Risk Factors of Stroke and Stroke Recognition
Oct 31st, 2011 Ed Koeneman
Have you or a loved one recently suffered a stroke? Are you looking for information about risk factors of stroke and how to reduce your risk factors of stroke? Then this article is for you. This article will provide a brief definition of a stroke, discuss controllable and uncontrollable risk factors of stroke and provide an acronym for stroke recognition and reaction time.
A cerebrovascular accident (CVA), commonly referred to as a stroke, is the rapidly developing loss of brain function(s) due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to a lack blood flow caused by a hemorrhage or by a blockage. As a result of the brain not receiving proper blood supply, the affected area is not able to function, leading to inability to understand or formulate speech, inability to move one side of the body or one or more limbs or an inability to see one part of the visual field.
Individuals of all age, race and gender are susceptible to stroke and share risk for stroke. However, the odds of an individual having a stroke increase if that individual has certain risk factors of stroke, or criteria that commonly cause stroke. According to the National Stroke Association, up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented and the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from suffering a stroke is to understand the risk factors of stroke that add to your personal risk and how to manage them.
There are two major forms of stroke risk factors: controllable and uncontrollable stroke risk factors. Uncontrollable stroke risk factors associated with stroke include age, gender, race, family history, previous stroke or TIA and fibromuscular dysplasia.
Controllable risk factors of stroke commonly fall into one of two categories: medical risk factors of stroke and lifestyle risk factors of stroke. Medical risk factors of stroke can commonly be treated and lifestyle factors of stroke can often be changed. Both can be managed best by consulting a doctor or physician who can advise on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle and can prescribe medication to address medical issues. Controllable medical risk factors associated with stroke include high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, diabetes, atherosclerosis. Controllable lifestyle factors include tobacco use/smoking, alcohol use and obesity. All increase the risk of stroke.
The National Stroke Association has come up with an easy acronym to remember the many warning signs of stroke. This acronym was created to help individuals diagnose and react to these warning signs. The NSA advises acting FAST and calling 911 immediately. F--Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? If so the individual may be suffering a stroke. A--Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? If so you should call 911 immediately. S--Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange? Consult a doctor if so. T--Time: If you observe any of these signs the faster you can help the stroke victim receive medical attention the better. Contact your local doctor for more information about risk factors of stroke and how to create a plan to reduce your risk for stroke.About the Author:
Ed Koeneman is COO and co-founder of Kinetic Muscles (KMI). KMI is a leading provider of products for stroke recovery. For more information about The Hand Mentor(TM), The Foot Mentor (TM) or stroke recognition, visit our website.
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