Bleeding in the brain - Preventing subarachnoid haemorrhage

It's not always possible to prevent a subarachnoid haemorrhage, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of having one.

Most importantly, you should avoid two of the main things that increase your chances of developing a brain aneurysm – smoking and having high blood pressure.

Smoking

Stopping smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing a brain aneurysm.

If you decide to quit, your GP can refer you to an NHS Stop Smoking Service, which can give you help and advice. You can also call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0300 123 1044. The specially trained helpline staff can offer you free expert advice and encouragement.

If you're committed to giving up smoking but don't want to be referred to a stop-smoking service, your GP should be able to prescribe medical treatment to help with any withdrawal symptoms you may have after quitting.

See treatments to help you stop smoking and stop smoking advice for more information.

High blood pressure

Having high blood pressure can also significantly increase your chance of developing a brain aneurysm.

You can help reduce high blood pressure by:

• eating a healthy diet – in particular, cutting down on salt and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables
• moderating your alcohol intake – it's recommended that men don't regularly drink more than 3 to 4 units a day; women shouldn't regularly drink more than 2 to 3 units a day
• maintaining a healthy weight – if you are overweight, losing a few pounds will make a big difference to your blood pressure and overall health
• exercising regularly – being active and taking regular exercise lowers blood pressure by keeping your heart and blood vessels in good condition

Read more about preventing high blood pressure.