May Is Stroke Awareness Month
A stroke occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
There are two main types of strokes: ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. Most strokes are ischemic strokes. An ischemic stroke occurs when blood clots or other particles block the blood vessels to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures (breaks open). The leaked blood puts too much pressure on brain cells, which damages them.
According to SOPHE (Society for Public Health Education) When it comes to stroke, every second counts! Nearly 2 million brain cells die each minute a stroke remains untreated.
Rapid access to medical treatment oftentimes makes the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.
Know the signs of a stroke and act F.A.S.T. (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, Time to call 911 if someone is having a stroke.
The Facts:
- Stroke can happen to anyone at any age.
- 80% of all strokes are preventable.
- Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of severe disability.
- On average, one person dies from stroke every 4 minutes.
- More than 795,000 people have a stroke each year in the U.S.
- Stroke kills almost 130,000 of the 800,000 Americans who die of cardiovascular disease each year—that’s 1 out of every 19 deaths from all causes.
Prevent stroke by following the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Life’s Simple 7 tips:
- Manage blood pressure
- Control cholesterol
- Reduce blood sugar
- Get active
- Eat better
- Lose weight
- Stop smoking
Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash
Tags: blood pressure, brain, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, prevention, smoking, stroke, weight
