Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States, the fifth-leading cause of death overall and the third-leading cause
of death for women. By understanding the signs of stroke and calling 911 immediately, you can lessen permanent damage and even
save a life.
Most people understand that chest pain could signal a heart attack. Fewer people, however, recognize the signs of stroke. Learn the
acronym “F.A.S.T.” to remember the symptoms of stroke:
■ Face drooping
Ask the person to smile. Is the smile uneven?
■ Arm weakness
Ask the person to raise both arms. Is one arm lower?
■ Speech difficulty
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is speech slurred?
■ Time to call 911
Call 911 right away when you see the first symptom of stroke; most people exhibit just one or two symptoms. Don’t use your own vehicle to drive someone who might be having a stroke to the hospital. Ambulance personnel monitor vital signs and are prepared to care for a patient whose condition worsens or who loses consciousness along the way.
When doctors treat strokes within three hours with special drugs or procedures, they may be able to break up a clot, reestablish blood flow to the brain and prevent more brain cells from dying. After three hours, damage usually becomes permanent.
STROKE BEGINS IN THE BRAIN
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or is blocked by a clot. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs. Other parts of the body quickly show symptoms as the brain loses control of them.
Stroke symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. For example, an irregular gait or difficulty speaking could indicate Parkinson’s disease. With a stroke, though, symptoms appear suddenly, often in just a few minutes.
Some risk factors for stroke are hereditary or the result of natural processes you can’t change:
■ Over age 75
■ A family history of stroke
■ Having experienced a previous stroke
■ Sickle cell disease
■ Diabetes
■ Sleep apnea
Women are more likely than men to have strokes, especially right after they give birth or if they take oral contraceptives. Strokes are more prevalent in African-Americans, partly because of higher rates of diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.
Heart disease, peripheral artery disease and carotid artery disease also increase the chance of stroke. Because heart attacks and strokes both involve clots, many of their risk factors are the same.
LESSEN YOUR RISK FOR STROKE
High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke. Seventy-five percent of stroke patients have blood pressure higher than 140/90 when they suffer their first stroke. However, high blood pressure also can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medication. Other controllable risk factors include:
■ Smoking
■ Diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and calories
■ Obesity
■ High blood cholesterol
■ Physical inactivity
If you are at high risk for stroke, ask your doctor if you should take a baby aspirin every day. Most people know that this can help prevent heart attack, but it can also deter stroke. However, you should start an aspirin regimen only under doctor’s orders, because it can be dangerous for some people.
Thankfully, 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. Reduce your risk of stroke by making positive changes in your daily routine:
■ Get enough sleep
■ Be socially active
■ Eat a healthy diet and limit salt
■ Exercise 30 minutes a day
■ Schedule regular medical check-ups
■ Quit smoking
A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. In fact, one out of six people will suffer a stroke during their lifetime. Make lifestyle changes to lessen your risk of stroke, and be able to recognize the symptoms so you can act F.A.S.T. in an emergency.
