Three everyday habits that can increase your risk of stroke

According to cardiologist Samantha Benin, most cases are related to factors that can be modified.

“The majority of strokes are linked to modifiable risk factors, that is, influenced by behaviors and health conditions that we can control,” said the doctor to the EatingWell website.

Among the habits that deserve attention are excessive sitting, consumption of alcoholic beverages and frequent intake of meals with a lot of sodium.

Spending many hours sitting

Maintaining an exercise routine is important, but it may not be enough when a person spends almost the rest of the day without moving.

Studies indicate that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of stroke by up to 40%. Still, spending long periods in front of the computer, television or sitting at work can compromise some of these benefits.

“It is possible to do an hour of exercise a day, but if the rest of the time is spent sitting at a table or in front of a screen, without taking breaks to move, the risk remains high,” explained Benin.

Prolonged sedentary lifestyle can affect the blood vessels responsible for circulating blood to the heart and brain.

Simple everyday activities, such as walking, cycling, housekeeping or gardening, were also associated with a lower likelihood of stroke.

Consume alcohol, even in moderation

For a long time, moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages, especially red wine, has been linked to possible benefits for the heart. More recent research, however, has cast doubt on this association.

“Even moderate consumption can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, hypertension and stroke in some people,” warned the cardiologist.

One study identified a higher risk of stroke among participants who reported drinking moderately. The danger was even more significant among those who concentrated their alcohol consumption on weekends.

Compared to people who did not drink, the risk of stroke among participants who consumed excessive alcohol on these occasions was 47% higher among men and reached 241% among women.

Exaggerate sodium in meals

Another factor that can compromise cardiovascular health is the frequent consumption of foods prepared with large amounts of salt.

Meals served in restaurants, such as pizzas, burgers and pasta, often have high levels of sodium. In some cases, just one dish can approach or even exceed the recommended amount for the entire day.

Cardiologist Sirisha Vadali explains that reaching the daily sodium limit in a single meal causes any additional consumption to further increase blood pressure and promote artery damage.

When this pattern repeats over time, the risk of hypertension increases, a disease that often does not cause symptoms, but is among the main factors associated with stroke.

Reducing sitting time, avoiding alcohol consumption and paying attention to the amount of sodium present in meals are measures that can contribute to protecting the heart and brain.

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