There are two types of stroke. An ischemic (iss-kee-mik) stroke happens when a blood vessel that goes to the brain is blocked, and blood can't get to the brain. A hemorrhagic (heh-muh-ra-jik) stroke happens when a blood vessel breaks and blood goes into the brain. Sometimes a person can have a "mini stroke," or transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA is a stroke that happens when a blood vessel to the brain is blocked for a short time and less blood reaches the brain. A stroke could cause problems that may affect speech, language, movement, vision, balance, hearing, breathing, and swallowing. A stroke could also cause death. African Americans are twice as likely to die from a stroke or its complications than any other racial or ethnic group in the U.S. There are other medical problems that put you more at risk for a stroke, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, having already had a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA), and carotid artery disease.

To avoid heart attack and stroke, the American Heart Association advises people to take the following steps:

* Don't smoke.
* Control your blood pressure. Ask your health care provider what a healthy number is for you and how often you need your blood pressure checked.
* Eat healthy.
* Lower your cholesterol to the right level, based on your personal risk.
* Get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
* Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your health care provider what a healthy weight is for you.
* Have a normal fasting blood glucose level (below 110 mg/dL). Ask your health care provider when you should be tested.

Publications

1. Age Page: Stroke: Prevention and Treatment - This fact sheet offers the definition of a stroke, tips for stroke prevention, and a list of available resources.

2. Brain Basics: Preventing Stroke - This brochure explains what stroke is, and what are its signs and major risk factors are. It proceeds to explain that stroke factors are preventable and encourages the reader to eliminate her risk factors and prevent stroke.

3. Caring for Someone Who Has Had a Stroke (Copyright © AHA) - This publication contains information on how caregivers can take care of themselves while caring for someone who has had a stroke, what a stroke is, and risk factors.

4. Know Stroke. Know the Signs. Act in Time. - This publication contains information on what a stroke is, what the signs are of some one having a stroke, and what can be done to prevent stroke.

5. Stroke: Hope Through Research - This brochure contains comprehensive information on stroke, including information on what a stroke is, what the risk factors are, and what research is being conducted in this area.

Organizations

1. American Heart Association

2. Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc.

3. CDC's WISEWOMAN™ - Well Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation

4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Information Center, NHLBI, NIH, HHS

5. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, HHS

6. National Stroke Association