In the United States, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death, killing over 133,000 people each year, and a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability.  Stroke is an emergency and a brain attack, cutting off vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

 

Symptoms of a stroke include:

  • –  Sudden numbness or weakness of face, an arm or a leg
  • –  Confusion or trouble speaking and understanding
  • –  Trouble seeing from one or both eyes
  • –  Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  • –  Sudden severe headache with no known cause

 

Stroke Prevention Guidelines

  • –  Know blood pressure (hypertension)
  • –  Identify atrial fibrillation (Afib)
  • –  Stop smoking
  • –  Control alcohol use
  • –  Know cholesterol levels
  • –  Control diabetes
  • –  Manage exercise and
  • –  Treat circulation problems
  • –  Act FAST at the first warning sign of stroke

 

Click here for a Stroke 101 Fact Sheet from Stroke.org, the National Stroke Association.

 

Source: Stroke.org