About 600,000 new cases of stroke are reported in the United State each year and it remains the leading cause of disability in adults. A stroke is often referred to as a brain attack and occurs when blood and oxygen cannot travel to the brain. This is often caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel leading to the brain. When the brain is deprived of oxygen and the nutrients it needs, brain cells become damaged. Even though a stroke directly damages the brain, it can affect the whole body causing problems speaking, thinking, and moving. Depending on what side of the brain the stroke occurs numbness or paralysis can affect one side of the body.

Because the stroke injures the brain, you may not realize that anything is happening. To others you may just look confused. It is extremely important that you or others around you recognize symptoms of a stroke and call 911 immediately. Getting treatment for a stroke within an hour can prevent long-term disability. F.A.S.T. is an easy and effective method to determine if someone is having a stroke. By remembering F.A.S.T. you can save a life.

Face. Is one side of the person’s face drooping?

Arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Dose one arm drift downward?

Speech. Is the person’s words slurred? Is the person having trouble forming a sentence?

Time. If the answer is yes to any of the questions, call 911 immediately. Quick action is important to prevent long-term injury.

Other signs and symptoms of a stroke can be sudden dizziness or loss of balance or a severe headache with no known cause.

You can prevent the chance of having a stroke by knowing your risk factors and what you can do to control these factors. Some things that put you in danger of having a stroke you cannot control, including being male, over age 55, African American, or having a family history of stroke. However, there are many hazards to your health that you can control. Having high blood pressure more than doubles your risk of having a stroke. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your specific blood pressure goals. It is also important to keep your LDL or “bad” cholesterol low and your HDL “good” cholesterol high to decrease your risk of stroke. If your LDL is too high, your arteries can get clogged and block the pathway to your brain. If you do not know your cholesterol numbers or do not know what your goals are, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you have diabetes it is also important to keep your blood sugar levels under control to decrease the likelihood of a stroke. Other healthy lifestyle tips to prevent stroke include: a regular exercise routine, healthy diet, moderate alcohol consumption, and smoking cessation.

If you would like more information regarding stroke prevention, risk factors, or treatment, visit www.stroke.org.

Sources: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Stroke Association.

Kristin Kouski, Pharm.D.