FRESNO, Calif., April 30, 2024 – Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S.[1] According to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, stroke is largely preventable, treatable and beatable. This May, during American Stroke Month, people across the Central Valley are encouraged to take small steps to help lower their risk of stroke.
Most strokes can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes such as moving more, eating smart and avoiding tobacco and nicotine. One critical piece of prevention is managing high blood pressure, also called hypertension, which is the leading cause of stroke. While a heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent hypertension, it’s important to know and, as needed, control your blood pressure numbers with lifestyle changes and medication.
“Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to treating a condition like high blood pressure,” said Bonnie Her, M.D., family medicine physician and board member, American Heart Association, Central Valley. “Hypertension is often called ‘the silent killer,’ but it doesn’t have to be. We have the tools to manage it quickly and effectively, so I encourage everyone to actively know your blood pressure numbers and prevent even more serious events like a stroke.”
The best way to know your blood pressure numbers is to have it measured at least once per year by a health care professional, regularly monitor it at home with a validated monitor and discuss the numbers with a doctor. For most people, a normal blood pressure range should be less than 120/80 mm Hg. For individuals with hypertension or other risk factors, more frequent monitoring may be recommended.
Additional resources:
- Download a fact sheet about how high blood pressure leads to stroke (PDF)
- Understanding your blood pressure numbers
- How to monitor your blood pressure at home
- Make changes that matter to help prevent stroke
While prevention can certainly help lower a person’s risk, it’s still important to know the stroke warning signs using the acronym F.A.S.T. If you spot Face drooping, Arm weakness or Speech difficulty, it’s Time to call 911. Learn more at Stroke.org/StrokeMonth.
Locally, the Central Valley can celebrate its commitment to fighting heart disease and stroke this fall at the Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk on Sept. 28, 2024, at Tesoro Viejo. Event information, including how to register, is at CentralValleyHeartWalk.org.
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About the American Stroke Association
The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public’s health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Connect with the American Stroke Association in Central Valley at heart.org/NorthernCalifornia, on Facebook, Instagram or X.
For Media Inquiries:
Lily Gordon; lily.gordon@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] S S Martin; et al Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2024 Update: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association Circulation. 2024; 149:e347–e913. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001209