Two Primary Types of Stroke
Strokes come in two major forms: ischemic, which is the most common, and hemorrhagic.
With an ischemic stroke, a blood clot or other blockage impairs blood flow to a portion of the brain. This can result in a lot of different neurologic symptoms, depending on where in the brain it impacts.
Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel opens up and bleeding extends to the brain tissue. Symptoms are similar to ischemic strokes, but the outcome can be much more severe if not addressed in a timely manner.
BE FAST: Why Immediate Intervention Is So Critical
The best way to mitigate potential brain damage and long-term disability is to intervene as quickly as possible. The medical community has worked hard to spread awareness by making it easy to recognize stroke symptoms, using the acronym BE FAST.
- B-Balance: trouble walking, loss of coordination, dizziness
- E-Eyes: loss of vision, double vision, eyes fixed to one side of the body
- F-Face: asymmetry, drooping, twisting
- A-Arm: weakness or inability to hold one’s arm up
- S-Speech: slurred speech, confusion, not being able to put words together
- T-Time: the need to act immediately is of utmost importance
The stroke programs at the University of Maryland Medical System have expanded their ability to take care of patients who are having various forms of stroke. And the most important predictor of someone’s recovery and survival from a stroke is actually how quickly you can get to emergency medical attention. So, it’s important to not wait if you or a loved one are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Call 911 and get emergency medical care.
Stroke IS Preventable
As mentioned, up to 80% of strokes are preventable. The most common modifiable risk factor is blood pressure. Other risk factors include high cholesterol, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and tobacco use.
Living a sedentary lifestyle, eating an unhealthy diet that leads to excess weight—especially around the midsection—and sleep apnea, are also associated with stroke and increases one’s risk.
All of these factors are controllable, but oftentimes people don’t realize they fall into a high-risk category. That’s why regular checks with a primary care provider are so important. Your provider will assess your blood pressure and do a full evaluation to see how often you need to be screened for high cholesterol and diabetes. They’ll also look for arrhythmias that can be associated with stroke, like atrial fibrillation. And they will be able to coach you and counsel you on how you can modify your lifestyle choices and what medications you may or may not need in order to lower stroke risk.
Resources to Help Prevent Stroke
- It’s Time to Get Moving: How to Exercise for Heart Health
- 9 Easy Ways to Fit Exercise Into Your Life
- Healthy Eating on a Budget
- Sink Your Teeth Into These 8 Heart-Healthy Foods
- Always Tired? You Could Have Sleep Apnea.
