Stroke: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips
Stroke: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips
Stroke is one of the most critical medical emergencies today, with nearly 800,000 reported strokes in the US each year. It’s a leading cause of death and disability, particularly in older adults. World Stroke Day on October 29 is the perfect time to raise awareness about stroke risks, symptoms, and prevention tips. With early intervention, many strokes can be treated more effectively or prevented entirely.
Common Causes of Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. Without medical attention, brain cells begin to die within minutes.
There are two primary types of stroke:
- Ischemic stroke is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of all cases. It’s caused by a blocked artery in the brain, usually resulting from a blood clot or plaque buildup.
- Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding. This can be caused by high blood pressure, aneurysms, or excessive use of blood thinners. While less common, hemorrhagic strokes tend to result in severe outcomes.
A third, less serious type of stroke is a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a “mini-stroke.” It involves a temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms that resolve on their own within minutes or hours. However, a TIA is a warning sign that a future, more severe stroke could occur.
Stroke Risk Factors
The risk of stroke increases with age, but it also happens to younger adults. The risk factors for stroke fall into two categories: those you can control and those you can’t.
Controllable risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Obesity and inactivity
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Heart conditions like coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation
Uncontrollable risk factors include:
- Age, with risk increasing over age 55
- Family history
- Gender, with men having a higher stroke risk
- Race, with Blacks and Hispanics having higher rates of stroke
Spot Early Stroke Symptoms: Think FAST
The sooner you spot a stroke, the faster you can seek treatment and the better your chances for recovery. The FAST method is an easy way to remember the warning signs:
- Face: Is one side of the face drooping? Ask the person to smile.
- Arms: Can they raise both arms, or does one arm drift downward?
- Speech: Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?
- Time: If you observe any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Other stroke symptoms to be aware of include:
- Sudden confusion
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Severe headaches
- Dizziness
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Stroke Prevention Tips
Preventing a stroke begins with lifestyle choices and managing existing health conditions. Remember to always consult your doctor prior to starting a diet or exercise program. Here are some practical steps to lower your risk:
- Manage blood pressure: Keep your blood pressure within a healthy range through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.
- Control diabetes: If you’re diabetic, monitor your blood sugar levels closely and follow your healthcare provider’s lifestyle and medication recommendations.
- Stay active: Regular exercise lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, and helps manage weight—all factors in preventing stroke naturally. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
- Quit smoking: Smoking thickens the blood and increases plaque buildup in arteries. If you smoke, quitting reduces your risk of stroke significantly, regardless of age.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Reducing your salt, saturated fat, and processed food intake also protects your heart and brain.
- Limit alcohol: Drinking excessively increases your stroke risk. Stick to no more than one alcoholic beverage per day for women or two for men.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases the risk of stroke, especially if accompanied by other risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes. If you’re overweight, set a goal to lose 10% of your body weight, and work with your healthcare provider to make it happen.
Prevent Stroke with Help from CSNE
Cardiovascular Specialists of New England offers comprehensive heart care with fast access to leading cardiologists. Unlike many clinics, where the wait time to see a specialist can drag on for months, we schedule your appointment within 24 to 48 hours whenever possible. Our team includes leading specialists in cardiovascular care, including two female cardiologists who focus on women’s heart health. Whether you’re managing a heart condition or simply want to reduce your stroke risk, we can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment at one of our Southern New Hampshire clinics.
Stay Tuned! More information coming soon!