Bethesda, MD – You work hard to help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. To help, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reminds everyone that stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States.
About 800,000 people in the country have a stroke each year. The good news is, when treated quickly, survival is possible and damage can be greatly reduced.
That’s why understanding your risk for stroke, knowing signs of stroke, and acting in time are critical and can make all the difference for you or someone you care for. If you have a greater chance of stroke, there are also steps you can take now to help prevent one.
What is Stroke?
There are two major types of stroke. One called a hemorrhagic stroke, occurs when a brain blood vessel breaks and blood escapes into or around the brain. The other, called an ischemic stroke, or “brain attack,” occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. When this happens, brain cells stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need.
Risk Factors for Stroke
Anyone can have a stroke, but some people are at greater risk than others.
Conditions
- Previous Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Use Of Anti-Clotting Medications
- Certain Cancers
Behaviors
- Unhealthy Diet
- Physical Inactivity
- Obesity
- Excess Alcohol
- Tobacco Use
- Stimulant Drug Use
- Neck Injury
Individual Characteristics
- Being over the age of 55
- More common in women than men
- Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, and Alaska Natives are at higher risk
Signs of Stroke
The symptoms of stroke usually happen quickly and include one or more of the following:
- Sudden NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden CONFUSION, trouble speaking, or understanding speech
- Sudden TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes
- Sudden TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause
Act in Time: Call 911 Right Away
A stroke is a medical emergency. If you believe you are having a stroke—or if you think someone you know is having a stroke—call 911 immediately. Do not wait for the symptoms to improve or worsen. Calling for medical help right away can save a life or mean avoiding a lifelong disability.
Ways to Help Prevent Stroke
You can help prevent stroke by making healthy choices and controlling any health problems you may have.
Manage any health problems you may have, exceptionally high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity to lower your risk for stroke.
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly—about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol.
If you smoke, take steps to quit. If you’d like help quitting, call 1.800.QUIT.NOW (1.800.784.8669) or 1.855.DÉJELO.YA (1.855.335.3569) for free resources and support.
For more information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, visit stroke.nih.gov.
