Stroke is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability for adults. Stroke kills nearly 150,000 of the 860,000 Americans who die of cardiovascular disease each year—that’s 1 in every 19 deaths from all causes.
A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, happens in one of two ways:
· Ischemic stroke—when the blood supply to the brain is blocked.
· Hemorrhagic stroke—when a blood vessel in the brain burst.
A stroke causes brain tissue to die, which can lead to brain damage, disability, and death. This is troubling because about 80% of strokes are preventable. You can greatly reduce your risk for stroke by making lifestyle changes to help control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and, in some cases, by taking medication.
Using tobacco products and having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity can also increase your risk for stroke. However, treating these conditions can reduce your risk. Ask your doctor about preventing or treating these medical conditions.
An easy way to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke is to use the acronym: F.A.S.T.
- F = Face drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
- A = Arm weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S = Speech difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred?
- T = Time to call 9-1-1
Other common signs of stroke are
· Sudden dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of balance or coordination
· Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
· Sudden severe headache with no known cause
· Sudden numbness of the face, arm, or leg
· Sudden confusion or trouble understanding others
High blood pressure is the single most important treatable risk factor for stroke.
Preventing, diagnosing, and controlling it through lifestyle changes and medicine are critical to reducing stroke risks. There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk for stroke-
- Eat a healthy diet low in sodium with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Be physically active
- Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke
- Limit alcohol use and prevent or manage your other health conditions especially high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.
If you think that you or someone you know is having a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.
For more information on stroke prevention, treatment, and other recommendations visit cdc.gov/stroke.gov. If more information is needed regarding stroke awareness contact Elizabeth Daigle, Izard County Extension Agent – Family and Consumer.
As always contact your health care provider for detailed medical information.
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