Heart Disease
Strokes are preventable and treatable.
Although stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States, you can lower your chances of having a stroke and serious disability.
What
What is a stroke?
Also called a brain attack, a stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is blocked — called an ischemic stroke — or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts — called a hemorrhagic stroke. In both cases, the blood supply to the brain is blocked, depriving the brain of oxygen and causing damage to brain cells.
Warning signs
These warning signs mean you should call 9-1-1.
Every second counts when a stroke is happening. The more quickly you respond and get help, the better the chances of recovery. It helps to remember these FAST signs:
- Face drooping. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face drop, or is it numb?
- Arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech difficulty. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly, or is speech slurred or hard to understand?
- Time to call 9-1-1. If any of these symptoms occur — even if they go away — call 9-1-1 immediately.
Risk factors
Risk factors for stroke.
You can’t control some risk factors for stroke. But some medical conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure or cholesterol, obesity, atrial fibrillation, circulation problems, and previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA is a warning sign of future stroke) put you at risk. These things can also put you at risk for stroke:
- Smoking
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating fast foods or processed foods containing trans fats or saturated fats, foods with too much salt or sugar, and foods with not enough potassium
- Weighing more than you should — being overweight or obese
- Lack of exercise or remaining inactive
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes
If you haven’t had a checkup recently, get one. And if you are at risk for stroke, talk with a health care provider to learn what you can do about it.
Prevention
Stroke-smart living habits.
- Eat healthy
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get physical activity every day by walking, stretching, bicycling, or doing aerobic exercise
- Don’t smoke, or quit smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
Helpful links
CDC Tips for Stroke Prevention
Get specific recommendations on how to prevent a stroke by making healthy lifestyle choices.
Healthy Lifestyle — Small Changes. Big Impact.
Better choices lead to better chances of avoiding chronic diseases. Lifestyle behaviors can affect health. Making little, healthier choices can go a long way.
Healthy Living
Live better. Our Healthy Lifestyle Map will show you where you can find fresh local produce at farmers’ markets and how to stay active at local fitness centers and parks.