You can reduce your risk of a stroke in many ways

Each artery supplies blood to specific areas of the brain, as well as the oxygen and nutrients the brain needs to function.  A stroke occurs when one of these arteries to the brain either is blocked or bursts. As a result, part of the brain does not get the blood it needs, so it starts to die. This happens within minutes.

There are two kinds of stroke. The more common kind, called ischemic stroke, is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. Unless nearby blood vessels can deliver enough blood to the affected area, brain cells will begin to die and stroke survivors will start to have problems using certain parts of their bodies or completely lose some abilities to function.

The other kind, called hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain.

“Mini-strokes” or transient ischemic attacks occur when the blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted.

The symptoms of stroke are distinct because they happen quickly:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

If you have any of these symptoms, get to a hospital quickly so you can be treated. Acute stroke therapies try to stop a stroke while it is happening by quickly dissolving the blood clot or by stopping the bleeding. Post-stroke rehabilitation helps individuals overcome disabilities that result from stroke damage. Drug therapy with blood thinners is the most common treatment for a stroke.

Although stroke is a disease of the brain, it can affect the entire body. The effects of a stroke range from mild to severe and can include paralysis, problems with thinking, problems with speaking and emotional problems. Patients may also experience pain or numbness after a stroke.

You can help reduce your chance of stroke by understanding the following risk factors:

• High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most common causes of stroke. Make sure to check it often and keep it under control.

• Arterial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that changes how your heart works and can cause blood to pool in parts of your heart, which can form clots and cause a stroke. Work with your doctor to manage an irregular heartbeat.

• Smoking doubles the risk for stroke and alcohol can also increase your risk for stroke. Stop smoking and drink in moderation.

• Having high cholesterol puts you at greater risk for heart disease, which can increase your stroke risk. Get your cholesterol checked and work with your doctor to maintain healthy levels.

• Having diabetes puts you at an increased risk for stroke so keep your blood sugar in check.

• Include exercise in your daily routine. Even a little bit of exercise. A brisk walk, bicycle ride, swim or yard work can improve your health and may reduce your risk of stroke.

• Follow a low sodium (salt), low fat diet.

By cutting down on salt and fat in your diet, you may lower your blood pressure and, more importantly, lower your risk for stroke.

By managing these risk factors, you increase your chance of preventing a stroke. And acting quickly if you see signs of a stroke may potentially save a life.

Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. For more information visit Lindo’s at www.lindos.bm