Storm Warnings
By: Linda Greider; Source: AARP Bulletin Date Posted: 2007-02-07 16:41:00-05:00
Knowing the warning signs of stroke and getting help fast are crucial to treating stroke. Symptoms tend to come on suddenly—and can leave just as quickly. Even if they disappear, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately—clot-busting drugs to treat ischemic stroke are only effective if administered within three hours after symptoms begin. Don't take aspirin or other medications on your own.
At the ER, insist that you are given tests for an accurate diagnosis. One or more of the following symptoms may occur with a stroke:
- Numbness or weakness of a limb or the face, usually on one side of the body
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Trouble seeing or speaking
- Severe headache
A TIA in Action
In a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a clot temporarily blocks the flow of blood to the brain. A clot may develop in an artery to the brain or travel there from elsewhere in the body. The blockage usually clears on its own, but TIAs still require emergency treatment.
Prevention
Some risk factors are out of your hands, such as your race, gender, age and family history of stroke. Black people, for example, are more prone to having strokes than white people, men are more likely to have them than women are, and anyone 60 or older is especially susceptible. But other risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, irregular heartbeat, obesity and smoking, are within your power to control:
- Lower your cholesterol levels and blood pressure via a low-fat diet and regular exercise. Consult a doctor to see if you need medications for these conditions.
- Watch what you eat. Until more research is done on diet and stroke prevention, experts generally recommend five servings of fruits and vegetables every day and two servings of fish a week. A recent study suggests that whole-grain foods such as brown rice and whole-grain bread can reduce stroke risk.
- Control your weight. Obesity raises your risk for stroke.
- Do a half-hour of moderate exercise on most days.
- Take aspirin. Studies show that it can be a potent risk reducer, especially for women. But aspirin can cause bleeding in some people, so check with your doctor before taking it routinely.
- Quit smoking.
- Have a drink. Some studies have shown that an alcoholic drink a day may also reduce risk. Indications are that the type of alcohol — beer, wine or hard liquor — doesn't matter. A caution: Consuming more than two drinks a day increases risk.
Where to Go
- National Stroke Association hosts an online support group and provides links to other sources. 1-800-787-6537.
- The American Stroke Assocation offers information on risk factors, warning signs, the mechanism of strokes and other facts and statistics. 1-888-478-7653.
- National Institutes of Health offers information on stroke risks, symptoms and the latest treatments.
Additional Related Links
Mindful Exercise (AARP Segunda Juventud Online)
Unhealthy mouth, Unhealthy Body (September 2006)
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