STROKES
A stroke occurs when an artery supplying blood to a part of the brain becomes blocked or bursts. As a result, that part of the brain is damaged because it is deprived of its blood supply. This blood supply carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain, allowing it to function.
There are two types of strokes and they have different causes.
Ischemic Strokes
An ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. It is usually caused by a blood clot in an artery that supplies blood to your brain.
The clot may form in an artery, in the brain itself, or can form in a larger artery in your chest or neck that can break away and be carried by the bloodstream to a smaller artery in your brain where it can become lodged.
Clots tend to form in arteries that have become narrowed by the slow build up of fatty material called 'plaque' or 'atheroma'. This gradual clogging process is known as 'atherosclerosis', and is the same process that causes coronary heart disease
Haemorrhagic Strokes
Haemorrhagic strokes happen when an artery in your brain bursts. They cause bleeding in your brain and squashing of the brain tissue around the broken artery.
This type of stroke is usually caused by high blood pressure and/or diseases involving the blood vessels in your brain.
Signs of Stroke How do you know if someone is having a stroke? Think… F.A.S.T.
The F.A.S.T. test is an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke.
Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions:
A stroke occurs when an artery supplying blood to a part of the brain becomes blocked or bursts. As a result, that part of the brain is damaged because it is deprived of its blood supply. This blood supply carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain, allowing it to function.
There are two types of strokes and they have different causes.
Ischemic Strokes
An ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. It is usually caused by a blood clot in an artery that supplies blood to your brain.
The clot may form in an artery, in the brain itself, or can form in a larger artery in your chest or neck that can break away and be carried by the bloodstream to a smaller artery in your brain where it can become lodged.
Clots tend to form in arteries that have become narrowed by the slow build up of fatty material called 'plaque' or 'atheroma'. This gradual clogging process is known as 'atherosclerosis', and is the same process that causes coronary heart disease
Haemorrhagic Strokes
Haemorrhagic strokes happen when an artery in your brain bursts. They cause bleeding in your brain and squashing of the brain tissue around the broken artery.
This type of stroke is usually caused by high blood pressure and/or diseases involving the blood vessels in your brain.
Signs of Stroke How do you know if someone is having a stroke? Think… F.A.S.T.
The F.A.S.T. test is an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke.
Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions:
Face |
Check their face. Has their
mouth drooped? |
Arm |
Can they lift both arms? |
Speech |
Is their speech slurred? Do
they understand you? |
Time |
Is critical. If you see any of
these signs call 000 straight away. |
A stroke is always a medical emergency. Recognise the signs of stroke and call 000.
Stroke Prevention Guidelines:
1. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stoke so ensure that your blood pressure is normal.
2. Find out if you have atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrillation can cause blood to collect in the chambers of your heart. This blood can form clots and cause a stroke. Your doctor can detect AF by carefully checking your pulse or doing an electrocardiogram (ECG).
3. If you smoke, stop. Smoking doubles the risk for stroke.
4. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
5. Know your cholesterol levels. If it is high, work with your doctor to control it. Lowering your cholesterol may reduce your stroke risk. High cholesterol can also indirectly increase stroke risk by putting you at greater risk of heart disease - an important stroke risk factor. Often times, high cholesterol can be controlled with diet and exercise; some individuals may require medication.
6. Control your diabetes. If you are diabetic, follow your doctor’s recommendations carefully because diabetes puts you at an increased risk for stroke.
7. Include exercise in the activities you enjoy in your daily routine. A brisk walk, swim or other exercise activity for as little as 30 minutes a day can improve your health in many ways, and may reduce your risk for stroke.
8. Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet. By cutting down on sodium and fat in your diet, you may be able to lower your blood pressure and, most importantly, lower your risk for stroke.
9. Ask your doctor if you have circulation problems. If so, work with your doctor to control them. Fatty deposits can block arteries that carry blood from your heart to your brain. Sickle cell disease, severe anaemia, or other diseases can cause stroke if left untreated.
10. Act FAST. If you have any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
For more information go to:
http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/cardiovascular-conditions/Pages/stroke.aspx
http://strokefoundation.com.au/
http://www.stroke.org/
Stroke Prevention Guidelines:
1. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stoke so ensure that your blood pressure is normal.
2. Find out if you have atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrillation can cause blood to collect in the chambers of your heart. This blood can form clots and cause a stroke. Your doctor can detect AF by carefully checking your pulse or doing an electrocardiogram (ECG).
3. If you smoke, stop. Smoking doubles the risk for stroke.
4. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
5. Know your cholesterol levels. If it is high, work with your doctor to control it. Lowering your cholesterol may reduce your stroke risk. High cholesterol can also indirectly increase stroke risk by putting you at greater risk of heart disease - an important stroke risk factor. Often times, high cholesterol can be controlled with diet and exercise; some individuals may require medication.
6. Control your diabetes. If you are diabetic, follow your doctor’s recommendations carefully because diabetes puts you at an increased risk for stroke.
7. Include exercise in the activities you enjoy in your daily routine. A brisk walk, swim or other exercise activity for as little as 30 minutes a day can improve your health in many ways, and may reduce your risk for stroke.
8. Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet. By cutting down on sodium and fat in your diet, you may be able to lower your blood pressure and, most importantly, lower your risk for stroke.
9. Ask your doctor if you have circulation problems. If so, work with your doctor to control them. Fatty deposits can block arteries that carry blood from your heart to your brain. Sickle cell disease, severe anaemia, or other diseases can cause stroke if left untreated.
10. Act FAST. If you have any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
For more information go to:
http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/cardiovascular-conditions/Pages/stroke.aspx
http://strokefoundation.com.au/
http://www.stroke.org/