Who is at risk for strokes?
Most strokes are directly related to high blood pressure.
People with
hypertension are 8 times more likely to suffer a stroke than people with normal
blood pressure. But then there is also atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat). The presence of atrial fibrillation
usually increases stroke
risk by 6 times.
Blackout spells, called Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), may be
early warnings. These a mini-strokes that start suddenly and usually disappear in less than 24 hours.
Most last only a few seconds, and recovery is complete. Persistent TIAs, however, increase the
chances for a complete stroke, much as angina attacks increase the chances of a heart attack.
Other risk factors include elevated blood cholesterol and
triglycerides, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. All of these contribute to
the atherosclerotic process. In fact, the risk factors for stroke are basically the same as
those for coronary heart disease since both diseases are caused by underlying damage to vital,
oxygen-carrying arteries.
Stroke warning signs!
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Call 911 immediately if any of the
warning signs below appear. "Clotbusters" can neutralize many strokes if given in time.
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Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in
one eye.
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Loss of speech, or trouble talking or
understanding speech.
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Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or
leg on one side of the body.
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Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden
falls, especially with any of the above mentioned symptoms.
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Contact
CHIP to learn more about
preventing stroke.
"Be Healthy by Choice, Not by Chance!". |
