Follow Dr. Jose Biller's 'FAST' Tips to Reduce the Risk of Stroke

Stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting the blood flow to an area of the brain. It can happen to anyone at any age. Scientists have now come up with easy to remember pointers, which can help reduce the risk of having a stroke.

Dr. Jose Biller, from Chicago-based Loyola University’s Department of Neurology believes that one can significantly reduce the risk of a stroke by controlling factors such as tobacco and alcohol intake, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, transient ischemic attacks (mini strokes), diabetes, obesity and heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation. He said, "It is crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke and prompt treatment potentially can reduce stroke damage significantly."

How to Deal with a Stroke - Signs - Symptoms - Risk Factors - Prevention
Stroke is a brain attack, which occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. It affects all age groups; according to the WHO, 15 million people are affected by stroke annually.

Dr. Biller has listed the following four steps to avoid a stroke. He calls it ’FAST’-

F- Face. Ask the person to smile, and see if one side of the face droops.

A- Arms. Ask the person to raise both arms, and check whether one arm drifts downwards

Stroke – Early Warning Signs - Risk Factor - Rehab - Treatment
Stroke can cause permanent disability and it is important to recognize its early warning signs to stop its progress. Early warning signs of stroke include sudden weakness of facial muscles.

S- Speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase, and see if the speech sounds slurred or strange.

T- Time. If you observe any of these signs, it is an emergency.

Low-Dose Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke Among Diabetic Patients
Low-dose aspirin therapy was evaluated in a retrospective cohort study to see its effect in the primary prevention of ischemic stroke among patients with diabetes.

Source-Medindia

Stroke Survivors Need Emotional Support
About 152,000 individuals in England are affected by stroke annually. The repercussions of stroke include both physical disability and emotional stress.