Understanding the Link Between High Blood Pressure and Stroke
High blood pressure damages blood vessels
Each day that your blood pressure is too high, your chances of having a stroke are increased. Normal blood pressure is considered to be less than 120 over less than 80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or 120/80 mmHg. A stroke is a loss of brain function caused by a lack of blood to the brain. Stroke can result from the damage that ongoing high blood pressure causes in your vessels. If the affected vessel stops supplying blood to the brain, a stroke results.
Know the symptoms of stroke
During a stroke, blood supply to the brain is cut off. But with prompt medical help, a better recovery is more likely. Think of a stroke as a brain attack. Don’t wait. Call 119 if you have any of the symptoms below:
· Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the face or body, including a leg or an arm
· Sudden trouble seeing with one or both eyes
· Sudden double vision
· Sudden trouble talking, such as slurred speech
· Sudden severe headache
· Sudden problems using or understanding words
· Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
· Seizures for the first time
· Any of these symptoms that occur and then resolve
Know the symptoms of stroke
During a stroke, blood supply to the brain is cut off. But with prompt medical help, a better recovery is more likely. Think of a stroke as a brain attack. Don’t wait. Call 119 if you have any of the symptoms below:
· Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the face or body, including a leg or an arm
· Sudden trouble seeing with one or both eyes
· Sudden double vision
· Sudden trouble talking, such as slurred speech
· Sudden severe headache
· Sudden problems using or understanding words
· Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
· Seizures for the first time
· Any of these symptoms that occur and then resolve