Get Smart About Stroke (Heart Health)
If you have many of the risk factors for heart disease — including high blood pressure or smoking — you are also at an increased risk of experiencing a stroke. Stroke occurs when oxygen is restricted from the brain due to a blood clot. If you or someone you know has a stroke, it is important to recognize the symptoms so you can get to a hospital quickly. Getting treatment within 60 minutes can prevent disability. The chief warning signs of a stroke are:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body).
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
If you think someone might be having a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. Also, be sure that family members and others close to you know the warning signs of a stroke. Give them a copy of this list. Ask them to call 9-1-1 right away if you or someone else shows any signs of a stroke.
B-man 