Stroke

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so the brain and brain cells die.

B - BALANCE: Sudden loss of balance

E - EYES: Blurred vision

F - FACE: One side of the face is drooping

A - ARMS: Arm or leg weakness

S - SPEECH: Difficulty speaking or slurred speech

T - TIME: Time to call 911

TYPES OF STROKE

• Ischemic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed. It accounts for 87% of all strokes.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: Occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures. The two types of weakened blood vessels that usually cause hemorrhagic stroke are aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The most common cause of hemorrhagic stroke is uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack): Called a mini-stroke, it’s caused by a serious temporary clot. This is a warning sign stroke and should be taken seriously.

STROKE RISK FACTORS

Controllable Risk Factors:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Diet
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity
• High cholesterol

Uncontrollable Risk Factors:

• Age
• Family history
• Race
• Gender
• Prior stroke, TIA, or heart attack

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