Marion Regional Healthcare System

Stroke

Although stroke affects people of all ages, genders and races, people over 55, males and African-Americans are at higher risk for stroke. Controllable risk factors include obesity, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease.

There are two types of strokes. Transient Ischemic Attack, or TIA as it is often called, is when a blood clot clogs an artery for a short period of time. A hemoragic stroke is when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds deep in the brain or on the surface of the brain.

An estimated 1,500 Marion County residents suffer strokes each year.
Over 250 residents of Marion County are hospitalized for strokes annually: Men account for 48% of these cases and women suffer the remaining 52%.
The median age for Marion County residents who have suffered a stroke is 67 years old.

If you think someone may be having a stroke there is a simple test that you can do. Have them do the following to test their brain function and to check for physical warning signs.

Simple Stroke Test

Smile - Is their smile symmetrical or is one side drooping?
Raise both arms - Can they hold both arms up or is one arm weaker?
Repeat a sentence - like "The sky is blue." Can they form the words?

Other warning signs may include:

Suddenly feeling weak in one arm, hand or leg
Cannot feel one side of your face or body
Suddenly cannot see out of one eye
Suddenly have a hard time walking
Cannot understand what someone is saying
Feeling dizzy or losing your balance
Having the worst headache you have ever had

Preventative Actions

Know your blood pressure, have it checked at least once a year
Find out if you have artirial fibrillation, which encourages the formation of blood clots that could cause a stroke
If you smoke, stop
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation
Find out if you have high cholesterol
If you have diabetes, take measures to control the condition
Include exercise in your daily routine
Eat a low-salt diet
Ask your physician if you have circulation problems that could increase the risk of stroke and
If you experience any stroke symptoms, including sudden weakness of the face or a limb, a blurring of vision, dizziness, or an intense headache, seek immediate medical attention.

High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke.



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Community Events Calendar Risk Factors >> Diabetes >> Heart Disease >> Stroke >> Cancer >> COPD A Woman's Place Health Shorts Vital Stats Wellness Center		Stroke Although stroke affects people of all ages, genders and races, people over 55, males and African-Americans are at higher risk for stroke. Controllable risk factors include obesity, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. There are two types of strokes. Transient Ischemic Attack, or TIA as it is often called, is when a blood clot clogs an artery for a short period of time. A hemoragic stroke is when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds deep in the brain or on the surface of the brain. An estimated 1,500 Marion County residents suffer strokes each year. Over 250 residents of Marion County are hospitalized for strokes annually: Men account for 48% of these cases and women suffer the remaining 52%. The median age for Marion County residents who have suffered a stroke is 67 years old. If you think someone may be having a stroke there is a simple test that you can do. Have them do the following to test their brain function and to check for physical warning signs. Simple Stroke Test Smile - Is their smile symmetrical or is one side drooping? Raise both arms - Can they hold both arms up or is one arm weaker? Repeat a sentence - like "The sky is blue." Can they form the words? Other warning signs may include: Suddenly feeling weak in one arm, hand or leg Cannot feel one side of your face or body Suddenly cannot see out of one eye Suddenly have a hard time walking Cannot understand what someone is saying Feeling dizzy or losing your balance Having the worst headache you have ever had Preventative Actions Know your blood pressure, have it checked at least once a year Find out if you have artirial fibrillation, which encourages the formation of blood clots that could cause a stroke If you smoke, stop If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation Find out if you have high cholesterol If you have diabetes, take measures to control the condition Include exercise in your daily routine Eat a low-salt diet Ask your physician if you have circulation problems that could increase the risk of stroke and If you experience any stroke symptoms, including sudden weakness of the face or a limb, a blurring of vision, dizziness, or an intense headache, seek immediate medical attention. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke.