If a family member was experiencing a stroke, how many people would know what to do?  According to the American Heart/American Stroke Association, stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain.  A stroke can occur when a blood vessel, responsible for carrying nutrients and oxygen to the brain, either bursts or is blocked by a clot. In the United States, stroke is the third leading cause of death, behind diseases of the heart and cancer. In 2007, strokes were responsible for 18 percent of all cardiovascular deaths in Georgia.
 
The Department of Public Health's (DPH) Cardiovascular Health Initiative (CVHI) powered up to end stroke by increasing awareness at 2 Peachtree during the month of May.  This is the month for people to know their numbers and their risk for stroke.  For example, if your combined cholesterol (LDL and HDL) is over 200 or of your blood pressure is over 140/90 or if your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30, you could be considered a high risk for cardiovascular disease.  

Strokes are often categorized into three types:  ischemic, hemorrhagic and transient ischemic attack (TIA).  Ischemic strokes occur when there is an obstruction or blockage in a vessel that supplies blood to the brain.  Ischemic strokes account for 87 percent of all stroke cases.  A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures.  Transient ischemic attacks, often referred to as mini strokes, are caused by a clot.  According to the American Heart Association, transient ischemic attacks should be taken seriously, as the only difference between a TIA and an ischemic attack is that TIA is transient (temporary).    

To know the warning signs of stroke, remember the acronym F.A.S.T.  This will help you to understand what to look for in the event a person is having symptoms of stroke and there is no medical professional on site.  Remember the acronym F.A.S.T. stands for:
Face:  Ask the person to smile.  Does one side of their face droop?
Arm:  Ask the person to raise both arms.  Does one arm drift downwards?
Speech:  Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.  Is their speech slurred or strange?
Time:  If you observe any one of these signs, call 911 immediately!  

-Story by Kendra King, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Intern, Cardiovascular Health Initiative Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program & Kiley Morgan, PhD, MS, MPH, CHES, Worksite Wellness Coordinator, Cardiovascular Health Initiative Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Programs