An estimated 795,000 Americans have a stroke each year, and about one in four of them have had a previous stroke.
To reduce your risk factors for a stroke, our specialists at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, offer some insight into the signs and symptoms you should recognize that warn of a stroke.
Our team also offers guidance to help you lower your risk of having a stroke so you can prevent lifelong complications and premature death.
A stroke is a medical emergency that develops when the flow of blood to your brain is obstructed. Blood clots and bleeding in your brain can block the arteries that deliver blood to your brain.
Another common cause of stroke is atherosclerosis, a narrowing of your blood vessels due to a buildup of cholesterol that hardens into plaque.
When your brain doesn’t get the blood it needs to function, nerve cells can begin dying right away, leading to physical and mental disabilities. This can all happen very quickly, and you need to seek medical attention right away to prevent permanent brain damage and death.
While not everyone experiences symptoms of a stroke in the same way, there are five common warning signs that a stroke can cause. These signs include:
A stroke can cause sudden numbness and weakness in your arms, legs, or face. Generally, numbness affects only one side of your body.
Blurred vision is a common side effect of a stroke. You might have trouble seeing out of one or both of your eyes.
During a stroke, speaking might become difficult and your speech may be slurred. Strokes can also cause sudden confusion.
Clumsiness can occur because of a stroke. You might suddenly feel dizzy and have trouble walking. You might also stumble due to a loss of balance and a lack of coordination.
A severe, sudden headache with no identifiable cause can be a symptom of a stroke.
If you’re with someone who’s having a stroke, you may notice these symptoms plus drooping on one side of their face.
Stroke treatments work best when you get medical assistance as soon as possible, generally within three hours of your first symptom. If you or someone you know have symptoms of a stroke, call 911 or get to the nearest hospital.
While not all strokes are preventable, many of the underlying causes of a stroke are. Many people, especially men, end up having a stroke because of poor lifestyle choices like smoking and excessive alcohol use. You might also be at a higher risk for a stroke if you have underlying conditions like:
Making changes to your lifestyle and nutrition now can lower your risk for stroke and improve your overall health. Our team at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, can also provide other stroke prevention recommendations like smoking cessation programs, diabetes management services, and routine screenings to evaluate your cardiovascular health.
To learn more about stroke prevention or to schedule a health screening, call the HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, office nearest you or book a consultation online today.
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HeartCare Associates of Connecticut provides the highest level of care to our patients. From treatments of common coronary problems, to non-invasive and state-of-the-art procedures, to life saving surgeries our dedicated and compassionate staff will make you feel at ease.
Some of the most common illnesses and issues we treat are:
Aneurysms
Cardiac Catherterization, Angiography & Stenting
Congestive Heart Failure Treatment Center
Coronary Bypass Surgery
Coronary Heart Disease
Coumadin & Anticoagulation Clinic
Diabetes
Dizziness, Palpitations, & Heart Rhythmn
Heart Valve Problems
High Cholesterol & Triglycerides
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Nuclear Cardiac Scanning
Nutrition Programs
Pacemakers
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Preventive Health Programs
Stroke Prevention
Swelling (Edema) of the Legs & Ankles
Treatment & Prevention of Obesity
Ultrasound Testing & Echocardiography
Vein Care
Womens Health