Stroke Information

Since May is American Stroke Month, it is a good time to review important information concerning this serious health issue. Strokes are caused by either a blockage or bursting of blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain. Most strokes are caused by clot or blockage in a blood vessel.
Most strokes can be prevented by knowing what your risk factors are and taking steps to minimize those factors that are under your control. Age, gender, race and family history are factors that you don’t have much control over. As you age, the risk of stroke doubles each decade after age 55. Men are more likely to suffer a stroke, but women are more likely to die from them. African-Americans and Hispanics are more at risk from stroke than people of other races. If your parents or siblings have suffered a stroke, that doubles your risk of having one. Also, if you have had a stroke or mini-stroke, then you have a greater chance of having another within five years.
The previous factors are not under your control, but the following ones are. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke but can be prevented by visiting your doctor and taking some medication. High cholesterol is responsible for clogging arteries and causing not only strokes but heart attacks. Again, this factor can be controlled by your doctor and medication. Uncontrolled diabetes also increases your risk and again, a visit to the doctor can save your life. Other lifestyle choices increase your risk and should be avoided. Smoking doubles your risk, so don’t do it. Excessive alcohol consumption, more than three drinks a day, also puts you at risk. Lastly, being overweight increases your risk of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and diabetes which all increase your risk of stroke. In addition to limiting your risk factors, getting screened for vascular disease is a good way to prevent stroke.
Knowing the signs of a stroke and what to do when you see them is the next step in surviving a stroke. The American Heart Association lists the following warning signs of stroke:
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the 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
If any of these signs are seen, call 911 immediately. Clot-dissolving drugs given within three hours can save your life or greatly reduce disability. Strokes are life threatening, so be sure to reduce your risk factors and heed the warning signs.  Please visit our website for products helpful to Stroke Survivors

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