Stroke Prevention
Stroke Statistics & Lifestyle Risk Factors
What is a Stroke?
There's no way to sugarcoat it. Having a stroke is a serious brain injury that can change your personality and affect your mental and physical abilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing brain damage that can lead to long-term disability or death.
Strokes should be taken very seriously.
Catching a stroke fast can lead to dramatically better recovery success.
See the acronym below to learn the signs of a stroke and call 911 immediately!
Worried A Stroke Might Happen to You?
Take a Stroke Risk Assessment
Types of Stroke
Ischemic
When a blood clot blocks the blood flow to the brain, it results in this type of stroke which accounts for approximately 87% of all strokes, according to CDC.
Hemorrhagic
When an artery in the brain ruptures or starts to leak blood, it causes pressure on the brain cells and damages them. (CDC)
TIA
Transient ischemic attacks (TIA), also known as mini-strokes, differ from other strokes as blood flow to the brain is only temporarily blocked. However, TIAs are an indicator for a future larger stroke. (CDC)
Stroke Statistics
It's really important to be aware of the following statistics about strokes.
Around 800,000 new strokes happen each year.
1-in-4 people who have had a stroke will have a second one.
Stroke is a leading cause of serious long term disability.
Stroke Reduces mobility in more than 1/2 of survivors ages 65+
About 40% of stroke victims were less than 65 years old.
Getting to the ER within 3 hours of start of stroke symptoms often has less disability 3 months after a stroke than those who delay care.
Risk Factors for Stroke
It's a tough reality to face, but 8 out of 10 strokes could have been prevented. While certain factors like genetics, medical conditions, and medications can increase the risk of a stroke, the main cause of this dangerous condition is an unhealthy lifestyle. This includes things like not getting enough physical activity, high stress levels, carrying too much weight, and smoking. It's important to make positive changes in our lives to protect ourselves from this serious health issue.
Here are the top lifestyle and condition related risk facts for having a stroke.
Lifestyle Risk Factors
Unhealthy Diet
Being Overweight
Physical Inactivity
Excessive Alcohol
Smoking
Stress
Medical Risk Factors
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Diabetes
Atrial Fibrillation
Vascular Cognitive Impairment
Let's Make a Game Plan!
What can you do today to help your decrease your risk for having a stroke?
1
Assess Your Lifestyle.
Take a look at the 6 lifestyle factors listed above. How many of them do you check off?
2
Schedule a Doctor's Visit.
Call and schedule a visit with your primary care doctor to go through your medical history and discuss treatment options for uncontrolled medical conditions.
3
Make Behavior Changes.
It's time to get real about making lifestyle changes such as exercise, meal planning, and abstinence. Seek professional help such as an occupational or physical therapist, or an addiction counselor if you need extra help. You can also check out our Healthy Living Blog for tips and strategies to help you live a healthier life.
