Do You Know Your Risks?
This page is dedicated to providing you with information and resources for making healthy lifestyle choices to reduce your risk for stroke.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke, or brain attack, happens when blood flow to your brain is stopped. It is an emergency situation.
The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients in order to work well. If blood supply is stopped even for a short time, this can cause problems. Brain cells begin to die after just a few minutes without blood or oxygen.
When brain cells die, brain function is lost. You may not be able to do things that are controlled by that part of the brain. For example, a stroke may affect your ability to:
- Move
- Speak
- Eat
- Think and remember
- Control your bowel and bladder
- Control your emotions
- Control other vital body functions
Every
40
Seconds
Stroke 101
Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. A stroke happens when blood flow that brings oxygen to the brain is interrupted. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die.
Risk Factors for Stroke: Evaluating the risk for stroke is based on heredity, natural processes, and lifestyle. Many risk factors for stroke can be changed or managed, while others that relate to hereditary or natural processes cannot be changed.
Higher Stroke Risk for Women
Stroke affects more women than men and is the third leading cause of death in women according to the American Stroke Association. Pregnancy increases the risk of stroke in young women, and pregnant women with preeclampsia are at a great risk for stroke later in life. Birth control pills also increase the risk of stroke as well as hormone replacement therapy. Women suffering from migraines with aura who smoke have a higher risk of stroke than women who don't smoke. Atrial fibrillation significantly increases stroke risk and is more common in women. Read how women with these risk factors can lower their risk of stroke at strokeassociation.org.
What is Normal Blood Pressure?
Normal blood pressure is defined as a reading below 120/80; this is the pumping pressure that keeps blood circulating normally throughout the body. Anything higher than those numbers is too high although hypertension is usually defined as consistent readings of 140/90 or above.
Blood pressure varies from minute to minute depending on what you're doing, your level of stress, the time of day, the outside temperature, and many other factors. A diagnosis of high blood pressure is based on an average of many readings over a period of time. Although the nurse may inflate the cuff on your arm at every doctor's visit, this is merely a brief snapshot of your actual blood pressure.
Tips for Monitoring Your Blood Pressure — The American Heart Association stresses the value of blood pressure monitoring outside the doctor's office. Home blood pressure monitoring can be a good way for you and your doctor to learn how your blood pressure changes during the day.
What is a Brain Attack? The effects of stroke (brain attack) vary from person to person based on the type, severity, location, and number of strokes. The brain is extremely complex and each area of the brain is responsible for a special function or ability. Learn more about the effects of a stroke.
Warning Signs of Stroke
If you think someone may be having a stroke,
B.E. F.A.S.T.
and do this simple test:
B
Balance
Did the person suddenly lose balance or coordination?
E
Eyes
Did their vision get blurry, or did they lose sight in one or both eyes?
F
Face
Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A
Arms
Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S
Speech
Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Are the words slurred? Can they repeat the sentence correctly?
T
Time
If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately and get to the hospital fast.
Preventing a Stroke
An estimated 80% of strokes can be avoided by making healthy lifestyle choices and working with a health care provider to manage stroke risks.
Control Blood Pressure
Get high blood pressure under control. It is the leading cause of stroke.
Healthy Lifestyle
Don't smoke, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.
Manage Diabetes
Work with your doctor to manage your diabetes if you have it.
Quick Treatment
Treatment is most effective within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
Diet & Exercise
Adopting a lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and a healthy diet can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk for stroke and heart disease.
The DASH Diet
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has been shown to reduce blood pressure. This diet is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat, and emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Learn more about the DASH Diet.
Emergency? Call 9-1-1
If you observe any of these signs, do not wait. Every second counts.
Call 9-1-1 Now