Stroke
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A stroke happens when the brain
does not get enough blood. This
kills brain cells. Many adults die
from strokes.
Strokes can change the way a
person thinks, speaks, sees, and
moves. After a stroke, it may be
harder to care for yourself or to
have a job.
The good news is many people who
have had a stroke can get back
some or all of their skills. Speech
and physical therapy can help.
There are two major causes of
stroke::
- A blood clot from another part of
the body blocks a blood vessel or
artery in the brain.
- An artery bleeds in or around the
brain.
Who has strokes?
- Adults over the age of 40 are
most likely to have strokes.
Younger adults and kids can also
have them.
- About the same number of men
and women have strokes.
- People of all races are at risk
for stroke. African Americans
are almost twice as likely to die
from a stroke as whites. African
Americans often have more
damage.
- People with heart disease may
have a bigger risk of stroke.
Certain kinds of heart disease can
cause blood clots.
How can you lower your risk of stroke?
- Control your blood pressure —
Having high blood pressure adds
to the chances of having a stroke.
One out of three people with high
blood pressure does not know it.
Get your blood pressure checked
often.
- Control your diabetes — Diabetes
can damage the blood vessels in
the brain and increase the chance
of having a stroke. Follow your
doctor’s advice to control your
diabetes.
- Stop smoking—Smoking can
cause blood clots. It can also
make blood pressure higher. Ask
your doctor, pharmacist or nurse
about ways to quit.
- Exercise daily—Exercise makes
the heart stronger and blood
flow better. It can also help you
control your weight. Being heavy
increases the chance of diseases.
Don’t ignore the signs of a stroke.
Even if you feel better in a few
minutes or hours, you may have
had a “mini-stroke.” Mini-strokes
may put you at risk for a full-blown
stroke later. Call 911 if you have any
of these warning signs (or have
someone else call right away):
- Your face feels numb.
- Your arm or leg gets weak or numb.
- You lose part or all of your sight in one or both eyes.
- You have a hard time talking and/or understanding other people.
- You get a very bad headache for no reason.
- You get dizzy or fall all of a sudden.
FDA has approved a few drugs to
prevent and treat stroke. Ask your
doctor for more information.
To learn more....
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Information Office
Phone: 301-496-5751
www.ninds.nih.gov
National High Blood Pressure Education Program
c/o National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Information Center
Phone: 301-592-8573
FDA Office of Women's Health
www.fda.gov/womens
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