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Exercise for reducing the risk of stroke

Background- What is a stroke?
A stroke is a brain attack which blocks off the blood flow that carries oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue. When deprived of this blood supply two million brain cells die every minute, every moment increasing the risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death.

What are the different types of stroke?

 * 1) Ischemic stroke – This is the most common type of stroke accounting for 87% of stokes suffered. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot or fatty deposit (i.e. plaque, atheroma) block the arteries.
 * 2) Hemorrhagic stroke – This is only responsible for 13% of all strokes, however, is more fatal accounting for 30% of all stroke deaths. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and leaks blood into the brain  . This is typically as result of high blood pressure and/or diseases involving the blood vessels in your brain.
 * 3) Transient ischemic attacks [TIA] – these are also known as ‘mini strokes’. These are a major precursor for strokes as 40% who suffer a TIA will go on to have a stroke  . As you age, risk of suffering a TIA increases.

What are some risk factors for stroke?
Strokes are not biased to age, sex, or race, and so everyone has a stroke risk. Some factors do increase an individual’s risk. Those over 55 years of age have an increased risk. Men when they are younger have a greater risk than women, but as women age they are more at risk, especially to fatality as result of stroke. African Americans have an increased stroke risk as do diabetics and those with a family history of stroke. But no matter the number of factors someone has, everyone should do what they can to minimise their risk factors.

What benefits will I see from exercise?
Up to 80% of all strokes are avoidable. This is because most strokes occur as result of unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Recommendations for Exercise
Simply by meeting the daily recommended physical activity guidelines, stroke risk can be dramatically decreased. More specific exercise programs can be prescribed to cater for individual medications, disabilities, requirements and so forth.

Exercise not only lowers the risk factors of having a stroke, it also minimises the disability of someone who has had a stroke and improves their quality of life. Exercise in a stroke survivor prevents complications of prolonged inactivity, decreases risk of recurrent stroke and cardiovascular events, increases aerobic fitness and enhances psychological functioning including concentration, memory and so on.

Guidelines you should know before getting started
If you are on and medications to lower blood pressure, cholesterol or any other health risks it is crucial that you see your doctor before participating in any exercise.

Further information/ suggested reading / support groups

 * Physical activity and exercise recommendations for stroke survivors. Exercise recommendations for stroke survivors
 * Support groups Stroke support groups- Australia
 * Treadmill aerobic exercise for stroke survivors. AHA guidelines
 * Lifestyle risk factors for stroke. Effect on stroke risk
 * Reduce your stroke risk:Health tip