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- What is it?
- A type of cardiovascular disease
- It affects the arteries leading to and within the brain
- Occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts.
- Symptoms?
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
- Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye.
- Sudden difficulty speaking or trouble understanding speech.
- Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls, especially with any of the other signs.
- Treatment?
- For treatment you must go to the hospital immediately. In the past there was no hope for those suffering a stroke, but there have been many breakthroughs that led to new treatments.
- Prevention?
- Know your blood pressure, have it checked at least once a year, and, if it is elevated, work with your doctor to keep it under control;
- Find out if you have atrial fibrillation, which encourages the formation of blood clots that could cause a stroke;
- If you smoke, stop;
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation;
- Find out if you have high cholesterol;
- If you have diabetes, follow your physician's recommendations to control the condition;
- Include exercise in your daily routine;
- Eat a low-salt, low-fat diet;
- Ask your physician if you have circulation problems that could increase the risk of stroke; and
- If you experience any stroke symptoms, including sudden weakness of the face or a limb, a blurring of vision, dizziness, or an intense headache, seek immediate medical attention.
- Who’s Affected by it?
- African Americans are twice as likely to die from a stroke as Caucasians and one half of African American women will die from stroke or heart disease. Why are African Americans affected by stroke more often than any other group? Although there may be additional reasons that have not yet been realized, African Americans tend to have more risk factors for stroke than any other group. Rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and smoking are higher among African Americans.
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