Learn More About Strokes and Risk Factors You Can Control

Approximately 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stoke each year and is the leading cause of serious, long-term disabilities.  In addition, strokes result in more than 140,000 deaths annually.  Seniors are at the most risk for strokes as 75% of them occur in adults over the age of 65.  However, the good news is the majority of strokes are preventable.  According to the American Stroke Association, there are several risks factors you can “control, treat and improve.”     

High blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for a stroke as well as one of the most controllable.  In fact, doctors attribute the current decline in stroke-related deaths to today’s effective high blood pressure treatments and medications. 

Another significant risk factor you can control is to stop smoking.  Nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke causes damage to the cardiovascular system and increases the likelihood of a stroke.  In addition, diabetes, cholesterol, a poor diet, obesity, excessive alcohol use, and heart disease can also increase your risk for a stroke.   

Uncontrollable risk factors include genetics, age and gender.  Furthermore, while more men suffer from strokes, they are more deadly for women.    

Everyone should be familiar with the signs of a stroke.  The American Stroke Association using the word “FAST” to help us spot the signs and remember what to do.  “F” stands for face dropping, “A” stands for arm weakness, “S” for speech difficultly, and “T” for its time to call 911.   

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MorningStar at Arrowhead represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Call to schedule a visit to the finest retirement homes Peoria AZ has to offer. 

Source: strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/UnderstandingRisk/Understanding-Stroke-Risk_UCM_308539_SubHomePage.jsp