Up to 80% of strokes are preventable; you can prevent a stroke!
What is a stroke? When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. These abilities include speech, movement and memory. How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged. | |
| For example, someone who has a small stroke may experience only minor problems such as weakness of an arm or leg. People who have larger strokes may be paralyzed on one side or lose their ability to speak. Some people recover completely from strokes, but more than 2/3 of survivors will have some type of disability.
Stroke 101
Download National Stroke Association's Stroke 101 Fact sheet for more information.Source: http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=stroke Stroke Prevention Although stroke can happen to anyone, certain risk factors can increase chances of a stroke. However, studies show that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by working with a healthcare professional to reduce personal risk. It is important to manage personal risk and know how to recognize and respond to stroke signs and symptoms. Learn interactively about more than 20 leading risk factors for stroke through the interactive risk factor tool. Stroke Prevention GuidelinesThe following Stroke Prevention Guidelines will help you learn how you may be able to lower your risk for a first stroke. National Stroke Association's Stroke Prevention Advisory Board, an elite group of the nation's leading experts on stroke prevention, established the first Stroke Prevention Guidelines. They were published in a 1999 issue of Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and have been updated to reflect current medical standards. Talk to a healthcare professional and follow these guidelines. Know blood pressure (hypertension) High blood pressure is a major stroke risk factor if left untreated. Have blood pressure checked yearly by a doctor or at health fairs, a local pharmacy or supermarket or with an automatic blood pressure machine. Identify atrial fibrillation (Afib) Afib is an abnormal heartbeat that can increase stroke risk by 500%. Afib can cause blood to pool in the heart and may form a clot and cause a stroke. A doctor must diagnose and treat Afib. Stop smoking Smoking doubles the risk of stroke. It damages blood vessel walls, speeds up artery clogging, raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder. Control alcohol use Alcohol use has been linked to stroke in many studies. Most doctors recommend not drinking or drinking only in moderation - no more than two drinks each day. Know cholesterol levels Cholesterol is a fatty substance in blood that is made by the body. It also comes in food. High cholesterol levels can clog arteries and cause a stroke. See a doctor if your total cholesterol level is more than 200. Control diabetes Many people with diabetes have health problems that are also stroke risk factors. A doctor and dietician can help manage diabetes. Manage exercise/diet Excess weight strains the circulatory system. Exercise five times a week. Maintain a diet low in calories, salt, saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Treat circulation problems Fatty deposits can block arteries carrying blood to the brain and lead to a stroke. Other problems such as sickle cell disease or severe anemia should be treated. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) A TIA is a temporary episode of stroke-like symptoms that can last a few minutes to 24 hours but usually causes no permanent damage or disability. TIA and stroke symptoms are the same. Recognizing and treating a TIA can reduce stroke risk. Up to 40 percent of people who experience a TIA may have a stroke. Manage personal risk. Fill out the Stroke Risk Scorecard and discuss with a healthcare professional. | |
