As per the CDC, a stroke is also referred to as a brain attack since it is very similar to a heart attack. In both cases, the flow of blood is obstructed. Strangely, there is a connection between the heart and brain. Researchers know for sure that when a person has a healthy heart, strokes can be prevented.

As per the American Heart Association, heart attack is the leading cause of fatalities in the US and the stroke occupies the third position. The WHO categorizes a stroke as a kind of cardiovascular disease.

A stroke can occur in two types of situation. One, when the blood vessel leading to the brain is blocked; second, when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain. There are primarily 3 kinds of stroke, namely ischemic, hemorrhagic and transient ischemic attack. The most common kind of stroke is the ischemic stroke, which occurs when plaque deposits form on the wall of the blood vessel and prevent smooth flow of blood. If a blood vessel leading to the brain ruptures, it results in hemorrhagic stroke. On the other hand, a transient ischemic attack is referred to as a mini stroke, as the symptoms of the same disappear within 24 hours. However, a transient mini stroke is a sign that a full-fledged stroke is just round the corner, as per the CDC.

Typically, strokes are seen in people, who more than sixty-five years of age. But the CDC states that strokes can occur in people of all ages. Some of the symptoms of strokes include sudden numbness of the body, particularly on one side; confusion; problems talking and understanding other people's speech; vision problems; coordination problems; problems walking; and sudden onset of severe headache. Usually, all these symptoms occur all of a sudden. If a person experiences one or more of these symptoms, he/she should be immediately rushed to a doctor.

Some people are more prone to getting strokes. In fact, those with heart problems have a higher chance of getting a stroke, as per the CDC. Other risk factors for a stroke include elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels; smoking, alcohol consumption; diabetes; and genes.

If a stroke occurs due to a blocked artery, doctors prescribe medication to break the blood clot. Also, if a person is at risk of getting a stroke, the doctors prescribe blood thinners to prevent the formation of blood clots. Using catheters can also treat as well as prevent a stroke.

A stroke has a debilitating effect. It can result in complete paralysis of the body or partial paralysis, where just one side of the body is affected. It can hinder a person's ability to speak, think, learn and even express emotions, as per the CDC. If a person suffers one stroke, the chances are high that the person could experience another one in the future.

As strokes affect a person's life and quality of life adversely, doctors often recommend that preventive measures be taken. If a person is suffering from elevated blood pressure or cholesterol, he/she should begin eating healthily and also do regular exercise to bring down the blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Furthermore, obese people, who try to reduce weight by eating low-calorie food, fat-free food, and include more fresh vegetables and fruits in their diet. Also, such people should be looking to do exercise for at least thirty minutes, five times a week. As stroke and cardiovascular disease are interconnected, it is imperative that a person ensures that he/she has a healthy heart. If the heart is healthy, the chances of getting a stroke reduce dramatically. People should consult their doctors to see what steps they can take to prevent strokes and follow those instructions without fail.

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