Stroke
The Facts
Each year, about 700,000 Americans have a stroke, and about 150,000 people die from stroke. Stroke is also a leading cause of serious, long-term disability.What Is Stroke?
Stroke affects the arteries in and around the brain. It occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain either bursts or is blocked by a clot, killing brain tissue that doesn't receive its needed oxygen and nutrients.Who Is At Risk?
Risk factors for stroke include:
- High blood pressure (greater than 140 mmHg systolic pressure or 90 mmHg diastolic pressure)
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heart or artery disease
- Being overweight (a Body Mass Index higher than 25) and physical inactivity
- High cholesterol (200 mg/dL or higher)
- Previous stroke
What Can I Do?
- Don't smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
- Aim for a healthy weight (a Body Mass Index lower than 25)
- Reduce the amount of fat and salt in your diet
- Be physically active each day for 30 to 60 minutes
- Limit alcohol consumption - one drink per day for women and two for men
- Lower high blood pressure, with medication if necessary
- Control your diabetes
- Take all medications as prescribed
You should also know the key stroke symptoms - if these occur abruptly, call 911 immediately:
- Feeling weak, numb or unable to move a certain body part
- Blurred or fuzzy vision, or partial or complete vision loss
- A very painful headache
- Have trouble talking or understanding others
- Dizziness, loss of balance or trouble walking
Why Choose UVa for Stroke Treatment?
Stroke patients at the University of Virginia Health System benefit from having specialized care at UVa's Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations certified Primary Stroke Center. Primary Stroke Centers meet nationally accepted quality standards developed by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association to care for stroke patients. UVa is well-prepared to treat you with proven therapies, including quickly administering clot-busting drugs that can help prevent death and long-term disability. Patients also have access to the only JCAHO-certified stroke rehabilitation center in Virginia.Click here to see how UVa performs against national quality standards for stroke care.
Click here to find UVa stroke physician.