4 simple letters make up one quick thinking word that could help save someone's life. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the US and close to 800,000 people in the US have one each year. Despite these facts, strokes may be preventable. They are also treatable.
A stoke occurs when something is blocking the the blood supply to the brain or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. There are 2 types of strokes, ischemic and hemorrhagic.
Some of the warnings signs of a stroke include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
If you exhibit or witness any of these signs, it is important to call 911 right away!
Those at highest risk for stroke are people with a family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.
- For ways to prevent a stroke, check out the CDC's guide on prevention
- To spread awareness this month, check out The Stroke Association
- Million Hearts has resources & events on Stroke Awareness Month too!
- For facts on strokes, click here!
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