Drink less to reduce your stroke risk

Drink less to reduce your stroke risk

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According to Irish Heart, high blood pressure is the top risk for stroke. Drinking less alcohol is just one of the ways you can reduce your risk. Here are just some of the tips Irish Heart has to improve your blood pressure:

  • Know your blood pressure level
  • Aim for a healthy weight
  • Eat less salt and processed food and eat more fruit and veg
  • Drink less alcohol
  • Be more active

Keep track of how much you’re drinking

Our research found that less than 3% of Irish adults can correctly identify the HSE low-risk guidelines for alcohol consumption. Drinking above these guidelines can increase your chance of developing serious health issues including high blood pressure. Keep track and always stick to the low-risk guidelines for alcohol consumption. Remember, these are guidelines - not a target.

  • 11 standard drinks (110g pure alcohol) spread out over the week for women, with at least two alcohol-free days
  • 17 standard drinks (170g pure alcohol) spread out over the week for men, with at least two alcohol-free days

Take our quick quiz to find out if you are drinking within the guidelines

Make small changes

Drinkaware research from 2017 shows that 1 in 3 people in Ireland would like to drink less often. Small changes to the way you consume alcohol and how much you drink can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing both now and in the future. The next time you drink alcohol, why not try some of our quick tips?

  • If you usually drink pints of beer or cider, why not opt for a bottle or half pint instead?
  • Always finish one glass of wine before pouring another. Topping up makes it harder to track how much you are drinking.
  • Alcohol dehydrates the body. Alternating each drink with water will help keep you hydrated.
  • Swap out your usual full strength drink for a low-alcohol alternative.

Try out our Drinks Calculator to see the number of standard drinks and calories in different drinks, as well as how much money you spent and how long it will take for the alcohol to fully leave your system.

Visit the Irish Heart website to find out more