A stroke is a devastating disease and one that can often be prevented. Through lifestyle changes and working with your physician, you can reduce your risk of having a stroke.
Signs of a Stroke
A Stroke is an Emergency
If you recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke, get to the hospital fast. Please read the information provided, access the links and talk to your doctor for more information.
795
Thousand
Americans suffer a stroke each year.
75
Percent
Of all strokes occur in people over the age of 65.
#3
Cause of Death
Stroke accounts for 1 of every 17 deaths in the United States, making it the third leading cause of death in the country.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a blocked or broken blood vessel. When blood stops flowing to certain parts of the brain, patients may have symptoms such as weakness, speech and/or visual problems.
There are two types of stroke:
- Ischemic Stroke is a blood clot stopping the flow of blood to an area of the brain.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke is when a weakened/diseased blood vessel’s rupture leaks blood into brain tissue.
Warning Signs
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
What to Do if You’re Having Symptoms
- CALL 9-1-1
- Not all the warning signs occur in every stroke. Don’t ignore signs of stroke, even if they go away!
- Check the time. When did the first warning sign or symptom start? You or the person who is with you will be asked this important question later.
- Treatment needs to occur as soon as possible. A clot-busting drug or other treatments may reduce long-term disability for patients with ischemic stroke, the most common stroke type.
- If you have one or more stroke symptoms, don’t delay! Immediately call 9-1-1. Do not drive yourself to the nearest hospital!
- Expect the person experiencing symptoms to resist going to the hospital. Don’t take “no” for an answer because “Time Lost is Brain Lost.”
- When communicating with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or the hospital, make sure you use the word “STROKE.”
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Risk of Having a Stroke
You can improve your health, even if you’ve had a stroke. A healthy lifestyle plays a large part in decreasing disability and death from stroke and heart attack. Here are steps to take:
- Don’t smoke.
- Improve your eating habits.
- Be physically active.
- Take your medicine as directed.
- Get your blood pressure checked and control it if it’s high.
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
- Decrease your stress level.
- Seek emotional support when it’s needed.
- Have regular medical checkups.
How Can We Help?
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