There are three types of stroke: Ischemic, Hemorrhagic, and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). 87% of strokes are ischemic. An ischemic stroke happens when blood flow through the artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes blocked. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures (breaks open). The leaked blood puts too much pressure on brain cells which damages them. High blood pressure and aneurysms are conditions that can cause a hemorrhagic stroke. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is referred to as a mini-stroke. In this case, blood flow to the brain is blocked for only a short time, usually no more than five minutes.
A transient ischemic attack is a warning sign of a future stroke. Some people call it a wake-up call. If you have a stroke, even a mini-stroke it’s important to call 911 immediately. Did you know that more than a third of people who have a transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke) and don’t get treatment have a major stroke within a year? As many as 10-15% of people will have a major stroke within 3 months of a mini-stroke.
According to the American Heart Association, 35 percent of people reported transient ischemic attack symptoms but 97 percent of them simply waited for their symptoms to subside rather than call 911. If you have symptoms, call 911 immediately. Surprisingly, it is estimated that more than one in three American adults have experienced a mini-stroke. Age, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, family history, and history of a previous stroke or mini-stroke are all risk factors for having a stroke. For those who survive, many will have life-long disabilities. After a stroke it can be difficult to walk, talk, eat, and complete everyday tasks. Kim Zolciak from the Real Housewives of Atlanta suffered a mini-stroke at just 37 years old. She said that the left side of her body went completely numb and her speech was gone. Thankfully she got to the hospital soon. Every minute counts.
That is really scary. I don’t know what you do if you live alone. I am researching medical alert systems on consumer reports but you might not have time to push a button for help. Then you could be lying in your house for several days. There’s also a digital assistant. I guess it’s a good idea to have neighbors regularly check on you if you live alone.