According to a recent study from Johns Hopkins, suggests that migraine sufferers have an increased risk for stroke later in life. What’s interesting is that the risk is further increased if the migraine sufferer experiences an aura before the headache strikes.
It’s unknown why migraines increase the risk for stroke later in life. It’s not that the migraine itself causes the stroke because it’s not happening during a stroke.
How to Decrease Your Risk for Stroke
While it may be difficult to control your migraine attacks, you can take steps to decrease your risk for stroke.
- Ask your doctor about migraine prevention medication – it may not help your risk for stroke but it will help lessen your attacks.
- Take steps to lower your stress levels with stress management.
- Check your blood pressure regularly and if needed, take high blood pressure medication.
- Smoking increases your risk for stroke so quit if you are a smoker.
- Ask your doctor about taking a daily aspirin.
- Talk to your doctor about your risk for stroke if you use birth control or hormone replacement.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes regularly
- Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, and other healthy foods
- Avoid alcohol in excess, moderation is beneficial
Photo: littledan77
Thu, Mar 11, 2010
Health