Heart
Disease and Stroke
Knowing the signs of a stroke is
the first step in stroke
prevention. A stroke,
sometimes called a "brain
attack," occurs when blood
flow to an area in the brain
is cut off. The brain
cells, deprived of the oxygen and glucose needed to survive, die. If a stroke
is not caught early, permanent brain
damage or death can result.
There are two types
of stroke.
- Ischemic
stroke is similar to a heart
attack, except it occurs in the blood
vessels of the brain.
Clots can form in the brain's blood vessels, in blood vessels leading to
the brain, or even in blood vessels elsewhere in the body and then travel
to the brain. These clots block blood flow to the brain's cells. Ischemic
stroke can also occur when too much plaque (fatty deposits and cholesterol)
clogs the brain's blood vessels. About 80% of all strokes are ischemic.
- Hemorrhagic
(heh-more-raj-ik) strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain
breaks or ruptures. The result is blood seeping into the brain tissue,
causing damage to brain cells. The most common causes of hemorrhagic
stroke are high
blood pressure and brain aneurysms. An aneurysm
is a weakness
or thinness in the blood vessel wall.
What Are the Symptoms of Stroke?
The most common symptoms of a stroke are:
- Weakness
or numbness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
- Loss of vision or dimming
(like a curtain falling) in one or both eyes
- Loss of
speech, difficulty talking, or understanding what others are saying
- Sudden,
severe headache
with no known cause
- Loss of
balance or unstable walking, usually combined with another symptom
What Should I Do If I Experience Stroke Symptoms?
Immediately call 911 if you or someone you know has symptoms of a
stroke. Stroke is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment can save your life
or increase your chances of a full recovery.
Is it Possible to Prevent a Stroke?
Up to 50% of all strokes are preventable. Many risk factors can
be controlled before they cause problems.
Controllable Risk Factors for Stroke:
- High
blood pressure
- Atrial
fibrillation
- Uncontrolled
diabetes
- High
cholesterol
- Smoking
- Excessive
alcohol intake
- Obesity
- Carotid or
coronary
artery disease
Uncontrollable Risk Factors for Stroke:
- Age
(>65)
- Gender
(Men have more strokes, but women have deadlier strokes)
- Race
(African-Americans are at increased risk)
- Family
history of stroke
Your doctor can evaluate your risk for stroke and help you
control your risk factors. Sometimes, people experience warning signs before a
stroke occurs.
These are called transient ischemic attacks (also called TIA
or "mini-stroke") and are short, brief episodes of the stroke
symptoms listed above. Some people have no symptoms warning them prior to a
stroke or symptoms are so mild they are not noticeable. Regular check-ups are
important in catching problems before they become serious. Report any symptoms
or risk factors to your doctor.
Source: webmd.com
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