Strokes are often called “brain attacks” because they occur when blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted, depriving cells of vital oxygen. According to the CDC, a stroke occurs in the U.S. every 40 seconds.

While the statistics are sobering, medical advancements are shifting toward a new era of precision prevention. By understanding your specific risk profile and monitoring your health data, you can significantly lower your chances of experiencing a life-altering event.

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1. Types of Stroke: Ischemic vs. Hemorrhagic

About 90% of all strokes fall into the Ischemic category, but both types require immediate emergency care.

• Ischemic Stroke: Occurs when a blood clot or plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) blocks an artery leading to the brain.

• Hemorrhagic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, causing blood to pool and put pressure on brain tissue.

• TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack): Often called a “mini-stroke,” this is a temporary blockage. While it doesn’t cause permanent damage, it is a major warning sign that a full stroke may be imminent.

2. “Life’s Essential 8”: The Gold Standard for Prevention

The American Heart Association identifies eight key areas, divided into Health Behaviors and Health Factors, that act as the foundation for stroke prevention.

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3. The Power of Self-Monitoring

As Dr. Jason Hinman of UCLA Health notes, the “next frontier” of stroke medicine involves individualized risk prediction.

• Wearables & Apps: Smartwatches and tracking apps allow you to gather thousands of data points on your heart rate, sleep quality, and activity levels.

• A “Truer Picture”: Sharing this ongoing data with your doctor provides a much more accurate view of your health than a once-a-year checkup, allowing for more precise adjustments to your treatment plan.

4. Act FAST: Recognizing the Warning Signs

When a stroke occurs, “Time is Brain.” Every minute of delay can result in the loss of millions of neurons. Use the BE FAST acronym to identify symptoms:

• B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.

• E – Eyes: Sudden blurred or double vision, or loss of sight.

• F – Face: Does one side of the face droop when smiling?

• A – Arms: Does one arm drift downward when both are raised?

• S – Speech: Is speech slurred or strange? Can they repeat a simple sentence?

• T – Time: Call 911 (or local emergency services) immediately….

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The post How to Reduce Stroke Risk: Prevention Tips & BE FAST Warning Signs first appeared on Rightsofemployees.com.