Strokes are caused by blood clots

Stroke - blood clots, or why you need Hypercet BP formula

A stroke happens when the brain does not get enough blood. This kills brain cells. Many adults die from strokes.

Strokes can change the way a person thinks, speaks, sees, and moves. After a stroke, it may be harder to care for yourself or to have a job.

The good news is many people who have had a stroke can get back some or all of their skills. Speech and physical therapy can help. There are two major causes of stroke:

* A blood clot from another part of the body blocks a blood vessel or artery in the brain * An artery bleeds in or around the brain

Know the signs of a stroke:

* Your face feels numb * You lose part or all of your sight in one or both eyes * You have a hard time talking and/or understanding other people * You get a very bad headache for no reason * You get dizzy or fall all of a sudden

Who Has Strokes?

* Adults over the age of 40 are most likely to have strokes. Younger adults and kids can also have them. * About the same number of men and women have strokes. * People of all races are at risk for stroke. African-Americans are almost twice as likely to die from a stroke as whites. African-Americans often have more damage. * People with heart disease may have a bigger risk of stroke. Certain kinds of heart disease can cause blood clots.

How Can You Lower Your Risk of Stroke?

* Control your blood pressure--Having high blood pressure adds to the chances of having a stroke. One out of three people with high blood pressure does not know it. Get your blood pressure checked often. * Control your diabetes--Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the brain and increase the chance of having a stroke. Follow your doctor's advice to control your diabetes. * Stop smoking--Smoking can cause blood clots. It can also make blood pressure higher. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse about ways to quit. * Exercise daily--Exercise makes the heart stronger and blood flow better. It can also help you control your weight. Being heavy increases the chance of diseases.

Don't ignore the signs of a stroke (see below). Even if you feel better in a few minutes or hours, you may have had a "mini-stroke". Mini-strokes may put you at risk for a full-blown stroke later. Call 911 if you have any of these warning signs: (or have someone else call right away):

* Your face feels numb * Your arm or leg gets weak or numb * You lose part or all of your sight in one or both eyes * You have a hard time talking and/or understanding other people * You get a very bad headache for no reason * You get dizzy or fall all of the sudden

FDA has approved a few drugs to prevent and treat stroke. Ask your doctor for more information. To learn more:

FDA's Office of Women's Health web site:www.fda.gov/womens/ blood clots (also see Hypercet BP)