Understanding stroke can help protect your health, and your heart, and even someone you care about.
Every 19 minutes, someone in Australia experiences a stroke. Many survive, but recovery can be life-changing.
The good news? Up to 80% (4 out of 5) of strokes are preventable, and looking after your heart health is one of the best ways to reduce your risk.
What is a stroke, and why are they so serious?
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly blocked or interrupted. Without blood delivering oxygen, brain cells can start dying within minutes.
This can affect movement, speech, memory, vision, or even personality, sometimes permanently.
We’re taking a look at stroke in support of National Stroke Week, which was 4 – 10 August 2025.
How does a stroke happen?
There are two main types:
- Ischaemic stroke: a blood clot blocks an artery to the brain (most common type).
- Haemorrhagic stroke: a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in the brain.
Both cut off vital blood supply, but the underlying causes often relate to cardiovascular health.
Can you ‘catch’ a stroke?
Not in the way you catch a cold, strokes aren’t contagious. But lifestyle factors can ‘set the stage’ for stroke over time.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, poor diet, and lack of physical activity all increase stroke risk because they affect your blood vessels and circulation in different ways:
High blood pressure: Puts extra strain on arteries, making them more likely to burst or become blocked.
High cholesterol: Can cause fatty deposits to build up in arteries, narrowing them and increasing the chance of clots.
Smoking: Damages blood vessel walls, raises blood pressure, and makes blood more likely to clot.
Poor diet: Diets high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats can raise blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, all of which affect circulation. Too much sodium makes your body retain extra fluid, which puts added pressure on the walls of your arteries. Over time, this strain can damage blood vessels.
Lack of physical activity: Slows blood flow, weakens the heart and blood vessels, and can contribute to high blood pressure, weight gain, and diabetes.
Excess alcohol: Raises blood pressure, can cause irregular heartbeats, and contributes to weight gain, all of which increase the chance of a stroke.
By the way, a blood vessel is a tube in your body that carries blood to and from your heart and organs. For example, a vein is a type of blood vessel.
Daily habits matter
Simple changes can lower the risk:
- Get your blood pressure checked. High blood pressure is the biggest stroke risk factor.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
- Eat for your heart. More vegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins, and less salt, sugar, and processed food.
- Limit alcohol. Keep it to no more than 10 standard drinks a week. Find out more on the Australian Alcohol Guidelines here.
- Never smoke! Your risk drops the day you stop.
A simple check-up can easily identify your risk, and steer you on a lower-risk path. Book an appointment today.
Top five preventative habits to minimise your risks of a stroke (and why)
ONE: Keep an eye on your numbers
Regularly check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Hidden spikes can quietly damage blood vessels long before you notice symptoms, so knowing your numbers gives you the chance to act early.
Your numbers are an integral part of both men’s health and women’s health.
TWO: Move in ways that suit you
You don’t need intense gym sessions or to train for Brisbane 2032. Walking, cycling, swimming, or even gardening improves blood flow, strengthens heart and vessel walls, and helps maintain a healthy weight. All reducing stroke risk.
THREE: Manage alcohol strategically
Rather than just “drink less,” aim to spread your alcohol intake and stick within safe limits.
Excess alcohol can trigger irregular heartbeats, raise blood pressure, and increase clotting risk.
FOUR: Sleep as a priority
Poor or inconsistent sleep raises blood pressure, affects blood sugar, and increases stress hormones — all of which can damage arteries over time. A steady 7–8 hours a night supports your vascular health.
FIVE: Stop smoking, and minimise exposure to smoke
Even occasional smoking damages blood vessel walls, increases clotting risk, and accelerates cholesterol buildup. Avoiding smoking entirely, including second-hand exposure, protects your heart and brain.
FIVE A. If you already don’t smoke
Stay vigilant by avoiding exposure to second-hand smoke and supporting others in quitting.
Second-hand exposure isn’t only cigarette smoke, although that’s one of the worst offenders. Wood smoke, common in parts of Australia during the winter, contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can trigger asthma and worsen existing heart and lung conditions. Take a look at this article by the ABC which explains wood heater pollution in detail, and where it is.
Your healthy habits now can prevent gradual damage to your blood vessels and lower long-term stroke risk.
Know the F.A.S.T. signs
Recognising a stroke quickly can save a life.
Face – has their mouth drooped?
Arms – can they lift both arms?
Speech – is it slurred or hard to understand?
Time – call 000 straight away.
A stroke is always a medical emergency.
The link with Healthy Heart Checks
Because heart health and brain health are so closely connected, a Healthy Heart Check can help spot stroke risk factors early.
This quick appointment with your GP looks at your blood pressure, cholesterol, lifestyle, and overall cardiovascular health, giving you a plan to protect both your heart and your brain.
Many of these points and more are covered in our specialised Seniors Health Checks, which are for individuals aged over 75 and highly recommended.
The takeaway: Strokes don’t usually happen out of the blue, they often build up from years of hidden heart and blood vessel changes.
Knowing your risk and acting early can make all the difference. Book your Healthy Heart Check today.
