Can You Reduce Your Risk Of Stroke?

A stroke (also called "brain attack") occurs when the arteries that carry blood to your brain become clogged or when a blood vessel in your brain bursts spilling blood into the areas that surround the brain.

When a stroke occurs, the flow of blood to the brain is disrupted. Brain cells die when they are deprived of their normal supply of oxygen-rich blood or when damaged by sudden bleeding into or around the brain.

Brain cells control our senses and most of our body's movement. Damage to these cells results in impairments to the areas of the body controlled by these cells. Some problems that can result include varying degrees of paralysis, speech problems, memory loss, immobility, emotional difficulties, and pain. The degree of the disability depends on the size and location of the stroke.

Reducing Your Risk Of Stroke

Several factors increase your risk of stroke. Some you can control, some you can't. Proper attention to controllable risk factors can reduce your risk of stroke.


What You Can Do:

Control your blood pressure

Have your blood pressure checked regularly. The American Stroke Association recommends having your blood pressure checked at least once every two years - more often if you have a family history of high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke. If your blood pressure is consistently high, follow your doctor's recommendations on how to lower it.

Stop smoking

Smoking increases your risk of stroke. Women who use birth control pills and smoke are at even greater risk. Constant exposure to secondhand smoke also increases your risk of stroke.

Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity (brisk walking, biking, swimming, etc.) lowers the risk of stroke. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity most (preferably all) days of the week. Be sure to talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Eat healthy

A healthy diet helps you reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol and helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, thus reducing your stroke risk.

Control diabetes

People with diabetes are at increased risk of stroke. Also, brain damage may be more severe if blood sugar is high at the time of the stroke. If you have diabetes, follow your doctor's advice on how to manage it.

Get your cholesterol checked

High blood cholesterol increases stroke risk. Follow your doctor's recommendations for cholesterol screening and management.

Limit alcohol

If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. Men should drink no more than two alcoholic drinks per day. Women (who are not pregnant) should consume no more than one alcoholic drink per day.

Get treatment for Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) causes the heart to beat irregularly, which allows blood to pool in the heart. When blood pools, it often forms clots which can be carried to the brain, causing a stroke.

Know the warning signs:

Stroke strikes suddenly. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience warning signs or symptoms of stroke.

The most common warning signs are sudden numbness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of your body); blurred vision; difficulty talking or understanding speech; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination; difficulty swallowing; and sudden severe headache with no known cause.

These symptoms may last a few minutes to several hours. ALL symptoms should be taken seriously.

Facts About Stroke

* Someone dies of stroke about every three minutes. Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability of adults in the United States.

* Most strokes (75 - 80%) are associated with blockages in the carotid arteries AND ARE PREVENTABLE.

* Often there are no warning signs. The first symptom is not a minor event, IT IS A STROKE.

* Stroke is the number one reason for admission into nursing homes.

* Recurrent stroke is common. Approximately 25% of people who recover from their first stroke will have another within five years.

* Stroke can affect people at any age.