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Strokes are the third leading cause of
death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer. Each year
over 500,000 Americans suffer from stroke, and of those about 150,000
will die from them. Although as many as three million Americans have
survived a stroke, more than two million of them have sustained some
permanent disability. Strokes may occur at any age, in both sexes, and
in all races in every country of the world. |
What is a Stroke?
A stroke, often called a Cerebrovascular
Accident (CVA) or brain attack, is a loss of blood flow to an area of
the brain which may result in disorientation, further injury, or even
death. When blood flow ceases, brain cells are denied vital supplies of
oxygen and nutrients.
Some strokes may produce only a slightly
recognizable effect, while others can quickly cause the loss of function
of an arm or leg, or even death if coma results. In spite of their
sudden occurrence, strokes can be prevented.
This is accomplished by managing the risk
factors, heeding the warning signs and acting quickly. Today, early
diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve recovery for stroke
victims. |
Risk Factors
- High blood
pressure
- Cigarette smoking
- Diabetes
- Transient Ischemic
Attacks
- Arterial
fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) and other heart disease.
Prevention
- Control blood
pressure and cholesterol levels
- Stop smoking
- Control blood
sugar if diabetic
- Maintain a healthy
diet
- Exercise
regularly.
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