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Stroke A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel (a tube through which the blood moves through the body) breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these things happen, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. These abilities include speech, movement and memory. How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged. For example, someone who has a small stroke may experience only minor problems such as weakness of an arm or leg. People who have larger strokes may be paralyzed on one side or lose their ability to speak. Some people recover completely from strokes, but more than 2/3 of survivors will have some type of disability. (Source: National Stroke Association) Ø Stroke is treatable. Ø Acute stroke therapies try to stop a stroke while it is happening. Medication or drug therapy is the most common treatment for stroke.Ø Stroke can affect the entire body. Some of the disabilities that can result from stroke include paralysis, cognitive deficits, speech problems, emotional difficulties, daily living problems, and pain. Stroke Myths
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do this simple test:
Act F.A.S.T. KNOW YOUR RISK If You…
These are “controllable” risk factors CONTROL YOUR RISK
Quit Smoking! Smoking doubles the risk of stroke. Check your Blood Pressure Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the single most controllable stroke risk factor. Desirable Blood Pressure is 120/80. Check your blood pressure at least every two years. If you or someone in your family has a history of high blood pressure, check more often. High blood pressure can sometimes be controlled with small lifestyle changes such as a low salt diet, increased physical activity, quitting smoking, and losing excess weight. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe medication. Lower your Cholesterol Cholesterol greater than 200 is considered high. High levels in the blood can cause buildup of waxy plaque on the artery walls which can clog the arteries and cause a stroke or heart attack. Simple changes in diet and increasing physical activity are sometimes all that is needed to reduce your cholesterol. In some cases the doctor may prescribe medication. |
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