A stroke (also called a brain attack) harms the brain the same way some heart attacks harm the heart. During a stroke, blood cannot get to part of the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that brings oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot or some other particle. Because of this rupture or blockage, part of the brain doesn’t get the blood and oxygen it needs. Deprived of oxygen, nerve cells in the affected area of the brain die within minutes. This may cause symptoms, such as numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg or a sudden and severe headache. Some people have trouble walking, talking, or seeing. If you have any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately, just as you would if you were having a heart attack. If a stroke occurs, know what the symptoms of a stroke are. Be prepared to get medical help quickly if you have symptoms, even if they last for only a few seconds. The effects of stroke are serious. Fast treatment may result in better recovery.
Are You at Risk for a Stroke?
Risk factors are things that make you more likely to have a health problem. You are at risk for a stroke if you have high blood pressure. But your risk is even greater if you have high blood pressure and are older than age 55. Look at the risk factors below and identify those you can change. Talk to your physician about ways to lower your risk.
You Can Lower Your Risk
You can reduce many of your risk factors for stroke. Of course, you cannot change your age, sex, or race. But you can stop smoking, eat a healthy diet, and exercise. You can also work with your physician to control any health problems you may have.
High Blood Pressure, also known as hypertension can damage arteries in several different ways. When blood presses against an artery with too much force, the wall loses its ability to stretch. This causes the wall to thicken, which narrows the artery passage and reduces blood flow. Sometimes blood flows with enough force to weaken an artery wall. If the artery is thin or damaged, the wall can break. When this happens, blood leaks into nearby tissues and kills cells. Other cells may die because blood cannot reach them.
Other Risk Factors — Most risk factors increase the chance of stroke by damaging blood vessels. This is true of diabetes and high cholesterol, as well as high blood pressure. Certain heart problems can increase the risk of stroke.
Make Healthy Choices — There is a lot you can do to help prevent stroke. Watching what you eat and getting exercise top the list. Eat healthy foods, limiting salt intake, getting regular exercise, stopping smoking and limiting alcohol will help you feel better, too. In many cases, living a healthy lifestyle reduces the need for medical treatment.
Check Your Weight — Do you weigh more than you should? If you do, your body may be turning excess fat and cholesterol into plaque. These deposits clog blood vessels and can reduce blood flow to the brain. Extra weight can also make your heart work harder, raising blood pressure.
