Dr. Douen’s five tips to prevent a stroke

Dr. Andre Douen, MD, PhD, FRCPC, is a Stroke Neurologist at William Osler Health System (Osler). Dr. Douen completed a PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Manchester, UK, and later attended the University of Miami School of Medicine. He also completed neurology training and a Heart and Stroke Foundation Stroke Fellowship at the University of Ottawa.

The number of strokes in Canada is on the rise, and they can happen at any age. William Osler Health System’s Dr. Douen shares his health tips for stroke awareness and prevention:

Understand your stroke risk

Each of us carries a risk of stroke from birth, and it can happen at any age. It is important to understand your risk factors. These include high blood pressure, advancing age, heart disease, diabetes, smoking and /or vaping, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet, obesity, sleep apnea and prior history of stroke or heart disease. Meet with your doctor to discuss your stroke risks.¹

Stroke prevention is your best defence

As with most medical conditions, stroke prevention is your best defence. Reduce your risk of stroke by quitting smoking and vaping, keeping your blood pressure under control, maintaining an ideal body weight, choosing a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.² Speak with your doctor about the best prevention strategy for you.

Know the signs of stroke

Every minute counts if you are having a stroke emergency. Full recovery is possible if you act FAST.

• Face: Is it drooping?
• Arms: Can you raise both arms?
• Speech problems: Can you speak clearly?
• Time to call 911 is right away if you have any signs of a stroke.³

With a stroke, time is brain

On average, two million brain cells die every minute following the first signs of a stroke. This can lead to permanent damage to the brain. Stroke treatment is time sensitive and there is only a short window of time available to treat an acute stroke. It is extremely important to call 9-1-1 and get to the closest emergency department immediately.

Prevent recurrence

Stroke patients are at an increased risk of having a secondary stroke. It is very important that if you have had a stroke or a stroke warning (transient ischemic attack - TIA), you be extra vigilant about your risk factors, take your prescribed medications and talk to with your doctor regularly.

1. Government of Canada: Stroke in Canada
2. Center for Diseases Control and Prevention: Prevent stroke - what you can do
3. Government of Canada: Stroke in Canada