Nine in ten Canadians (24 million) have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Although strokes can occur at any age, most strokes occur in people over 65.
If you’ve had a previous stroke or a TIA, which is also known as a mini-stroke, your risk of stroke is greater.
First Nations people and those of African or South Asian descent are more likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes, and therefore are at greater risk of heart disease and stroke than the general population.
High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease.
Individuals with atrial fibrillation have a risk of stroke that is 3 to 5 times greater than those without atrial fibrillation.
Diabetes increases the risk of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), coronary artery disease and stroke, particularly if your blood sugar levels are poorly controlled.
By adopting healthy behaviours, you can delay the onset of heart disease or stroke by as much as 14 years.
Up to 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable by adopting healthy behaviours.
People can have a stroke while they are asleep, and wake up with stroke symptoms. This is also a medical emergency that requires immediate action.
Stroke doesn’t just happen in the elderly; in fact, up to 10 percent of strokes happen in people aged 18 to 54. Infants and children can experience stroke too. The risk of stroke does increase with age.
The sooner a stroke patient gets to the hospital, the better his or her chance of receiving treatment that could help reverse or minimize the effects of the stroke.
There is hope. Stroke can be prevented and treated.
