A stroke is a serious health event, often described as a "brain attack." It happens when the brain doesn't get enough blood, which carries the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function. Think of your brain as a complex machine that needs a constant supply of fuel. When that fuel supply is cut off, even for a short time, parts of the machine can start to break down.
Each year, more than 795,000 Americans have a stroke; someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds.1 It's important to understand strokes so you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Knowledge is power, and being informed can make a real difference in your health and well-being.
Reasons to learn about stroke
Many people think strokes only happen to other people, but strokes are more common than you might realize. Strokes affect not only the person who has the stroke, but also their families and caregivers.
- Strokes are a leading cause of long-term disability: This means that many people who survive a stroke may have lasting problems with movement, speech, memory, or other important functions. These disabilities can make it difficult to live independently and enjoy life to the fullest.
- Many people survive strokes, but quick treatment is key: The good news is that many people do survive strokes, especially when they receive prompt medical attention. The faster a stroke is treated, the better the chances of minimizing brain damage and improving recovery.
- Knowing the signs can help you act fast and save lives: This is perhaps the most important reason to learn about strokes. By recognizing the warning signs, you can take immediate action, which can significantly improve the outcome for yourself or someone you know. You could literally save a life!
What happens during a stroke?
Imagine your brain as a bustling city, with countless roads and highways carrying vital supplies. These "roads" are your blood vessels, and the "supplies" are oxygen and nutrients. A stroke happens when something blocks one of these roads, preventing blood from reaching a specific area of the brain.
Without a constant supply of blood, brain cells in that area begin to die. This is because brain cells are very sensitive to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. The longer the blood flow is blocked, the more brain cells are damaged, and the more severe the effects of the stroke can be.
Types of strokes: Understanding the different causes
There are two main types of strokes, each with its own cause and treatment:
- Ischemic stroke: This is the most common type, accounting for about 87% of all strokes. It happens when a blood clot blocks an artery leading to the brain. Think of it like a clog in a pipe, preventing water from flowing through. These clots can form in the heart or other parts of the body and travel to the brain.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: This type of stroke occurs when an artery in the brain leaks or bursts. This can happen due to high blood pressure, which weakens the artery walls, or because of a bulge in an artery called an aneurysm. When an artery ruptures, blood spills into the brain tissue, damaging brain cells.
- Cryptogenic stroke: Sometimes, even after thorough testing, doctors can't determine the exact cause of a stroke. These are called cryptogenic strokes.
- TIA (transient ischemic attack): A warning sign you shouldn't ignore: This is often called a mini stroke. Blood flow to the brain stops for a brief time, usually less than five minutes. The symptoms are similar to those of a stroke, but they don't last long. A TIA is a serious warning sign that a full-blown stroke may be coming. It's crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a TIA to prevent a future stroke.
Know your risk factors for stroke
Everyone has some risk of stroke, but certain factors can increase your chances. Some risk factors are beyond your control, while others can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment.
Certain risk factors you can't control. These are just part of your life and who you have been since birth.
- Age: Your risk of stroke increases as you get older. While strokes can happen at any age, they are more common in people over 65.
- Family history: If you have a family history of stroke, your risk is higher. This suggests that genetics may play a role.
- Personal history: If you've had a stroke or TIA in the past, your risk of having another one is significantly increased.
- Sex and ethnicity: Women are slightly more likely to have strokes than men, and certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans, have a higher risk.
Other risk factors can be controlled either through lifestyle changes, diet, or exercise.
- High blood pressure: This is a major risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. High blood pressure puts extra strain on your arteries, making them more likely to become damaged or blocked.
- Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots. Nicotine and carbon monoxide, chemicals found in cigarettes, are harmful to your cardiovascular system.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of stroke.
- High cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk of blood clots.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, all of which are risk factors for stroke.
- Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise contributes to many of the risk factors mentioned above, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.
Stroke prevention
The good news is that you can take steps to reduce your risk of stroke. By making healthy lifestyle choices and managing any underlying health conditions, you can significantly lower your chances of having a stroke.
- Manage health conditions: Work closely with your doctor to control diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. This may involve taking medications, making dietary changes, and getting regular exercise.
- Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. This could include brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing.
- Eat healthy foods: Follow a heart-healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. This means no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.
Know the warning signs and be FAST
Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke is crucial. The faster you act, the better the chances of a good outcome. Remember the acronym "BE FAST":
- Balance: Sudden trouble with balance or coordination.
- Eyes: Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes.
- Face: Face drooping on one side. Ask the person to smile.
- Arms: Arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift down?
- Speech: Slurred speech or trouble understanding. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, "The sky is blue."
- Time: Time to call 911! Even if the symptoms go away, call for help immediately. Note the time the symptoms started.
Treatment for stroke: Restoring blood flow
The treatment given for stroke depends on the type of stroke someone has experienced. Generally, the treatment follows two paths.
- Ischemic stroke: Medicine to dissolve clots (TPA) or procedures to open blocked arteries.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: Surgery to repair the leaking artery or aneurysm.
Short-term and long-term treatment goals vary according to each patient.
Stroke recovery and rehabilitation
The effects of a stroke can vary widely, depending on the location and severity of the brain damage. Some people may experience mild symptoms that resolve quickly, while others may have more severe and lasting disabilities.
The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain was affected. People may have trouble with:
- Talking
- Walking
- Swallowing
- Controlling limbs
- Thinking and memory
- Emotions
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation, or rehab, plays a vital role in helping people recover from a stroke. It involves a team of healthcare professionals who work together to help you regain lost skills and improve your quality of life. Rehab can include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Counseling
Caregiving and caregivers
Recovering from a stroke can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. It's important to take care of your mental health and seek support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals. Caregivers also need support to avoid burnout and keep their own well-being.
Plan for a healthier future by learning more about strokes, understanding FAST, and knowing how to react during a stroke. A stroke can change a life in a minute, affecting not only a patient but family members as well. Connect with a friend or family member for support and learn more about stroke prevention and treatment from reputable sources like the American Stroke Association. By taking these steps, you can empower yourself to protect your brain and live a long and healthy life.
Disclaimers:
Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness or dietary plan. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.
Sources:
- “Stroke Facts” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed April 18, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
- Debbe Geiger, “Know the Signs of Stroke: BE FAST,” Duke Health, last accessed April 18, 2025, https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/know-signs-of-stroke-be-fast
- “What is a Stroke?” National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, last accessed April 18, 2025, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/stroke
- “About Stroke,” American Stroke Association, last accessed April 18, 2025, https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke
