Signs and Risk Factors of Stroke

Strokes can be life-altering and sometimes even fatal. But the good news is that preventing strokes is possible. Learning the risk factors for stroke — and how to control those you can — and knowing the signs and symptoms can save your life or that of a loved one.

To assess your risk of stroke, schedule a complete vascular screening package.

An annual well visit with a primary care provider can also help identify risk factors and the treatments necessary to avoid one. Need a provider? Find one accepting new patients.

Risk Factors of Stroke

Strokes are more common the older you get. They are slightly more common in women than in men and in African American and Hispanic individuals. If you have any of the following, you could be at risk for a stroke:

• African American and Hispanic ethnic background
• Cardiovascular diseases, such as atrial fibrillation, carotid artery disease and coronary heart disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels
• History of birth control or hormone replacement therapy use or of preeclampsia during pregnancy in women
• Personal or family history of strokes
• Sickle-cell disease
• Smoking

You are also at risk for a stroke if you are overweight, if you smoke, abuse alcohol or do not exercise regularly.

Early Signs of Stroke

The most common warning signs of stroke can be remembered by thinking “F.A.S.T.”

• Face: One side of the face is drooping.
• Arms: One arm experiences weakness.
• Speech: Speech is slurred or difficult
• Time: If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 911 immediately.

If you think you are experiencing a stroke or witnessing someone else have one, you should call for an ambulance and not attempt to drive to the hospital.

This ensures that the person having the stroke will get appropriate medical treatment as quickly as possible — much sooner than if a loved one drives him or her to the emergency room.

Signs of Stroke in Men

Stroke is a leading cause of death for men in South Carolina. In addition to the common symptoms of stroke listed above, men can experience:

• Dizziness
• Severe headache
• Sudden confusion
• Sudden numbness on one side of the body
• Trouble seeing

Signs of Stroke in Women

Stroke in women usually looks just like stroke in men. But women may also have:

• Fatigue
• General weakness
• Nausea or vomiting

Signs of Mild Stroke

It is possible for a person to have a mild stroke, or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), and then feel better a few hours later. But a TIA is often a warning sign that a larger stroke is coming. The symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke but do not last as long. Still, if you think you are experiencing one, it’s critical to see one of our providers at Beaufort Memorial immediately.