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In the United States alone, there are around 795,000 strokes every year. That is about one every 40 seconds! Of those 795,000 cases, 140,000 die from the stroke. This is a serious medical event. They are also the leading cause of serious long-term disability in the US. Two-thirds of survivors are disabled. Did you know that 80% of strokes are preventable? Knowing is half the battle. Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about strokes.
Types of Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is cut off. Without blood, brain cells do not get the oxygen and nutrients they need, and they start to die within minutes. There are two main types of strokes:
- Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type. It accounts for 87% of all stroke cases. It happens when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain gets blocked, often by a blood clot. Fatty deposits can build up in the vessel walls. Over time, this forms a clot. The best form of treatment is to get the clot removed, either through medicatino or surgery.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: A hemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding in or around the brain. These are very serious, and associated with worse outcomes compared to ischemic strokes. High blood pressure is most common cause of hemorrhagic strokes.
Who is at Risk?
Strokes can happen to anyone, but some people are at a higher risk. There are a number of factors that you can control which account for between 82 and 90% of all strokes! These include:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
- Smoking
Other risk factors are out of your control. These are more related to genetics and environment. They include:
- Age
- Family history
- Race and ethnicity
- Sex
- Anxiety, depression, and high stress levels
Signs to Watch For
Knowing the signs of a stroke can save lives. Remember the word FAST. This acronym can help you spot the signs of a stroke in yourself or someone else quickly.
- F - Face Drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile and see if the smile is uneven.
- A - Arm Weakness: One arm may be weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms and see if one drifts downward.
- S - Speech Difficulty: Speech may be slurred or hard to understand. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence to see if they can.
- T - Time to Call 911: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call 911 immediately. Getting medical help quickly is crucial.
FAST helps with the three most common symptoms. There are other signs to watch for however! Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including the legs, hands or feet is common. You may also have difficulty speaking in complete sentences, or sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes. Memory loss or confusion, and a sudden severe headache are also things to watch for.
Recognizing the signs of a stroke and taking steps to lower your risk are the best ways to stay healthy and avoid this life threatening event. Be sure to stop by PatientsLikeMe for more health tips and support!