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From awareness to action. Know the signs of stroke.Nearly 800,000 Americans will have a stroke this year. The good news is 80% of them are preventable through healthy lifestyle adjustments. Know your risks, how to manage them, and what to do if you believe you or someone you love might be having a stroke. Intermountain Health is here to help you on your journey. 
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Know Your Numbers and RisksYour risks for stroke can be partially genetics (or related to family history), but many risk factors are controllable through awareness and lifestyle changes. 80% of strokes in America are preventable. Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss a plan to minimize your potential risks. Risk factors you can control include:
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Know how to minimize risk, and what the signs are you or a loved one may be experiencing a stroke.High Blood PressureAccording to the American Heart Association (AHA), nearly half of American have high blood pressure, which is the leading cause of stroke and the most significant factor you can control. Ideally, your blood pressure should be 120/80 or lower. DiabetesWhile many people with diabetes are overweight and have high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, it is a risk factor by itself. Even if your weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure are managed, diabetes still increases your risk of stroke. High CholesterolHigh cholesterol can increase potential for blocked arteries. If one of the arteries in your brain becomes blocked, it can result in a stroke. Ideal cholesterol levels are at or below 150 mg/dL. If you have high blood pressure or don’t know whether you do, schedule an appointment with your doctor to find out, and best manage it.
Poor DietDiets high in saturated fats, trans fats, or cholesterol can raise your blood cholesterol levels. Additionally, diets high in sodium can increase blood pressure. Excessive calorie intake can lead to obesity. Talk to your doctor about the best diet for your individual health. Physical InactivityA lack of activity can increase your risk for stroke, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes. If you get fewer than 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity in a week, you may be at higher risk for stroke. It’s never too late to incorporate activity into your daily routine. SmokingThe nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke is damaging to your heart and blood vessels. Bot will put you at higher risk for stroke. According to the AHA, nearly 60% of stroke survivors have a history of smoking. Talk to your doctor to make a plan to quit smoking and eliminate the unnecessary risks of it. What are the signs of stroke?A simple way to remember the signs of stroke is: BE FAST
Balance: Sudden difficulty with balance or coordination |