Face Stroke Before It Faces You

Advice From the American Stroke Association

This year stroke will strike 700,000 Americans of all ages, genders and ethnicities. A member of your family, a friend or neighbor – even you – could be a victim. Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death of Americans and is a leading cause of disability.

Stroke has as many faces as it has victims. African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos are at higher risk for stroke. Yet they are the least aware of stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity and tobacco use – all of which are preventable or controllable.

Statistics show that compared to whites, Hispanics ages 35 to 54 have a 1.3 times greater relative risk for stroke. African Americans in this same age group have four times the relative risk for stroke. Moreover, many faces of stroke belong to women. Each year about 100,000 women die from stroke – nearly 40,000 more than men.

But those who suffer stroke aren't the only victims. Stroke devastates entire families. Children of all ages, spouses and relatives feel the impact when stroke occurs. Thus, loved ones are among the many faces of stroke.

"Stroke can break a family apart, so you must take a positive attitude," says Neida Sandoval, anchor for Univision's network program Despierta America, which is similar to Good Morning America. Sandoval's husband suffered a stroke at age 51. "If you survive, you will have to reinvent your life and cope with changes," she says.

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