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. Among Hispanic Americans/Latinos, the risk of stroke is 1.3 times higher at ages 35-64 than for non-Hispanics. 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. Talk to your health care provider about a heart healthy diet.
* 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 about 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. Apoplejía : Factores de Riesgo y Síntomas - Este recurso (en forma de marcador de páginas), advierte sobre los factores que pueden ocasionar la apoplejía y las síntomas que pueden indicar que alguien esté sufriendo una apoplejía y necesite ayuda médica de emergencia.

3. 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.

4. Higher Risk Factors for Hispanic Women Require Added Attention to Heart Health (Copyright © AHA) - This publication highlights the risk factors for developing heart disease and stroke that are present among hispanic and latina women. It provides links to spanish and english publications for women about both heart disease and stroke.

5. 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.

6. Principios del Cerebro: Previniendo la Apoplejía (Brain Basics: Preventing Stroke) - Esta folleto explica qué es la apoplejía, y cuáles son los síntomas y los factores de riesgo de ella. Anima al lector que intente a reducir o eliminar los factores de riesgo para prevenir la apoplejía.

Organizations

1. American Heart Association

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

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, HHS

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

6. National Stroke Association

7. Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS