Stroke Disease Prevention

How to Prevent a Stroke
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What causes a Stroke?
 Stroke- also called CVA/cerebrovascular accident, death of brain tissue, lack of
blood flow, insufficient oxygen
 Stroke- blood flow to the brain is disrupted due to a clot or aneurism, brain cells
can die due to a lack of oxygen; bleeding in or around the brain; brain attack
o Can be Caused by- severe anemia, carbon monoxide poisoning, leukemia,
polycythemia (abnormal blood cells or blood clotting), atrial fibrillation,
narrowing of carotid arteries
Signs and Symptoms:
 Symptoms- numbness or weakness of the arm, face or leg usually on 1 side of the
body, trouble talking/understanding others; severe unexplained headache;
sudden dimness or vision loss; unexplained falls or dizziness
Facts:
 TIA/Transient Ischemic Attack- insufficient blood supply to part of the brain;
early warning sign of a stroke
 Major Risk Factors- high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries from fatty buildup)
 Hemorrhagic Stroke- blood vessel bursts, blood leaks into an area in the brain,
destroys it, prevents normal blood flow
 Edema- fluid retention in one or many areas, swelling in the brain causing
pressure that can damage brain tissue, making neurological problems worse
What can I do?
 See your Health Care Provider- CT, MRI scan, electrocardiogram, medicines to
help prevent/ control strokes, ultrasound
 See Registered Dietitian- for help as needed
 See FoodFitnessFirst.com Registered Dietitian - on line for help
 Control- Blood Pressure, Cholesterol Levels, Weight, Sodium, Fat, learn to handle
stress, control your diabetes, eat healthy, limit alcohol, AVOID-tobacco
 Meats- fish, chicken (no skin) that is broiled, boiled, baked, roasted, stewed,
grilled, or stir-fried without sauces and gravies;
 AVOID- rich cakes, pies, pastries, fried foods, pizza, casseroles, bacon, sausage,
cured ham, hotdogs, foods high in sodium as pickles, chips, snack foods, tomato
based canned foods as spaghetti sauce, tomato soup, canned tomatoes, V-8 and
tomato juices, salted nuts, olives, sauerkraut, cheese puffs, crackers