A FULL LIFE AFTER STROKE
FACTS ABOUT STROKE
What is a Stroke
"A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die."
Types of Stroke
Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic stroke happens when a clot blocks a vessel that supplies blood to the brain. The artery then becomes clogged which blocks off blood flow to the brain cells. An ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This type of stroke affects large arteries in the brain and or the small blood vessels within the brain. The burst stops the surrounding areas of the brain from getting their needed oxygen. Hemorrhagic strokes occur less frequently than ischemic strokes.
3. Transient Ischemic Attacks
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are named “warning strokes.” TIAs produce symptoms just like stroke, but for a shorter amount of time. They are produced by a temporary block. They normally don't cause lasting damage, but are huge predictors of future stroke. If you think you have had or are having a TIA, take action! Call 9-1-1. Even if your symptoms go away, get checked out to make sure there is no future threat.
Act Fast!
Time is so important when it comes to stroke and the faster you act greatly affects the chances of recovery. If you recognize any symptoms of a stroke- call for help. A stroke is an attack of the brain and just like a heart attack a stroke requires immediate attention!
"For every 15 minutes during a stroke, you lose 10 percent of salvageable brain" - UTMB Health
Are You at Risk?
The following are risk factors:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Diabetes
Smoking
Presence of TIAs
Obesity
High blood cholesterol
Lack of exercise
Having a prior stroke
Illegal drug use
High amount of red blood cells
After the age of 55 your chances double
Abnormal heart rhythm
Stroke Statistics
In 2018, 1 in every 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease was due to stroke.
Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Every 4 minutes, someone dies of stroke.
Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes.
About 185,000 strokes—nearly 1 of 4—are in people who have had a previous stroke.
About 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked.
Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability
Stroke reduces mobility in more than half of stroke survivors age 65 and over.