Did you know that symptoms of a stroke can appear up to one month before it occurs? Stroke or CVA, is a medical emergency, just like a heart attack, so it’s important to know the signs of a stroke and act quickly if you suspect someone is having one.
Symptom #1: Persistently Elevated Blood Pressure
Persistently high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a key risk factor for stroke. When blood pressure is elevated, it exerts excessive force on artery walls, which can cause blood vessel damage, narrowing, or even rupture over time, significantly contributing to stroke risk. High blood pressure can result in a hemorrhagic stroke if a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding, or in an ischemic stroke if it damages arteries that supply blood to the brain, leading to reduced blood flow or obstruction. Controlling hypertension through lifestyle changes and prescribed medications is essential to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
Symptom #2: Excessive Fatigue
Extreme or persistent fatigue that is unrelated to physical exertion or lack of sleep could signal a narrowing or clotting in arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain. Sometimes, excessive fatigue can precede a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which serves as a warning for an impending stroke. A TIA temporarily reduces blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms that disappear within 24 hours. This rapid resolution of symptoms should not be ignored, as it often signals a higher risk of a stroke.
Symptom #3: Vision Problems
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