According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 795,000 Americans will have a new or recurrent stroke this year. Many people think of strokes as only affecting the elderly, but 25% of all strokes occur in those under the age of 65. Stroke is not only the third-leading cause of death among Americans, but also a leading cause of long-term disability.

What is a Stroke?

Also called a brain attack, a stroke is as serious as a heart attack. It most often occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot. The brain cells in the immediate area begin to die because they are prevented from receiving the oxygen and nutrients they need to function. There are two kinds of stroke, each with a different cause. In an ischemic stroke – the most common type – a clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain.

Risk Factors

Some risk factors are genetically determined, while others are the result of certain lifestyle choices. The most common risk factors include:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes
Increasing age
Being overweight

Warning Signs of a Stroke - FAST

F - face drooping
A - arm weakness
S - speech difficulties
T - time to call emergency services

Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke early on is crucial for effective treatment. If you think you or someone else is having a stroke, please seek immediate medical attention. It is important to record the time when symptoms first began, as certain treatments are only given during a certain time frame. Quick action can significantly influence the outcome in a stroke situation, potentially reducing the severity of the effects and enhancing the chance of recovery.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. © 2007-2008, 2014, 2018 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

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