Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. That’s more than 795,000 people each year, and about 610,000 of them are their first or new strokes.

Strokes happen very quickly, often developing within minutes to hours. However, the impact on your health and quality of life can last for years, and some people are never the same. But there is some good news: despite their severity, strokes are largely preventable. Recognizing the early signs of stroke and understanding your risk factors can make all the difference.

With access to a wide network of primary care physicians, neurologists, and cardiologists, TopLine MD Alliance is here to provide you with potentially life-saving information about stroke prevention and when to seek medical care. Keep reading to learn the warning signs of stroke, common risk factors of stroke, and practical steps you can take to lower your chances of experiencing one.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a brain attack that occurs when blood flow to your brain is interrupted by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). This disruption prevents oxygen and other vital nutrients from reaching your brain cells, and without them, the cells begin to die within minutes.

What causes a stroke?

Each type of stroke has its own unique set of causes. For instance, the blockage that leads to ischemic strokes (which account for 90% of all strokes) is often caused by:

  • Atherosclerosis – Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque builds up in the walls of your blood vessels, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to your brain.
  • Blood clots – Blood clots can form in your brain or travel from another part of your body, such as your heart or lungs.

In comparison, the sudden bleeding that brings on hemorrhagic strokes is often caused by:

  • High blood pressure – High blood pressure damages your blood vessels, making them more prone to rupture.
  • Aneurysms – Aneurysms are abnormal bulges in your blood vessels that can also rupture.
  • Arteriovenous malformations – Known as AVMs for short, these tangled clusters of blood vessels disrupt your normal blood flow.

Many risk factors contribute to both types of strokes. Some are beyond your control, while others can be improved by making lifestyle changes.

Are certain people more at risk for stroke?

Yes, your age, gender, race, and family history all contribute to a higher risk of stroke.

  • Age – Your risk of stroke increases as you get older. Approximately 75% of strokes happen in people over the age of 65. However, 10-15% of strokes occur in people under the age of 50, and these rates are rising.
  • Gender – Women are more likely to have a stroke than men, and stroke is currently the third-highest cause of death for women. Pregnancy, preeclampsia, and hormone replacement therapy are all known to increase stroke risk.
  • Race – African-Americans and Hispanics/Latinos have a higher risk of stroke, likely due to increased rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and other health complications.
  • Family history – A family history of stroke (especially among parents, siblings, and other close relatives) increases your risk. Genetic factors such as blood clotting, blood vessel structure, and high blood pressure can also play a role.

The following lifestyle factors also put you at greater risk of having a stroke and other chronic health issues.

  • Weight – Being overweight (BMI between 25 and 29.9) or obese (BMI of 30 or higher) increases your risk of ischemic strokes.
  • Smoking – Smoking damages your blood vessels, promotes the buildup of plaque, raises your blood pressure, and forms more blood clots – all excellent reasons to quit smoking and lower your stroke risk.
  • Poor diet – Eating excessive amounts of salt, sugar, and processed foods contributes to other stroke risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
  • Lack of exercise – Being sedentary isn’t good for your health. Even moderate exercise reduces your risk of stroke, so aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.
  • Alcohol consumption – Heavy drinking is associated with higher stroke risk, due to the negative impact that alcohol can have on blood pressure, blood clots, and more.

What health conditions increase your stroke risk?

High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke, but heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes are also connected to both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Here’s why:

  • High blood pressure – As mentioned above, high blood pressure damages your blood vessels, making them more prone to rupture.
  • Heart disease – Certain types of heart disease, such as coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation, can cause blood clots that travel to your brain.
  • Diabetes – Diabetes also damages your blood vessels, while high blood sugar levels can prevent oxygen and other vital nutrients from reaching your brain.
  • High cholesterol – High cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in your arteries that can restrict blood flow.

What are the warning signs of a stroke?

Because strokes happen so quickly, it’s important to recognize and share the warning signs with others. You could save someone’s life – and possibly your own.

The American Heart Association created these F.A.S.T. warning signs to help everyone spot the early signs of a stroke:

F = Face drooping

Is one side of the person’s face drooping? Ask them to smile, so you can see if their smile is uneven.

A = Arm weakness

Is one of the person’s arms weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms and check if one arm drifts downward.

S = Speech difficulty

Is the person’s speech slurred when they talk?

T = Time to call 911

A stroke is a medical emergency, and every minute counts. Call 911 immediately, and try to note the time when any symptoms first appeared.

What if there’s no one else nearby to alert you? Here are some additional stroke symptoms that you should know.

Watch for any sudden:

  • Numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of your body
  • Confusion, including trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance
  • Severe headache with no known cause

What should you do if you suspect someone is having a stroke?

If you or anyone else is having a stroke, it’s critical to get medical attention right away. Immediate treatment can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

Call 911 right away if any stroke warning signs are present.

What are mini-strokes?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is commonly referred to as a mini-stroke. A TIA is also a medical emergency with the same symptoms as ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes. However, because most TIA symptoms last less than 24 hours, and sometimes only for a few minutes, they are often dismissed and not taken seriously.

TIAs, which occur before approximately 15% of strokes, are considered “warning strokes” by most medical providers. Full-blown strokes and other cardiovascular problems often happen just days or weeks after a TIA, making early interventions to lower your risk even more critical.

Take charge of your stroke risk.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of stroke. This is often easier said than done, but TopLine MD Alliance Network providers are here to support you every step of the way.

  • Control your blood pressure – As the leading risk factor for stroke, your blood pressure is very important. Aim for readings that are consistently below 130/80 mmHg.
  • Manage cholesterol levels – Work with your provider to manage your cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication if needed.
  • Watch your blood sugar levels – If you have diabetes, always monitor your blood sugar levels. High or low blood sugar can be dangerous. 
  • Maintain a healthy weight – Losing even a small amount of weight (such as 10% of your body weight) can lower your stroke risk.
  • Eat a balanced diet – Focus on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats while limiting saturated and trans fats, salt, and sugar.
  • Exercise regularly – The World Stroke Organization reports that exercising just 25 minutes a day can reduce your risk of stroke by 25%. 
  • Don’t smoke – Quitting smoking lowers your stroke risk and improves your health in many valuable ways.
  • Drink alcohol in moderation – Excessive alcohol consumption raises your blood pressure and stroke risk, so drink in moderation.
  • Visit your primary care provider – Go for regular checkups to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors.
  • Handle heart conditions – Work with your primary care provider and/or cardiologist to address any heart conditions that contribute to your stroke risk.

Find a TopLine MD Alliance Network provider today

The TopLine MD Alliance was created by physicians who came together to make healthcare experiences better for patients. We help patients navigate the healthcare system, connecting them with top-of-the-line healthcare providers, practices, diagnostic centers, and imaging centers we trust.

It’s easy to get started! Explore our many specialties and find a provider near you today.

The TopLine MD Alliance is an association of independent physicians and medical practice groups who are committed to providing a higher standard of healthcare services. The members of the TopLine MD Alliance have no legal or financial relationship with one another. The TopLine MD Alliance brand has no formal corporate, financial or legal ties to any of the physicians or practice groups in the network.