Learning About Your Risk for Stroke and the Warning Signs

Certain health and lifestyle issues—called risk factors—increase your chances of having a stroke. A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or is blocked. The blood supply to part of the brain, and the oxygen it carries, is reduced. This damages the brain.

The biggest risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. But there are many other factors that also put you at risk. Talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of stroke and improve your overall health.

Risk factors are different for each person. Some factors, such as your age, can't be changed. But others can be managed. Knowing your risk factors can help you make healthy changes.

Check off the risk factors that apply to you.

_______ You have high blood pressure.

_______ You are at a higher weight.

_______ You have high cholesterol.

_______ You have atrial fibrillation.

_______ You have atrial flutter.

_______ You've had a heart attack.

_______ You've had a stroke.

_______ You have narrowed arteries.

_______ You have diabetes.

_______ You have sleep apnea.

_______ You have polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).

_______ You rarely exercise.

_______ You often eat salty, fried, or greasy foods.

_______ You smoke, vape, or use other tobacco or nicotine products.

_______ You have more than 2 alcohol drinks per day.

_______ You're over age 60.

_______ A parent or sibling has had a stroke.

_______ You are biologically female.

_______ You are African American.

_______ You are Alaska Native.

_______ You are Native American.

Any of the factors above may put you at increased risk for stroke. But having 3 or more of 5 certain risk factors raises your risk more. This is a condition called metabolic syndrome. These factors include:

• Too much weight around your waist.
• High blood pressure.
• High blood sugar.
• Low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
• High levels of triglycerides.

BE FAST is a simple way to remember the main symptoms of a stroke. These symptoms happen suddenly. So knowing what to look for helps you know when to call for medical help.

BE FAST stands for:

• Balance. Loss of balance or trouble walking.
• Eyes. Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.
• Face. Weakness or drooping on one side of the face.
• Arm. Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg.
• Speech. Trouble speaking.
• Time to call 911.

Also call 911 if you have other stroke symptoms, including:

• Sudden confusion.
• Sudden trouble understanding simple statements.
• Fainting.
• A seizure.
• A sudden, severe headache.

If you have a stroke, quick treatment may save your life. And it may reduce the damage in your brain so that you have fewer problems after the stroke.