Neurosurgeon Victor Hugo Espíndola warned that 80% of cases of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) can be prevented with changes in daily life. In an interview published this Friday (14), the specialist listed six common behaviors that significantly increase the risk of the disease. Uncontrolled hypertension appears as the main factor, followed by smoking, physical inactivity, decompensated diabetes, insufficient sleep and excessive alcohol consumption.
Simple lifestyle changes protect blood vessels and reduce the formation of clots reaching the brain. The doctor highlighted that the positive effects begin to appear weeks after the changes. Data from the Ministry of Health show that stroke remains the second leading cause of death in the country.
- Regular blood pressure control prevents damage to vessel walls
- Quitting smoking reduces your risk by up to 50% in five years
- Physical activity of 150 minutes per week improves circulation
- Maintaining balanced blood glucose levels protects arteries from constant aggression
High blood pressure leads modifiable factorss
High blood pressure accounts for a large proportion of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes recorded in Brazil. The specialist explained that values above 140/90 mmHg weaken the arteries over time. Measuring your blood pressure at home and following the correct medication treatment directly reduce this risk.
Patients who maintain controlled blood pressure have up to 40% fewer cerebrovascular events, according to recent studies.
Smoking accelerates vascular aging
Cigarettes contain substances that harden arteries and promote fatty plaques. Those who stop smoking see a progressive drop in risk in the first few months. After one year without smoking, the probability of stroke drops by half compared to active smokers.
The measure also benefits those who live with passive smokers at home.
Sedentary lifestyle compromises circulatory health
Lack of regular movement raises LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. Daily 30-minute walks already produce a measurable improvement in vascular elasticity.
Studies show that active people have a 30% lower chance of stroke compared to sedentary people.
Uncontrolled diabetes attacks brain vessels
High glucose levels damage the inner lining of the arteries. Strict control with diet, exercise and medication prevents these silent injuries.
Well-controlled diabetic patients equate their risk to that of the general population.
Insufficient sleep elevates systemic inflammation
Sleeping less than six hours a night increases cortisol and blood pressure. Sleep quality directly influences vascular recovery during the night.
Establishing a regular sleep routine protects the cardiovascular system on an ongoing basis.
Excessive alcohol causes serious arrhythmias
Consumption of more than 30 grams of pure alcohol daily alters the heart rate. Moderation keeps blood pressure stable and prevents atrial fibrillation, a common stroke trigger.
Women should limit themselves to one dose and men to two doses maximum per day.
Combined changes multiply protection
The neurosurgeon reinforced that adopting several measures at the same time enhances the benefits. Weight control, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and salt reduction complete the set of preventive actions.
Health professionals recommend periodic assessments to identify risk factors early.
Primary stroke prevention essentially depends on decisions made on a daily basis. Small adjustments maintained consistently alter long-term health trajectories. The Ministry of Health records around 100,000 deaths from strokes annually in the country, a number that could fall with adherence to medical recommendations.
