Brain Attack
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel is either blocked by a clot or bursts - preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching part of the brain. Cells in this area begin to die and functions controlled by this part of the brain are lost. A stroke can affect your memory and emotions, as well as your ability to walk, talk and understand.
African Americans are at particularly high risk for heart disease and stroke - almost twice the risk of first-ever strokes and higher death rates as compared to Caucasians.
Types of Stroke
The two main types of stroke are ischemic and hemorrhagic:
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Ischemic strokes are the most common type. They're caused when blood vessels leading to the brain become blocked, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain.
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Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are minor or warning strokes. In a TIA, the blood clot occurs for a short time and resolves itself. Although TIAs are temporary, they're strong indicators of a possible major stroke.
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Hemorrhagic strokes occur when blood vessels in or around the brain break.
To find out if you're at risk for stroke, take our free online assessment. For more information, please call (480) 728-7326.
Content adapted from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Assocation's campaign Power to End Stroke.
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