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Published: November 6, 2009
Q. What are the risk factors for stroke, and how does one recognize a stroke when it occurs? -- L.M.
A. Age, gender, race and family history all help determine the risk for stroke.
Some conditions or habits that increase the risk for stroke can be managed or treated, including high blood pressure, heart disease, tobacco use, diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, physical inactivity, obesity and the occurrence of "mini-strokes."
To reduce the chances of dying or being disabled by stroke, talk with a doctor about managing risk factors.
And know the warning signs of a stroke. Here are some from the National Institutes of Health:
□ Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
□ Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
□ Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
□ Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
□ Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
A stroke sufferer may also experience double vision, drowsiness, and nausea or vomiting. The warning signs may last only a few moments. Such brief incidents are known as transient ischemic attacks, or "mini-strokes."
If you notice any of the warning signs of stroke, call 911. Every minute counts.
And there is good news. Because people better understand the causes of stroke, the national stroke-death rate has been cut nearly in half in recent years.
For more information, go to www.stroke.nih.gov.
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