Stroke Prevention, 80% Preventable

Stroke Prevention, 80% Preventable

Consider these staggering facts. 
1.    It has been estimated that this year, almost 750,000 American citizens will suffer a stroke. Out of these, 160,000 will die. 
 
2.    11% of the people having anemia of the sickle cell type have had a stroke before they reached 20.
 
3.    African-Africans have a greater stroke risk, almost twice, as compared to Caucasians. 50% of African-American women may die due to a heart disease or stroke this year.
 
These facts are quite depressing indeed. But, it has been said by National Stroke Society that 80% of these strokes can be prevented. This association says that we can significantly change this situation and almost 600,000 Americans can save themselves from a stroke.

By taking appropriate steps, we can lessen the stroke risks and reduce the damage caused by it to ourselves as well as our community.

Stroke – What Is It?
The word actually refers to a sort of brain attack which hugely affects our brain. This occurs due to cutting off of the supply of oxygen and blood to our brain cells which damages our brain tissue.

Strokes occur when blood vessels or arteries get blocked by blood clots, or plaque build-up, or fatty deposits. Sickle cells are also responsible for this as they have a tendency of sticking together after attaining the sickle shape.

Rupturing of blood vessels and arteries at weak spots over their wall, may also cause a stroke. 

All strokes are different from each other depending upon the brain’s affected area and the length of time for which that area was devoid of oxygen. TIA or mini stroke also causes brief symptoms resembling a stroke for about few minutes or sometimes even 24 hours.

TIA’s are not known to cause any permanent disability or damage but they give serious warning signals regarding a possible stroke in the future. 35% of those people who have experienced a mini stroke have an increased possibility of another stroke. i.e.

•    About 5-14% will experience one more stroke within a year.

•    In the following five years, 42% men out of this and 24% women out of this will experience one more stroke.
 
But, steps can be taken for preventing a first time stroke as well as the additional ones too. But still, some risk factors like age, gender (men are more vulnerable), family history, and race (African-Americans, Hispanics, Pacific/Asian islanders have greater risk) cannot be controlled.

Nevertheless, always continue with steps which are required for a healthier living.