Only 1% of Stroke Survivors Improve Their Health Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Only 1% of Stroke Survivors Improve Their Health

Most do not take steps to prevent recurrence

The American Heart Association says getting active can help restore your cardiovascular health after a stroke. Mike Kemp / Blend Images / Getty Images , or 1 percent, actually take the recommended medical steps to restore their cardiovascular health and prevent recurrence, according to a report from the International Stroke Conference, held last week by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association. The seven steps to prevent recurrence, according to the AHA, are: , eat healthier, lose weight, avoid smoking, manage blood pressure, control cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels. The report, which was based on data from nearly 68,000 stroke survivors, showed that rates had increased for diabetes (56 percent) — meaning higher sugar levels — and obesity (39 percent) since the late 1980s, according to the AHA. Poor diets also rose from 14 percent in the late 1980s to over 50 percent today. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. There were some bright spots, however. Rates of and among stroke survivors are both down since the 1980s.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of serious disability for adults. The likelihood of having a stroke nearly doubles every 10 years after age 55. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS