More than half a million people have their first stroke every year in the U.S. Although the condition is serious and potentially deadly, the attack is preventable in up to 80% of cases, according to the new prevention guidelines issued by the American Stroke Association.
A stroke is a medical condition that occurs when the blood vessel in the brain ruptures or forms clots, thereby blocking the flow of blood. When the blood flow and oxygen supply get disrupted, the brain cells die leading to further complications such as paralysis, memory loss, disabilities, and even death. Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, some types of cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation, and a personal or family history of a stroke or heart attack.
