Facts about Stroke

A stroke causes brain tissue to die, which can lead to brain damage, disability, and death.  A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, happens in one of two ways:

• Ischemic stroke—when the blood supply to the brain is blocked
• Hemorrhagic stroke—when a blood vessel in the brain bursts

Stroke prevalence

• Stroke is the 3rd highest cause of death in Malaysia
• Stroke can happen to anyone and at ANY AGE

Are you at risk for stroke?

Several factors that are beyond your control can increase your risk for stroke.

• Age
• Gender
• Ethnicity 
• But there are many unhealthy habits, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and not getting enough exercise, that you can change to lower your stroke risk.
• Using tobacco products and having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity can also increase your risk for stroke. 

The F.A.S.T rule. 

F – Check their FACE. Is their face/mouth drooping?
A – Can they lift both ARMS?
S – Is their SPEECH slurred? Can they understand you?
T – TIME is critical. Call a doctor now

Other common signs of stroke are

• Sudden dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
• Sudden numbness of the face, arm, or leg
• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding others

“Stroke is a medical emergency, and stroke treatment and outcomes depend on how fast you get to the hospital and the type of stroke the person had.”

Try to reach the hospital within 3 hours.

Because it is very important for the person to get recovery past as well as reduce the impairments of the individualslike mobility (ability to walk around independently),muscle weakness or paralysis(ability to move the hand and legs),and also prevention of later complications.

“Patient must reach hospital within 3-6 hours to minimize the chance of permanent impairment”

Prevention is better than cure<insert small images for each point>

• Eat a healthy diet low in sodium with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Maintain a healthy weight. 
• Be physically active
• Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Limit alcohol use. 
• Prevent or manage your other health conditions