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Do You Know the Warning Signs of Stroke?

What are the warning signs of stroke?

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden , severe headache with no known cause

The first step in preventing a stroke is knowing your risk factors. 
If you or your relatives have any of these conditions, please consider a consultation with a HeartFirst cardiologist.

• High blood pressure is the single most important risk factor and is the number one cause of stroke.  Talk with your doctor about how to control it!
• Tobacco use - Tobacco use damages blood vessels so don’t smoke cigarettes or use other forms of tobacco.
• Diabetes mellitus increases your risk of stroke because it can cause disease of the blood vessels in the brain.  Work with your doctor to manage your diabetes.
• Carotid or other artery disease – The carotid arteries in your neck supply most of the blood to your brain.  A carotid artery damaged by build-up of plaque inside the artery wall may become blocked by a blood clot and cause a stroke. 
• TIAs – These “mini strokes” that produce stroke-like symptoms may have no lasting effects, but recognizing and treating TIAs can reduce the risk of a major stroke.
• Atrial fibrillation or other heart disease – Atrial fibrillation causes the upper chamber of the heart to quiver rather than beat effectively.  This causes blood to pool and clot, increasing the risk of stroke.  People with other types of heart disease have a higher risk of stroke, too.
• Certain blood disorders – A high red blood cell count makes clots more likely, raising the risk of stroke.  Sickle cell anemia increases stroke risk because the “sickled” cells stick to the blood vessel walls and may block arteries.
• High cholesterol – High blood cholesterol increases the risk of clogged arteries.  If an artery leading to the brain becomes blocked, a stroke can result.
• Physical inactivity and obesity – Being inactive, obese or both can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Excessive alcohol intake – Drinking an average of more than one drink per day for women or more than two drinks a day for men raises blood pressure.  Binge drinking can lead to stroke.
• Illegal drug use – Intravenous drug use carries a high risk of stroke.  Cocaine use has also been linked to stroke. 

What lifestyle changes can you make to help prevent stroke?

• Don’t smoke
• Improve your eating habits – avoid foods which are high in fat and cholesterol
• Be physically active – start slowly, but work up to at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity 5 or more days a week
• Take your medicine as directed
• Get your blood pressure checked and control it if it’s high
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight
• Decrease your stress level
• Seek emotional support when needed
• Have regular medical checkups

If you or your relatives have any of these conditions, please consider a consultation with a HeartFirst cardiologist.