Search Media Items

Ventricular fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia, causes most sudden cardiac arrests. Other problems with the heart's electrical system, including diseases or conditions that can cause the electrical problems—such as coronary heart disease, physical stress, certain inherited disorders, and structural changes in the heart—also can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

Doctors diagnose a stroke by reviewing your signs and symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and results from one or more tests: brain computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT or magnetic resonance arteriogram, carotid ultrasound, carotid angiography, electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiography, and blood tests.

The signs and symptoms of a stroke vary. They often develop quickly and may include sudden weakness, paralysis, confusion, trouble speaking, changes in vision, trouble breathing, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and a sudden severe headache. After you’ve had a stroke, you may develop other complications such as blood clots, muscle weakness, problems swallowing, pneumonia, and loss of bladder control.

Age, race, gender, certain medical conditions—high blood pressure, diabetes, brain aneurysms, and heart diseases—smoking, and family history can raise your risk for a stroke.

Buildup of plaque and blood clots causing blockage of an artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain can cause an ischemic stroke, while sudden bleeding from causes such as high blood pressure can result in a hemorrhagic stroke.

The major types of stroke are ischemic (when an artery to the brain becomes blocked) and hemorrhagic (when an artery in the brain leaks blood or breaks open).

Strategies to help you quit include getting ready to quit, using support, asking for medicine and using it correctly, learning new skills and behaviors, and preparing for withdrawal and relapse.

The chemicals in tobacco smoke harm your blood cells. Smoking can also damage the function of the heart and the structure and function of blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and its complications (coronary heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease, and stroke).

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released physical activity guidelines that recommend the types and amounts of physical activity that children and youth age 6 or older, adults, people over the age of 65, women who are pregnant or just had a baby, and other groups can do.

Living with peripheral artery disease and its symptoms requires ongoing health care and heart-healthy lifestyle changes. Talk to your doctor about taking part in a supervised exercise program, maintain routine foot care and inspection for sores, and take all medicines as prescribed.