heart disease. Heavy drinking may also contribute to high cholesterol, cancer and other diseases. Binge drinking can make the heart beat irregularly.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of an irregular heartbeat. The heart may feel like it is fluttering because the top parts of the heart (atria) are beating very quickly. When this happens, the heart pumps blood less effectively and blood pools in the heart. This may lead to a blood clot. Symptoms can include fatigue, heart fluttering or pounding, fainting or dizziness, shortness of breath and anxiety. An individual should seek medical attention when these symptoms occur. Individuals with Afib have an increased risk of a stroke and heart failure.
Blood Pressure Numbers
Blood pressure measures the force it takes the heart to pump blood through the body and is recorded in two numbers. The top number (systolic) measures the heart when it is working. The bottom number (diastolic) measures the heart when it is at rest.
How to use a home blood pressure monitor
Controlling blood pressure numbers is extremely important to reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Reduce your risk of high blood pressure:
- Reduce sodium intake
- Maintain a normal weight
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products
- Be physically active
There are usually no symptoms for high blood pressure. That is why it is so important for each person to know their own blood pressure numbers. Monitor your blood pressure.
- Blood Pressure Index Card
- High Blood Pressure Brochure
- Understanding Your Blood Pressure Numbers (also available in Spanish)
- Video: Get Your Blood Pressure Checked
Cholesterol Levels
Everyone has cholesterol. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood and body’s cells. Your body uses cholesterol to protect nerves, make cell tissues, and make certain hormones.
There are different types of cholesterol. A health care provider will draw blood and test it for different types of cholesterol and provide a report with several numbers. The overall or total cholesterol number should be below 200 mg/dL. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Eating a healthy diet, losing weight and staying active can help reduce the cholesterol levels in your blood.
HDL Cholesterol (high density lipoprotein) is “good cholesterol” that helps reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by removing the “bad cholesterol.” HDL cholesterol levels should be 60 mg/dL or higher. If HDL cholesterol is too low (less than 40 mg/dL), the risk for heart disease may be increased.
LDL Cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) is often called “bad cholesterol.” LDL is found in saturated fats. Too much LDL cholesterol can clog arteries which can increase risk of heart attack and stroke.
Lipoprotein (a) (LP) Cholesterol is made of protein and fat. Like LDL, this LP cholesterol clogs arteries which can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and coronary heart disease.
Triglycerides are a form of fat and are mainly found in blood. They come from food and are made inside the body. People with high triglycerides often have high total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, and low HDL cholesterol levels. People with who have heart disease, have diabetes or are obese are also likely to have high triglycerides. Triglycerides levels should be below 150 mg/dL.
- Get to Know Your Cholesterol (also available in Spanish)
- CDC Cholesterol Information for the Public and for Health Professionals
- Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers (also available in Spanish)
Diabetes Management
People with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke and other health complications. However, people with diabetes may avoid or delay these conditions if they manage their diabetes and monitor their overall health. A health care provider can do periodic testing to assess blood sugar levels (A1C) and other risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. Some people with diabetes may need to take a cholesterol lowering medication ( statin ) to lower their risk of heart attack or stroke even if their cholesterol levels are not high.
Food Choices and Nutrition
Maintaining a healthy diet is important to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes and other health complications. In general, eat fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy proteins to help manage cholesterol levels, obesity and overall health. High-salt diets may increase blood pressure.
Illicit Drug Use
There is an increased risk of stroke and sudden cardiac arrest (when the heart stops) if an individual uses illegal drugs or missuses over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
Physical Activity Level
Making physical activity a part of daily activities may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke and other health complications. The Healthy North Carolina 2020 recommendation for physical activity is at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five or more days per week or vigorous physical activity for at least 20 minutes three or more days per week.
Salt Intake
Eating too much salt (sodium) can raise blood pressure. It is best to talk with a health care professional about how much sodium should be in the diet.
- CDC Sodium Information
- AHA Healthy for Good Sodium Infographics
Stress Levels
A person’s ability to recognize their stress level and take steps to reduce it can be good for both mental health and overall wellbeing. Stress levels can affect blood pressure and increase the risk of a heart attack. Chronic, long-term stress could contribute to a person’s risk for stroke.
Tobacco Use
Don’t smoke or chew! Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. If a person is taking oral contraceptives while using tobacco products, the risks for stroke and heart attacks increase even more.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, heart disease, stroke and other health complications.
