In the U.S., there are more than 795,000 stroke victims a year, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means someone has a stroke every 40 seconds. But did you know about 80% of strokes can be prevented?
The good news is that today’s stroke-related death rates are far lower than they were in the past. Effective treatments can aid in reducing the risk of disabilities from strokes. Here are some facts:
What are the warning signs of a stroke?
The acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. was created by health care officials who have researched the warning signs, symptoms and potential treatments for people who may have had a stroke. It is meant to help educate people to detect the symptoms. It stands for:
B-alance difficulty, E-yesight changes.
F-acial drooping, A-rm weakness, S-peech difficulty, T-ime to call 911.
Other symptoms of stroke are not included in the acronym:
Symptoms of a stroke:
What causes a stroke?
There are three main categories of strokes:
Ischemic stroke, a blocked artery.
Hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel that has burst or is leaking.
Transient ischemic attack, a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. These don’t typically cause lasting symptoms.
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Risk factors that increase your risk for stroke
Several risk factors contribute to the buildup of plaque (or cholesterol) within the arteries, which increases the chance of blood clotting. Smoking, for example, is known to narrow the blood vessels, and having high blood pressure can cause damage artery walls that have been narrowed by plaque buildup.
Other risk factors:
By managing these risks factors, you can lower your chances of a stroke.
Where strokes occur the most in US
Leading causes of strokes include obesity, high cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes. One in 3 adults in the U.S. fall into at least one of these categories.
Although it’s still uncommon, more people in their 20s, 30s and 40s are having strokes and heart attacks in higher rates than in previous years. Although many factors may contribute to heart attack and stroke, obesity adds to that risk.
Ways to lower your stroke risk
CONTRIBUTING The Associated Press
SOURCE American Stroke Association; The American Heart Association; Mayo Clinic; Healthline.com; USA TODAY research
