Lower your risk for stroke

Change your daily habits to lower your risk for stroke

Changing just a few daily habits can lower your risk for stroke. Combining a healthy diet, healthy blood pressure, regular physical activity, and quitting tobacco can make a bigger difference than you think!

Risk factors

While some risk factors, like, the ones below, are out of our control, there are other daily changes that can help lower your risk. You may be at a higher risk of stroke if you:

  • Are over 65 years of age.
  • Are African American, Hispanic, or Asian.
  • Have a family history of stroke.
  • Had a previous stroke or “mini stroke” which is also called a TIA.

What you can do to lower your risk

The good news is that with a few daily changes, you can reduce your risk for stroke, and DPH provides programs and resources to help you.

  • Maintain healthy blood pressure: Check your blood pressure regularly and take all medications as prescribed.
  • Eat a healthy diet: Add more healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables and lean proteins to your diet. Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you.
  • Exercise: Get active whenever you can: Try for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
  • Avoid tobacco and nicotine: Quitting smoking and vaping lowers your risk: Tobacco and nicotine increase your risk for stroke by raising your blood pressure.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health works to make all of these healthy behaviors accessible for everyone in the Commonwealth. Learn more about our work around healthy blood pressurecreating conditions for healthier eating and physical activity, and our tobacco prevention and control work.

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback