STROKE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

75% of stroke victims are 65 years or older

Stroke Facts:

• During a lifetime, 4 of 5 families will be affected by stroke
• Stroke is the #1 cause of adult disability the #3 cause of death
• Stroke risk doubles each decade after age 55
• Over 50 million people have high blood pressure-the leading cause of stroke
• Most Americans are unaware of stroke risk factors, warning signs or the need for emergency treatment

WHAT IS A STROKE?

A stroke, also called a "brain attack", happens when blood circulation to the brain fails. A few minutes without oxygen and nutrients from the blood can damage or kill affected brain cells. Although a stroke can be a devastating event, strokes are among the most preventable of serious medical conditions.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT A STROKE

Conditions or risk factors that lead to a stroke develop over many years. You can reduce your stroke risk by taking the following steps:

• Control your blood pressure
• Stop smoking
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy diet
• Control your diabetes

WARNING SIGNS FOR STROKE

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side
• 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

Sometimes the warning signs last for only a few minutes and then disappear. This could be a mini-stroke, called a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Don't ignore a TIA-see your doctor right away.

STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY

Call 911 if you have any symptoms of stroke. Treatment can be more effective if given quickly. Every minute counts!