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RETIREMENT

HOW TO CUT THE RISK OF STROKES

HEALTH MATTERS: Look after yourself and cut your risk of a stroke

Wednesday May 7,2008

By Dr Rosemary Leonard

Comment Speech Bubble Have your say(1)

I AM 64 and have recently suffered a minor stroke. Could you advise how effective aspirin is for preventing future attacks and if there is any alternative.

Dr Rosemary says...

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off.

Occasionally this happens because a blood vessel bursts - a haemorrhagic stroke - but in most cases it is because a blood vessel is blocked by a clot.

In some cases, the clot forms inside the blood vessel in the brain, while in others it forms elsewhere in the body and then travels up to the brain.

The type of treatment you are given to help prevent another stroke depends on the underlying cause.

Blood clots are formed largely of clumps of platelets and aspirin is given as it helps to stop platelets sticking together.

There are more powerful drugs that can help prevent blood clots such as warfarin or clopidogrel but because of the risk of side effects (especially bleeding), these are usually only given to people who have a high risk of stroke.

This generally includes people who have an erratic heartbeat or who have had a deep vein thrombosis in another part of the body. Your doctor can advise if they would be advisable in your case.

It is also important to tackle any other medical problems that could increase your risk of another stroke. This includes making sure your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are normal and losing any excess weight.

You should eat a healthy low-fat diet with at least five portions of fruit and veg each day.

Include oily fish in your meals at least twice a week. Keep your salt intake as low as possible and don't have more than 14 units of alcohol a week.

Try to do some exercise for at least 30 minutes each day - and don't smoke.

You can get more information from the Stroke Association, Tel 0845 303 3100

RE ASPIRIN AND STROKES

10.06.08, 2:53pm

I take an aspirin every day after my lunch, i have been taking it for about a year now,i must confess i dont know if it is doing me any good or not, but i feel fine.i am 67

• Posted by: Ernie654 • Report Comment