FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a stroke?
Stroke is the loss or alteration of bodily function that results from an insufficient supply of blood to the brain. It can occur when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is blocked by a blood clot or another particle. This results in obstructed blood flow to the brain. Without oxygen, nerve cells in the affected area of the brain can not function and die within minutes. (American Stroke Association)
Are men or women more likely to have a stroke?
The latest data show that, overall, the incidence and prevalence of stroke are about equal for men and women. However, at all ages, more women than men die of stroke.
What are the major risk factors for stroke?
The major risk factors for stroke are smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, diabetes and being overweight and physically inactive. Additional factors include having had a prior stroke, carotid artery disease, heart disease, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), and high red blood cell count. Excessive alcohol intake, certain kinds of drug abuse, season, climate and socioeconomic factors can also contribute to stroke.
African Americans have a much greater risk of disability and death from stroke than Caucasians because of the greater incidence of high blood pressure.
Doesn't breast cancer affect more women than stroke?
The numbers are shocking. One in two women will eventually die of heart disease or stroke, compared with one in 30 who will eventually die of breast cancer.
What are the warning signs of a heart stroke?
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the 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 dizziness, loss of balance or coordination or trouble walking
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
What should I do if I think I'm having a stroke?
It's critical that you receive emergency room treatment within one hour of the onset of symptoms. Call 911 immediately, even if you are not sure you're having a stroke. Today, there are drugs and treatments that can be administered that are most effective if given within three hours.
How can someone lower the risk of having a stroke?
Quit smoking, cut back on foods that are high in fat and cholesterol, eat more fruits and vegetables, check blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly, be physically active, and maintain appropriate weight.
Does aspirin help?
Researchers have found great benefits from aspirin. The American Academy of Neurology recently released results from a study indicating that taking aspirin within 48 hours of stroke can reduce death rates and negative side effects of stroke. Research has also shown that aspirin may help protect people from stroke. People are strongly encouraged to talk to their physician before beginning aspirin therapy - aspirin may also increase the risk of another type of stroke (hemorrhagic) caused by bleeding in and around the brain. (Heart Center Online)
Sources: American Stroke Association, American Heart Association, and Heart Center Online
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