How to Recognize a Stroke
Do not be a victim
Who is at risk?Everyone is at risk but some persons have
higher risk than others
Risk FactorsHigh blood pressureHeart and vessel diseaseSmokingDiabetesSedentary LifestyleHeredityObesity
What is a StrokeA stroke is the result of injury to brain tissue
from lack of oxygen A stroke occurs when blood flow to the cells
of the brain is interruptedBlood flow is interrupted by a rupture of
either a small or large vessel, narrowing of a vessel or by the lodging of a clot in a vessel that occludes the blood flow
What dose a stroke look likeSudden weakness or numbness on one or
both sides of the bodyDizziness Difficulty walkingDifficulty talkingVision problemsCan become unresponsive or have seizures
How do you know if it is a strokeYou don’t, if you think it, then take them to
the closest emergency roomThe national stroke association recommends
that you use the acronym FAST
F-Face ask the person to smileA- Arm ask the person to raise there armsS- Speech ask them to speakT-Time Call 911 immediately
How do you survive a strokeDepends on location of injury to the brain
Immediate medical attention within 6 hours of onset of symptoms increase your chances of survival and reduces the risk of permanent deficits.
What can I do to prevent a strokeRegular visits to your doctor for screening Exercise and a healthy dietPharmacological therapies
o Heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure
Manage your DiabetesQuit SmokingBe aware of medications that increase your
risk for blood clots
Death rates among persons 65 years of age and over
2007
Heart DiseaseCancerAll other causes27StrokeDiabetesCOPDFlu/PNAAlzheimers