Stroke Awareness Foundation Blog

• Hypertension: An estimated 72 million Americans have hypertension. Recommendation: Salt restriction; weightloss; consumption of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dry products; regular  aerobic physical activity; and limited alcohol consumption.
• Diabetes: An estimated 8% of the adult population in the United States. Recommendation:  Intensive glucose management.
• Cigarette Smoking: There is strong and consistent evidence that cigarette smoking is a major independent risk factor for ischemic stroke.  Recommendation:  Quit
• Alcohol Consumption: There is strong evidence that chronic alcoholism and heavy drinking are risk factors for stroke. Recommendation: Eliminate or reduce consumption of alcohol.

TIA  and Stroke symptoms are the same. Many people who have a TIA do not seek treatment because the symptoms subside quickly. Up to 40% of all people who experience a TIA will go on to have an stroke.  50% of all strokes occur within the first two days after a TIA.  TIA’s are a serious warning sign and should not be ignored. Call 9-1-1  if you experience any one of the following symptoms: 

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. 
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no know cause