What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). This disruption can cause brain damage and requires immediate medical attention.
Risk Factors
Controllable Risk Factors:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Atrial fibrillation
Uncontrollable Risk Factors:
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Family history
- Gender
- Previous stroke or TIA
Prevention Strategies
1. Blood Pressure Management
- Monitor blood pressure regularly
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Target: Below 130/80 mmHg
2. Lifestyle Modifications
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Exercise: 30 minutes of moderate activity, 5 days per week
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Diet: Follow a Mediterranean or DASH diet
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Smoking: Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
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Alcohol: Limit consumption
3. Medical Management
- Take all prescribed medications consistently
- Attend regular check-ups
- Monitor cholesterol levels
- Control diabetes if applicable
Warning Signs (FAST)
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Face drooping
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Arm weakness
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Speech difficulty
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Time to call emergency services
Regular Monitoring
- Blood pressure checks
- Cholesterol screenings
- Blood sugar tests
- Heart rhythm monitoring if prescribed
Emergency Action Plan
- Know stroke symptoms
- Keep emergency numbers readily available
- Know your nearest stroke center
- Keep a current medication list accessible
Follow-up Care
- Maintain regular appointments
- Report new symptoms promptly
- Keep a health diary
- Join support groups if desired
Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations.