Health Services
Stroke Risk Assessment in Abermain
A stroke risk assessment in Abermain takes a few minutes at our Cessnock Road pharmacy. You come away knowing which of your risk factors can change, and what to do about them.
Stroke Definition
Blood contains oxygen and important nutrients for your brain cells, when brain cells do not get enough oxygen or nutrients, they cannot survive. A stroke can occur when blood stops moving through the artery because it is blocked by a blood clot or plaque (ischaemic stroke) or because the artery breaks or bursts (haemorrhagic stroke).
Stroke Signs
The F.A.S.T. test is recommended by the Stroke Foundation as an easy way to remember the most
common signs of stroke:
- Face; Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
- Arms; Can they lift both arms?
- Speech; Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
- Time; Time is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.
Speed changes outcomes. Emergency treatment soon after symptoms begin improves the chance of survival and of a successful rehabilitation.
Other signs can appear alone or together, such as weakness or numbness in the face, an arm or a leg on either side, dizziness or an unexplained fall, sudden loss or blurring of vision, a severe headache that comes on abruptly, and trouble swallowing.
Signs that disappear within minutes may be a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). It is still an emergency: call 000 however briefly the symptoms last, because stroke risk is higher after a TIA.
Stroke Risk Factors
Most strokes are preventable because they are associated with lifestyle-related risk factors. There are some risk factors for stroke that you cannot do anything about, such as: family history, age, gender (sex) and ethnic background. However, if you have any of these risk factors, improving your lifestyle is even more important to reduce your risk of having a stroke.
Health Tips
- Increase physical activity and maintain a healthy weight
- Limit saturated fats, salt, and sugar intake
- Look at ways to reduce stress levels
- Quit smoking; smoking doubles your risk of stroke
What our stroke risk assessment in Abermain covers
The Stroke Foundation advises people to see a doctor or pharmacist about four medical risk factors:
- High blood pressure, which weakens blood vessel walls and can cause clots or plaques to break off.
- Type 2 diabetes, which affects how the body absorbs glucose.
- High cholesterol, which can narrow arteries with plaque.
- Atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat covered in the questions below.
Your pharmacist looks at where you stand and gives advice suited to you.
To put numbers to your risk, add a free blood pressure evaluation to the same visit.
Stroke questions
How does an irregular heartbeat lead to a stroke?
With atrial fibrillation, blood can pool and stagnate as it moves through the heart. A clot can form there and travel to the brain. If you notice your pulse feels irregular, see your GP.
Do women have different stroke risks?
Yes. Alongside the factors everyone shares, the Stroke Foundation lists some specific to women: pregnancy, which can raise blood pressure; oral contraceptive pills, particularly those with a higher oestrogen dose; and hormone replacement therapy, linked with a small increase in risk. Talk these through with your GP.
Where can I get stroke advice over the phone?
The Stroke Foundation runs StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 for advice and guidance.
For more ways to keep track of your health, browse our pharmacy health checks.
Pop in for a quick assessment and personalised advice.
We're just along Cessnock Rd Abermain