More than 700,000 strokes occur in the U.S. every year. For older Hispanic Americans, stroke is the third leading cause of de ath after heart disease and cancer. Strokes also cause more serious long-term disabilities than any other disease.
Most often, a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot. Brain cells are damaged or begin to die because they don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need.
The brain then stops sending signals to other parts of the body that control things like speaking, thinking, and walking.
Learning more about stroke can help you act in time to save a family member or friend.
New treatments greatly reduce the damage caused by a stroke, but you need to act quickly.
Knowing the symptoms of a stroke, calling 911 immediately, and getting to a hospital are critical. And making lifestyle changes can help prevent a stroke.
For example, it is important to stop smoking, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and work to control high blood pressure and manage diabetes.