How to spot and prevent a stroke

Strokes can feel like they come out of nowhere. But with a little knowledge, you can detect the signs early. Paying attention when something feels different—like your arm feels weak, or your vision changes—can mean the difference in getting life-saving help at the right time.

Strokes are a big risk. In fact, they’re the fifth-highest leading cause of death in the United States.¹ But you’re not alone in managing your health—CenterWell Pharmacy® is here to help.

What is a stroke?

Strokes are usually caused by a blocked artery, which stops blood flow to the brain. They can also be caused by bleeding in the brain. Both causes prevent brain cells from getting the oxygen they need to survive. Though the cells die quickly, the signs of a stroke can be subtle. These signs could show up over many hours or days.² 

Sometimes, people experience a “transient ischemic attack,” or TIA—also called a ministroke. This happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain for a moment and then passes on. The symptoms don’t last as long, but that doesn’t make them any less serious. A TIA could mean a bigger stroke is coming.²

Watching for stroke symptoms

To help you spot the signs in time, follow the “B.E. F.A.S.T.” method. This method stands for the 6 signs and steps you need to know to identify an oncoming stroke. When you follow “B.E.F.A.S.T.,” you look out for: 

• B - Balance problems
• E - Eye issues, like vision loss or double vision in one or both eyes
• F - Facial drooping 
• A - Arm weakness on one side
• S - Speech difficulties 

And when these symptoms appear, it’s:

• T - Time to call 911 and note when the symptoms started 

Preventing strokes and TIA

To lower your risk and stay on a healthy path, you can:

1. Eat a healthy diet. Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains give your body the nutrients it needs and help control cholesterol, blood pressure, weight and diabetes.³
2. Quit smoking and limit alcohol use. Smoking cigarettes and drinking too much alcohol (more than 2 drinks per day) can raise your blood pressure, give you an irregular heartbeat or lead to other issues.³
3. Schedule regular doctor visits. Your doctor can recommend a treatment plan and answer your questions. You may want to ask your doctor about your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, whether you should take a statin, and other ways to lower your risk.⁴
4. Manage your risk factors. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and even an irregular heartbeat can all increase your risk. Your doctor may prescribe you blood thinners or other medications to help manage these conditions.³
5. Stick with your treatment plan. Taking your medication on time, every time is one of the best ways to manage your symptoms. Stopping treatment early can have dangerous side effects.

Medication to prevent and treat strokes

Based on the cause and risk factors, your doctor may prescribe one of many medications to treat you, including:

• Statins to help lower cholesterol
• Antiplatelet drugs stop blood from clotting in the weeks after a stroke⁵
• Anticoagulants to stop blood from clotting—but not at the same time as an antiplatelet drug⁵
• Antihypertensive drugs to lower blood pressure
• Angiotensin receptor drugs to lower blood pressure and treat kidney disease in people with diabetes⁶

You may have heard about taking aspirin to stop a stroke. Aspirin thins the blood, which is why it can help break up blood clots—but until a doctor can check your symptoms, there’s no way to know what caused your stroke. Sometimes, taking aspirin can make your symptoms worse. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor before trying to start or stop medication.⁷

Take the next step with your prescriptions

While you’re starting those healthy habits, be sure you fill any prescription your doctor gives you. When you’re ready, fill your prescription at CenterWell Pharmacy to get it delivered securely to your door and enjoy 24/7 support from our dedicated team.

This material is provided for informational use only and should not be construed as medical advice or used in place of consulting a licensed medical professional. You should consult with your doctor to determine what is right for you. 

Sources:

1. “Stroke Overview,” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, last accessed September 23, 2024.
2. “Let’s Talk About Stroke, TIA and Warning Signs,” American Stroke Association, last accessed September 23, 2024.
3. “7 things you can do to prevent a stroke,” Harvard Health Publishing, last accessed September 20, 2024
4. “Medicines to Prevent Heart Attack and Stroke: Questions for the Doctor,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, last accessed September 20, 2024.
5. “Drugs in secondary stroke prevention,” National Library of Medicine, last accessed September 20, 2024.
6. “Losartan (Oral Route),” Mayo Clinic, last accessed September 23, 2024
7. "Aspirin and Stroke,” American Stroke Association, last accessed September 20, 2024.