Stroke - Infographic

Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain suddenly stops. The key symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word FAST (Face Arms Speech Time). Eighty percent of stroke deaths are preventable. Most stroke deaths occur in females.

The main types of stroke are Ischemic (blood supply is stopped due to a blood clot) and hemorrhagic (weakened blood vessel supplying the brain bursts). Although stroke can happen at any age, older people are most at risk of having a stroke.

High blood pressure is the key risk factor for stroke. Other risk factors include smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity and poor diet. Treatment options include administering tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), implantation of medical devices or endovascular surgery.