According to the American Heart Association, someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds, affecting nearly 800,000 Americans and killing 140,000 every year. Stroke is a leading cause of death and serious disability nationwide and around the world — but it doesn’t have to be.
You can learn how to identify a stroke — quick care is critical — and how to help prevent stroke from occurring in the first place.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke is when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Blood carries oxygen to cells in the body, and when brain cells are starved of blood, they die.
Strokes often occur as a result of chronic health conditions, such as arrhythmia or other heart disorders; poor health choices, such as smoking, unhealthy diet and inactivity; or environmental factors or genetics. People over age 65 are most commonly affected, but a stroke can happen at any age.
Strokes are a medical emergency. It’s important to get care as soon as possible. Some treatments for stroke work only if given in the first three hours after symptoms start. A delay in care can raise the risk of permanent brain damage or death.
Spotting a Stroke
Knowing the warning signs of stroke and what to look for could save a life. Use the acronym FAST to remember what to look for:
F — Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their 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. Is their speech strange or slurred?
T — Time: Time to act! If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Stroke Prevention
Here are a few tips to get started on lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of stroke.
Manage your blood pressure. Keeping your blood pressure in the healthy range is among the most significant factors in reducing stroke risk. If your blood pressure is elevated, be sure it’s treated and monitored regularly by a doctor.
In your diet, include foods rich in potassium, such as sweet potatoes, raisins and bananas. These types of foods may help reduce stroke risk by 20%. Try to follow a healthy diet overall, with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Try to reduce the salt in your diet to half a teaspoon or less per day.
Get more exercise. Whether it’s a jog around the block or a lap in the pool, being active at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week is an important factor in lowering stroke risk. According to one study, simply walking a total of two hours a week showed a 30% reduction in stroke risk.
If you smoke, quit smoking. Curbing this dangerous habit can be difficult, but it reduces your risk for many health issues, including stroke.
Taking preventive measures and being proactive about your health is one of the best ways to stay healthy and prevent stroke and other diseases.
