Tips on Stroke, High Blood Pressure & Heart Disease Risk Factors

Stroke:

What are the warning signs of stroke?

Stroke is our nation's No. 3 killer, and one of the leading causes of disability. Almost every minute someone in America has a stroke. It's important to know the warning signs of this condition because stroke is a medical emergency.

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

High Blood Pressure:

Why is High Blood Pressure called the "silent killer"?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the "silent killer" because most of the time it has no symptoms. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked regularly. If you have high blood pressure, your health care provider can help find the best treatment for you including lifestyle changes and/or medications. Now is a great time to have your blood pressure checked!

Heart Disease Risk Factors:

There are some risk factors for heart disease such as increasing age, male gender and heredity that we can't do anything about. But there are others we can. Here are some suggestions on how to reduce your risk of heart disease.

• Stop Smoking
• Lower high blood cholesterol
• Control your blood pressure
• Be physically active within your means
• Maintain the proper body weight.
• If you have diabetes, keep it under control.