Know the Warning Signs of a Stroke

Being aware of the warning signs of a stroke could save your life or that of a loved one.  While family history increases one’s likelihood of suffering from a stroke, they can happen to anyone.  As we age, strokes are more common because seniors are more apt to have developed the risk factors for having a stroke.  Statistics show that 75% of strokes occur in adults over the age of 65 and is the third leading cause of death.

A stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot.  Part of the brain is shut off from oxygen, and cells in the affected area immediately start to die.  It is critical to get to a hospital to start receiving treatment as doctors are trying to prevent any more loss of brain cells and lessen the impact of the damage caused by the stroke.  

Some of the risk factors for a stroke are the following:

• High Blood Pressure­ (HBP) is the number one risk factor for a stroke.  It is something that must be addressed by both you and your doctor.  If advised, taking drugs to lower your HBP can help, but you may need to change your lifestyle.  You will have to lose weight if that is a problem, watch the salt in your diet, and start to exercise.
• Smoking puts you at risk for a stroke as well as heart disease and lung cancer.
• Heart disease can cause blood clots to break off from the heart and travel up through the vessels into the brain blocking blood flow.  It is important to keep your   cholesterol low and control your weight and eating habits.  You may be prescribed medication.
• Diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels including those around the brain.  Managing you diabetes well is important to maintaining your health.

It is important for you and your family to know the signs of a stroke since receiving the proper care is so essential.  The National Institute on Health publishes these warning signs of a 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

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. 

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Sources:strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/stroke-statistics/

nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/stroke/atrisk

ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke_bookmark.htm