•  Blood Pressure and Stroke Center •  Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) •  Heart Health Center •  Warning Signs of a Stroke

The gray matter in our brains may get all the credit for our intellectual powers and nerve coordination, but it's blood that really keeps us going. If something interrupts blood flow in or to the brain, parts of the brain will quickly die. A stoppage in one of the brain's arteries is called a stroke, and it's the third leading cause of death in the United States. It's also the number one cause of severe disabilities in adults.

The majority of strokes are caused by blood clots clogging arteries in the brain. But not every blockage leads to a full-blown stroke. If a clot stops blood flow for just a moment, a person will have a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke. A TIA leaves no permanent damage, but it's a signal that a crippling stroke may take place down the road. A less common type of stroke, called a hemorrhagic stroke, occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain.

When blood vessels burst or clots clog an artery, the brain cells that control the functions of speech, movement, or memory may die. The specific abilities that may be lost or affected depend on where in the brain the stroke occurs and on the size of the stroke -- that is, how many brain cells were damaged. According to the National Stroke Association, someone who has a small stroke may experience effects such as weakness of a limb or difficulty walking. A person who has a bigger stroke may be paralyzed on one side or lose the ability to talk. Some people die from very severe strokes, while those who suffer milder strokes may recover fully.

A stroke victim needs medical attention right away. Clot-busting drugs can prevent brain damage in many cases, but only if they're given within three hours of the attack. Doctors can also help prevent strokes by prescribing drugs that prevent new clots from forming.

Because strokes are common and quick treatment is crucial, everyone should know the warning signs. No matter the type of stroke, the symptoms are generally the same (although they will last for just a few minutes during a TIA). Call 911 or get to an emergency room immediately if you or a family member has any of these symptoms:

•Weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

•An inability to speak or to understand simple statements

•A sudden, severe headache

•Sudden blurred vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes

•Dizziness or unsteadiness, especially when other symptoms are present

Strokes usually strike people who are at least 65 years old, and they're particularly common in men and African Americans. You can't change your age, gender, or race, but many other risk factors are under your control. High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, a smoking habit, excess alcohol consumption, and obesity all make strokes more likely. You can help protect your brain by taking the following steps:

•If you smoke, stop

•Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol down

•Keep saturated fats to a minimum

•Consume no more than 2.3 grams of sodium per day (less than one teaspoon of table salt)

•Take off extra weight

•Get regular medical checkups

•Avoid excess alcohol consumption

•Eat plenty of fresh produce (at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day). One study found that fiber from breads and cereals was also linked to a lower risk

A Harvard study found that an hour of moderate exercise five times a week lowered stroke risk by 46 percent, compared to people who got little or no exercise. The benefits of exercise extend to stroke survivors as well: In April 2004, the American Heart Association issued new guidelines stressing the importance of aerobic and strengthening exercises for improving overall health and reducing the risk of subsequent strokes.

Along with the ample benefits of fruits and vegetables, many contain potassium, a mineral that seems to help ward off strokes. A 1998 study from the Harvard School of Public Health, whose researchers had tracked nearly 44,000 men for eight years, found that those who consumed the most potassium in their diet (about 4,300 mg a day) were 38 percent less likely to have a stroke that those who consumed the least (about 2,400 mg a day). Bananas, oranges, tomatoes, spinach, and potatoes are especially good sources of potassium. If you have high blood pressure or a family history of stroke, ask your doctor if potassium supplements are recommended in your case.

You may be surprised to hear that your medicine cabinet is already equipped with a powerful antistroke drug: aspirin. If you're over 50 or if you have other risk factors for stroke, ask your doctor if you might benefit from taking an aspirin tablet every day. Aspirin can react with other drugs and can be hard on your stomach, so be sure to consult with your doctor before taking it regularly.

Finally, you can help safeguard loved ones from strokes by educating them. A recent survey by researchers at the University of Cincinnati uncovered a shocking lack of knowledge about strokes among people who are most at risk. Four out of ten stroke patients in an emergency room did not know the basic symptoms and risk factors for strokes, and half of them didn't realize that strokes affect the brain. If you have a friend or relative who is at high risk for a stroke or has already suffered one, make sure the person understands the warning signs of a stroke and the measures that can help prevent future attacks.

-- Chris Woolston, M.S., is a health and medical writer with a master's degree in biology. He is a contributing editor at Consumer Health Interactive, and was the staff writer at Hippocrates, a magazine for physicians. He has also covered science issues for Time Inc. Health, WebMD, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. His reporting on occupational health earned him an award from the northern California Society of Professional Journalists.

Further Resources

National Stroke Association

http://www.stroke.org

The NSA provides educational materials, referrals, and research on stroke for families and medical professionals.

American Heart Association

http://www.americanheart.org

This organization can provide you with stroke information and referrals to local self-help groups. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

References

First published July 25, 2000
Last updated February 28, 2007
Copyright © 2000 Consumer Health Interactive

Or Find More On:

Back to top of page