ScorecardforCalculatingYourRiskforStroke

RiskFactors HighRisk Caution LowRisk

> 140/90 or
Blood Pressure 120-139/80-89 Less than <120/80
I don’t know my BP
>240 or
Cholesterol I do not know my cholesterol 200–239 Less than <200

Diabetes Yes Borderline No

Smoking I smoke I am trying to stop Non-smoker
Atrial Fibrillation I have an irregular heartbeat I do not know Heartbeat is regular
Diet Overweight Slightly overweight Healthy weight
Exercise I do not exercise Sometimes I do Regularly exercise
Family History of Stroke Yes Not sure No

Total Score (each box = 1)

❏ If the score in your purple column is greater than 3 please call your doctor and ask about what
you can do to reduce your risk of stroke.
❏ If your score in the yellow column is 4 to 6 you are on your way to a good start to reducing
your risk of stroke.
❏ A score of 6 to 8 means you are doing well to control the risk factors of stroke. Keep it up!
 ToReduceYourRiskforStroke
1. Know your blood pressure. If high, work with your doctor to lower it.
2. Ask your doctor if you have atrial fibrillation. Ask what you can do about it.
3. Stop smoking.
4. Drink alcohol in moderation.
5. Have your cholesterol checked—if it is high work to lower it.
6. If you have diabetes, work to control your blood sugars.
7. Exercise on a daily basis.
8. Limit sodium (salt) and fat in your diet.
9. Talk to your doctor about lowering your risk of stroke.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF A STROKE

Know the symptoms and what to do if you experience them.
• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg—especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
If you experience any of these symptoms call 911 immediately—
you may be having a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a stroke.
NEUR