About Stroke
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America
and the number one cause of adult disability.
“I want stroke survivors to know that they’re not alone. There is indeed life after stroke, and even in the most extreme cases, patients can expect to recover pieces of their old lives and graft them onto whatever new experiences lay in wait.”
80% of strokes are preventable! You can prevent a stroke!
Stroke Smart Magazine: Mark McEwen Finds His Calling
| If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. Click here for a simple test of the warning signs of stroke: |
There are 5.7 million stroke survivors in the United States. That number is expected to increase as baby boomers reach 60.
A stroke is sometimes thought of as a “brain attack.” A stroke occurs when a blood vessel or vessels that carry oxygen and other nutrients to a specific area of the brain become blocked or suddenly burst. This interrupts blood flow to the brain and prevents oxygen from getting to where it's needed. When the oxygen supply is cut off, brain cells begin to die resulting in change or loss of abilities or functions controlled by those cells in the brain.
Surviving a stroke is the number one risk factor for suffering another, possibly more serious, or harmful, stroke. In fact, almost one-third of the 750,000 strokes suffered each year in the United States are recurrent strokes. And the second stroke is often far worse than the first.
There are nearly 6 million stroke survivors in the United States, many of whom live each day with the effect of this life-changing event.
To help control your risk for stroke
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle; do not smoke, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and reduce stress.
- See a physician to regularly monitor hypertension, heart disease, and cholesterol levels.
Modifiable risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- smoking, excessive alcohol intake, obesity and an inactive lifestyle.
Non-modifiable risk factors include:
- Age
- Gender
- Race
- Family, personal, stroke, history
- Type 1 diabetes