Avoiding Stroke: 'What Can I Do?'

A Swedish doctor says everyone can do something to help prevent stroke risk, including learning to recognize symptoms and how to take action.

Dr. Lars Ryden of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, speaking on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology, says there are many opportunities to reduce the incidence and mortality rate of stroke. Stroke is not an inevitable consequence of aging, Ryden emphasizes.

"For example, there is much more to be done in lowering blood pressure, particularly in elderly people with high systolic measurements, and in ensuring that those at risk of thromboembolic stroke as a result of atrial fibrillation receive effective prophylactic therapy," Ryden says in a statement.

Another stroke risk factor is smoking. After adjusting for other factors, smoking roughly doubles the risk of stroke.

On the other hand, exercise can help reduce stroke risk. In one study in Japan, exercise by both men and women decreased the risk of fatal stroke by 20 percent to 29 percent.