Stroke is the third leading killer in America and the number 1 cause of long term disability.

Each year about 60,000 more women than men suffer a stroke. Men suffer stroke at a younger age. The Associated Press reports that stroke rates in middle-aged women have tripled in the last decade.

The Hope Heart Institute is committed to combating stroke through education and prevention programs. Know your risk factors. Know your numbers. Download here and complete a stroke risk assessment.

 

What is a stroke?
A stroke is a brain attack. Much like a clogged artery near the heart causes a heart attack, a clogged artery leading to the brain causes a stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow is interrupted to part of the brain. Without blood, brain cells quickly begin to die. The effects of a stroke depend on the part of the brain affected.

More than half a million people in the United States experience a stroke each year. Two-thirds of all strokes occur in people over the age of sixty-five. African Americans are twice as likely to die from stroke as Caucasians.

Stroke requires immediate medical attention. The sooner treatment is received, the better the chances of survival.

 

 

 

 

Signs of a blocked or injured artery leading to or in the brain:

 

 

 

 

·         Weakness, numbness or paralysis on one side of the body.

·         Sudden, blurry vision in one eye—like a window shade coming down.

·         Problems speaking or understanding speech.

·         Loss of balance or severe dizziness, often causing a fall.

·         Severe headache that comes on suddenly with no clear cause.

 

 

 

 

Leg problems; Signs of a blocked leg (peripheral) artery:

 

 

 

·         Pain, cramps, and/or fatigue in the leg and/or buttock muscles while walking, climbing stairs and/or exercising. This type of pain (during exercise) is called claudication.

·         Rest may help ease this pain—but claudication can occur even during rest when blood flow is significantly decreased.

·         Changes in skin color and/or temperature on the legs, feet and/or toes.

·         Sores that heal slowly—most often on the feet and/or toes.

·         Impotence in men.

Recognizing a stroke:
A stroke may cause paralysis, speech problems, loss of memory or reasoning ability, coma, or death. Some stroke patients report a sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Remember the word F.A.S.T. if you believe someone may be having a stroke:

• F - Face - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• A - Arms - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
  
• S - Speech - Ask the person to repeat a basic sentence. Are the words slurred?
  
• T - Time - If any of these symptoms are shown, time is critical and brain cells are dying. Call 911.
  

80% of strokes are preventable. By knowing and managing your risk factors, you can make a significant difference in reducing your risk of stroke.

• Smokers are at nearly twice the risk of stroke than nonsmokers.

• Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke.

• Prevent clogged arteries by keeping cholesterol levels low (LDL cholesterol causes plaque buildup in the arteries) through good nutrition.

• Reduce stress so the arteries don’t narrow and make blood flow more difficult.

• Physical activity can reduce your stroke risk. Getting enough exercise and movement throughout your day also helps keep the blood moving smoothly throughout your body.

If you believe you may have symptoms of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. See your doctor if you are concerned about significant risk factors. Complete the stroke risk assessment and take it with you when you visit your physician.

Watch The Hope’s community calendar for updates on stroke screening programs in the community. 

 

 

Source: American Stroke Association and National Stroke Association 

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