Know Your Numbers

Stroke Prevention Reference Guide

Keep these target numbers handy for your next doctor visit

🩸 Blood Pressure

Target: Less than 120/80 mmHg

Why it matters: High blood pressure is the #1 controllable risk factor for stroke.

💡 Tip: Check your blood pressure at home regularly. Many pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks.

🍬 Blood Sugar (A1C)

Target: Less than 7% (for diabetics)
Normal: Less than 5.7%

Why it matters: Diabetes doubles your stroke risk by damaging blood vessels.

⚠️ Warning Signs: Excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue

💓 Cholesterol

Total: Less than 200 mg/dL
LDL ("Bad"): Less than 100 mg/dL
HDL ("Good"): 40+ mg/dL (men), 50+ mg/dL (women)

Why it matters: High cholesterol leads to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing stroke risk.

💡 Remember: HDL is "Happy" cholesterol - you want this number higher!

⚖️ Body Mass Index (BMI)

Target: 18.5 - 24.9

Calculate yours: Weight (lbs) ÷ Height (inches)² × 703

Why it matters: Excess weight increases blood pressure, diabetes risk, and stroke risk.

🚭 Smoking Status

Target: 0 cigarettes per day

Why it matters: Smoking doubles stroke risk by damaging blood vessels and increasing clot formation.

💡 Good News: Stroke risk drops significantly within 2-5 years of quitting!

🏃‍♂️ Physical Activity

Target: 150 minutes moderate exercise per week
(30 minutes, 5 days/week)

Why it matters: Regular exercise lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol, and reduces stroke risk by 25-30%.

💡 Start Small: Even 10-minute walks count toward your weekly goal!

📝 Questions for Your Doctor

🚨 Know the Signs: BE-FAST

Balance - Sudden loss of balance
Eyes - Sudden vision loss
Face - Face drooping
Arms - Arm weakness
Speech - Speech difficulty
Time - Time to call 911!