Mind Your Risks ®
The Connection Between High Blood
Pressure, Stroke, and Dementia
Keep blood pressure in
the normal range — this is
the single most important
way to Mind Your Risks®
If you smoke — quit
Keep cholesterol in a
healthy range Why is controlling my blood pressure so important?
• High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, and
even dementia.
If you have diabetes, • Keeping your blood pressure in a safe range can reduce your
control your blood sugar risk for all three.
How does high blood pressure lead to dementia?
• If your blood pressure stays high, over time it can damage blood
Keep a healthy weight
vessels in the brain.
• These damaged blood vessels can cause strokes which reduce
oxygen to the brain and may lead to dementia.
Eat healthy foods
How do I keep my blood pressure normal?
• Talk to your doctor about your risk for stroke, heart disease,
and dementia.
Exercise regularly
• Make a plan with your doctor to control your blood pressure
and other risk factors.
• Take high blood pressure medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop the medication even if you feel well.
Ask your doctor if daily
low-dose aspirin is right For more information about the connection between high
for you blood pressure, stroke, and dementia, visit the Mind Your
Risks® website at [Link].