By: Sarah Mulukutla, MD, MPH and Grace Capone, RN, BSN, Nurse Manager-Quality, Stroke Program Coordinator
As you may already be aware, stroke occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to the brain. This can happen when the blood vessel is either blocked by a clot or bursts.
With stroke being the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability, this disease affects millions of people. Help us raise awareness of stroke!
Together, let’s remember the 3 R’s:
- your risk for stroke by controlling those risk factors that you can.Reduce
- signs and symptoms of stroke Recognize
- at the first signs of stroke. Call 911.Respond
There are modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for stroke: things you may be able to control and things you may not. Unfortunately, the risk factors that cannot be controlled are age, sex, race, prior stroke and family history. However, there are risk factors that can be treated with the help of services offered at Stamford Health’s Stroke Center:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- and lack of exerciseObesity
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Sleep apnea
What can you do in the short-term to reduce the likelihood of stroke?
- . A1C numbersKnow your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetic
- Have your blood pressure checked regularly. If your numbers are high, work with your physician to better control them.
- , so commit to quit today. smoking cessation program. We offer a comprehensive stop for these reasonsIf you smoke,
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
- in your daily routine. exerciseInclude
- Enjoy a lower sodium, lower fat diet.
How much do you know about stroke? Test your knowledge here.
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