OSF St. Joseph Medical Center - Emergency Services

Stroke -- (apoplexy) -- (brain attack)
	Sudden attack of weakness paralyzing one side of the body. The consequence on an interruption to the blood flow to the brain. The primary disease is in the heart or blood vessels; the effects on the brain are secondary. Can cause clotting (thrombosis), a detached clot that lodges in an artery (embolus), or rupture of an artery wall (hemorrhage). Varies in severity from a passing weakness or tingling.
Transient Ischemic Attack -- (TIA) -- (mini-stroke)
	Temporary interruption of blood flow to an area of the brain. Usually caused by a clot blocking an artery. The body responds and eliminates the clot. Blood flow is restored to the brain and symptoms disappear. A TIA is a warning signal for an impending stroke.

Age	The incidence of stroke more than doubles every 10 years for people over age 55.
Gender	According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, men have a 30% greater risk of stroke than women until age 55. After age 55, the risk is the same for both men and women.
Race	African Americans and Hispanic Americans have a greater risk of stroke than those of other races.
Family History	The risk of stroke is greater if a parent, brother, or sister has had a stroke or TIA.
Prior History of Stroke or TIA	If you have already had one or more TIAs/strokes, you are at greater risk for another stroke.

Diabetes	Diabetes doubles a person’s risk of stroke due to circulation problems associated with this disease.
Coronary Artery Disease	Some of the same risk factors for heart disease are also risk factors for stroke. (See next section).
Blood Diseases	Rarely, conditions that cause blood cells to stick together and form clots increase a person’s risk for stroke. Your physician can determine if this is a factor for you during your annual physical.
Irregular Heart Rhythms	Some irregular rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, affect the flow of blood through the heart, and can increase the risk of blood clot formation.

High Blood Pressure	Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension) is the most important risk factor for stroke because it strikes on e in every three Americans. The higher the blood pressure, the greater the risk.
Smoking	As with heart disease, smoking and second hand smoke increases you risk of a stroke. If you smoke, QUIT. If you don’t, DON”T START. If a loved one smokes, urge them to quit, for BOTH of you!
High Cholesterol	As with heart disease, a high LDL or “bad” cholesterol level and a low HDL or “good” cholesterol level can be improved through lifestyle changes such as a heart healthy diet and increased exercise.
Physical Inactivity	For healthy living, the surgeon general suggests at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days.
Obesity	Obesity is classified as 20% over a person’s ideal body weight, or a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30.
Use of Certain Medications	Some examples of medications that can increase your risk of stroke are blood thinners, birth control pills, and steroids.
Heavy Alcohol	Excessive alcohol consumption, especially binge drinking, increases the risk of stroke. Binge drinking involves drinking more than five drinks in a short period of time.