Reduce Your Risk of Stroke

A stroke can cause either permanent or temporary disabilities, such as paralysis or loss of muscle movement, difficulty
talking or swallowing, memory loss, trouble with understanding, pain and social withdrawal.  Early treatment can
minimize damage to the brain and potential complications, which is why time is the most critical factor in treating stroke.

Ischemic strokes, caused from a clot in an artery to the brain, can be treated with a clot-busting medication called tPA in
the emergency room within three hours of the onset of symptoms and reduce the chances of long-term disability.

Up to 80% of strokes are preventable.

Anyone can have a stroke.  But your chances for having a stroke increase if you meet certain criteria.  Some of these
criteria, called risk factors, are beyond your control -- such as being over age 55, being male, being African American,
Hispanic or Asian/Pacific Islander, or having a family history of stroke.  Other stroke risk factors are controllable.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors:
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Race
  • Family History
  • Previous Stroke or TIA

Controllable Risk Factors:
  • High blood pressure
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol use
  • Obesity

The National Stroke Prevention Guidelines are as follows:

  • Know your blood pressure.  Ideal 110-120 over 70-80.  New guideline < 135/<85
  • Know your cholesterol numbers.  Ideal <200
  • Find out if you have atrial fibrillation
  • Find out if you have circulation problems
  • Follow a diet lower in sodium and fat
  • Stop smoking
  • Drink alcohol only in moderation
  • Exercise daily
  • Control diabetes with doctor’s recommendations
  • Know the symptoms of stroke. If you have any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.  These
    include:  Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body.  Sudden
    confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.  Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble
    walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.  Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

For more information go to www.stroke.org.
Personal Finance and Wellness