Am I at Risk for Stroke?
STROKE is the third leading cause of death in the USA. Are you at risk?
Stroke kills 160,000 people every year and a further 590,000 are disabled by strokes.
What is a Stroke?
When the flow of blood to brain cells is interrupted by a clogged artery (ischemic) or a damaged artery that leaks blood (hemorrhagic), the brain cells begin to die.
The damage can impair or take away your abilities to walk, talk, think, remember, or move.
You have a small window to try and prevent the damage - it is essential to seek emergency treatment at a hospital right away.
Remember the 3 Rs
- Reduce risk
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke
- Respond by calling 911
Prevention
- Know and control your blood pressure - it should be <135/<85.
- Stop smoking: we can help.
- Try to have fewer than 2 alcoholic beverages a day.
- Know your cholesterol - it should be < 200.
If your diet is high in fat swithch to a low fat diet, fill up on fiber, ensure you are taking RDA of folic acid, and see your doctor. - Exercise regularly.
Walking briskly 30 min/day can reduce your risk of stroke by 24%. - Eat a low sodium, low fat diet with > 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
(ie: citrus, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, & broccoli) - Control your diabetes.
- Find out if you have an irregular heart beat.
- Monitor any circulation problems.
- DO NOT PUT OFF GOING TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF STROKE.
Risk Factors You Cannot Control
- Over age 55
- Family history
- Diabetes
- African/Hispanic roots
Stroke Signs and Symptoms
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm and leg (especially if one sided.)
- 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 without a known cause.
NOTE:
Many people have precursors to strokes called TIAs (transient ischemic attacks.) During a TIA, you experience similar signs and symptoms to a stroke, but it only lasts for minutes. Seek help as it is usually a sign that a stroke is imminent. DO NOT IGNORE the warning. It could save your life.