As a result, she got to the hospital quickly and was treated with an intravenous clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the only FDA-approved urgent medication for stroke. When I saw her in my clinic, the 34-year-old woman was in great health with no residual effects. I even got to meet her new baby.

Know the Signs

It was handy that my patient was married to an ER doctor who knew the signs of stroke, but everyone, not just medical professionals, can recognize most strokes by following the FAST acronym. In fact, a recent study showed that more than 90 percent of people who learned the FAST acronym were able to recognize stroke symptoms.

Knowing what FAST stands for—Face drooping (usually on one side), Arm weakness (the arm may drift down or feel numb), Speech difficulty (slurred speech or trouble getting words out or understanding others), and Time to call 911—can make the difference in stroke recovery and survival. If you observe or experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately and jot down the time you noticed the symptoms. Knowing, down to the minute, when symptoms started helps in making quick, difficult decisions in the ER. Remember, a stroke is like a heart attack in your brain!

Strategies for Preventing a Stroke

In addition to educating my patients about how to look for the symptoms of stroke, I also talk to them about what they can do to lower their risk. Here are a few strategies I share with them:

Quit smoking.

I encourage my patients who smoke to quit and recommend smoking cessation programs for them.

Be mindful of estrogen.

For female patients of reproductive age who smoke, experience migraines, or have a history of stroke, I recommend alternative forms of birth control to oral contraceptives. The estrogen in birth control pills can thicken blood, which increases the risk of clots. With my postmenopausal patients, I discuss the pros and cons of hormone therapy, which contains estrogen.

Maintain a healthy weight.

I remind all my patients of the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, especially around the middle. This "central obesity," which is associated with diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, has been linked to an increased risk of stroke. The best diet is one centered on vegetables, whole grains, and low-saturated fats.

Stress less.

Lots of stress can spike blood pressure. To keep blood pressure low and minimize the negative effects of stress, incorporate stress-reducing habits such as stretching, meditation, talking with friends, or taking walks.

Manage AFib.

For women who have atrial fibrillation, a heart arrhythmia more common in women (because women live longer), I may prescribe a blood thinner, especially for my older patients who have other risk factors or have a history of stroke. Atrial fibrillation causes blood to pool in the heart instead of being pumped efficiently to the rest of the body, which can encourage clots to form and cause strokes, so a blood thinner can help reduce that risk.

Learn FAST Now. 

Make a pact to learn the FAST acronym, and share that knowledge with the ones you love. Be an active participant in your own health so you can enjoy life to its fullest. Always ask your doctor if you have any questions—he or she is there to help you!