Stroke Warning Signs
Stroke Risk Factors
Stroke occurs when a blood vessel feeding the brain bursts or is clogged, causing a sudden disruption in the blood flow to the brain. Stroke is the third leading killer in the United States, resulting in the following statistics annually:
- Nationally, last year there were 750,000
stroke victims.
- 75-85% of these strokes could have been avoided.
- The majority of these victims had no prior warning.
- 97% of the adult population could not name a warning sign.
- Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death.
- Stroke is the leading cause of disability and nursing home admissions.
Carotid artery disease is the leading cause of strokes. More than 50% of stroke victims present no warning signs. After the age of 55, the risk of stroke doubles every 10 years. Most significantly, 97% of the adult population cannot name a single warning sign of a stroke.
Knowing your risk factors and working with your physician is the first step to avoiding stroke and heart disease. Along with knowing your risk factors, Stroke Detection Plus ultrasound screening is a vital piece to a heart smart life.
2 or more conditions and you are at risk.
-
Over 40
-
More than 20lbs. overweight
-
Lack of exercise
-
Family history of strokes
-
High cholesterol
-
Cigarette smoking
-
Diabetes
-
High blood pressure
-
Inactive lifestyle
-
Heart disease
-
TIAs- Minor stroke