Sunday, 01 May 2011 06:11
that strokes are the third leading killer following heart disease and cancer in the United States? More than 137,000 people a year die from strokes, according to the American Stroke Association. The good news is adults over 45 years old are suffering fewer strokes. The bad news: strokes and heart disease are now affecting younger and younger people.
A heart-stopping statistic from the CDC shows that from 1994-2007 there was a sharp rise in stroke and heart disease in a very surprising age group: children and adults under 35 years old. Among males aged 15 to 34, the rate surged by nearly 51% and 17% in females. Shockingly, strokes soared 31% in boys aged 5 to 14 and 36% in girls of the same ages.
What increases stroke risk?It is not surprising that the stroke and heart disease trend follows the surge in rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure in these age groups. Add chronic stress into the mix, and you have the perfect stroke cocktail.
A recent study found that diet soda, as opposed to regular soda increases stroke risk by 61%. Earlier studies have shown that those who drank more than one soft drink a day, whether regular or diet, were more likely than non-drinkers to have metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome leads to more than one risk factor for diabetes and heart disease. It encompasses high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, low levels of good cholesterol (HDL), high fasting blood sugar, and large waist size.
How can you reduce the risk of a stroke?Stroke and heart disease are preventable! Most people know that eating a balanced, healthy diet and regular cardiovascular exercise greatly lowers your risk of stroke and heart disease. Maintaining a healthy body weight and managing your stress level will prevent diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure, all of which decreases stroke risk.
Magnesium, a critical mineral, is used in more than 300 bodily functions and can be obtained through foods such as dark leafy greens, oatmeal, and mixed nuts. Due to the poor Western diet, magnesium deficiency is pervasive. Magnesium can be used in the treatment of high blood pressure, angina, and arrhythmia. Magnesium has been shown to be most effective in males with heart disease.
