How To Recognize and Reduce Risk of Stroke
Information to Help Identify Symptoms and Risk Factors
Nov 11, 2008
Before you can begin to recognize the symptoms of a stroke in order to reduce your risk, you first need to understand just what a stroke is.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke is, literally, a "brain attack." A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (carries blood from the heart to the body), or a blood vessel (moves blood through the body) breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain.
Strokes can be classified into two main categories: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked and impairs blood flow to the brain. Brain cells and tissue begin to die from lack of oxygen and nutrients within minutes of the blockage occurring. About 80% of strokes fall into this category.
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery supplying the brain ruptures and bleeds into the brain. Brain cells and tissues do not receive oxygen and nutrients when a rupture occurs. Irritation and swelling of the surrounding tissues can also occur due to pressure build up. About 20% of strokes fit into this category.
Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes are each broken down into two categories. For more on these categories, visit the Ohio State University Medical Center.
Risk Factors
Anyone can have a stroke: man or woman, old or young. There are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of having a stroke.
Some of these can’t be changed:
- Age (over 55)
- Sex (male)
- Ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanics, Asian/Pacific Islanders are at greater risk)
- Family history
Others risk factors are completely under your control. Some of these include:
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
- Poor diet
- Obesity
- Smoking
Symptoms
A person who is experiencing a stroke often exhibits the following symptoms:
- Numbness or weakness in one side of the body.
- Confusion, trouble speaking or comprehending.
- Vision trouble
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no apparent cause.
Some people have reported a metallic taste in their mouths, akin to sucking on a penny, prior to a stroke. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up this claim.
If you think someone is experiencing a stroke, the NSA says to act F.A.S.T. Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop? Arms – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Time – if the person exhibits any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Time is of the utmost importance.
How Can I Prevent a Stroke?
Eighty percent of all strokes are preventable. To help reduce your risks of having a stroke, there are some things you can do. You can start by improving your diet and exercising regularly. Reducing your blood pressure and cholesterol and stopping smoking can also drastically reduce your risk of stroke. For more steps you can take to help reduce your risk of stroke, visit the National Stroke Association.
 |
