It might be the second-leading cause of death worldwide, but many people do not recognize the threat stroke poses and the warning signs associated with it, according to a survey published last fall.
The survey, sponsored by the health care products company Covidien and the World Stroke Organization, found that one in 10 people knew that stroke affects women more than men. Only about 20 percent knew stroke affects one out of six people, it said.
Knowledge of warning signs and symptoms of a stroke poor as well. About 20 percent recognized slurred speech, facial or arm numbness, and headaches as warning signs and symptoms, but less than 10 percent knew that unprompted loss of balance or coordination, vision issues or confusion may also be signs of a stroke.
The American Heart/American Stroke Association urges individuals to call 9-1-1 if they see signs of a stroke. The signs are:
Drooping face
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Sudden confusion or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination
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