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- $Unique_ID{BRK01074}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Risk of Inherited Stroke}
- $Subject{strokes Circulatory inherited predispositions blood pressure
- pressures hypertension Heart disease diseases blood clot clots weight exercise
- smoke smoker smokers smoking drinking alcohol stroke exercising}
- $Volume{G-1}
- $Log{
- Exercise Improves Circulation*0003207.scf
- Types of Ischemic Strokes I*0006901.scf
- Types of Ischemic Strokes II*0006902.scf
- Types of Hemorrhagic Strokes*0006903.scf
- The Effects of Smoking*0007301.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- Risk of Inherited Stroke
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-
- QUESTION: With both my father and uncle passing away recently, both from
- strokes, I am now concerned that the same fate awaits me. What is the
- likelihood that these events can predict my future? Would you have any
- suggestions that might change my odds?
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: Unfortunately, you may have a higher risk of stroke than people
- without a family history of the problem. Some predispositions to stroke are
- inherited, and most stroke victims have a parent who has suffered a stroke.
- The greatest risk factor for a stroke, however, is high blood pressure.
- People with high blood pressure are two to four times more likely to have
- strokes than people without elevated blood pressure. Black people die of
- strokes almost twice as often as white people in the 35 year old to 74 year
- old age range. That's because of the greater incidence of high blood pressure
- among blacks. Heart diseases which allow blood clots to form also increase
- the chances of suffering stroke. Diabetics run almost double the normal risk
- for strokes. Although people of any age can suffer strokes, 80% of the time
- they occur in people 65 or over.
- But you can reduce your chances of becoming of stroke victim by
- eliminating some of the risk factors. Pay attention to your blood pressure,
- keep your weight under control, and get started on a regular exercise program.
- Refraining from heavy drinking, and understanding that smoking is an absolute
- "no-no", can help you straighten out the odds.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-