What is a Stroke?
Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die.
If You Think You are Experiencing Symptoms of Stroke – Seek Medical Attention Immediately!
Only 21% of patients with acute stroke arrived at the emergency department within 2 hours of symptom onset. Immediate treatment may minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.
Call 9-1-1!
What Risk Factors of Stroke Can I Change?
– Keep high blood pressure under control
– Keep blood glucose levels under control
– High blood cholesterol
– Keep blood cholesterol at normal levels
– Poor diet
– Physical inactivity and obesity