South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

We promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.

• ABCS of Prevention
• Blood Pressure
• Cholesterol
• Heart Attack
• Heart Disease
• Know Your Numbers
• Patient Resources
• Stroke
• Women & Heart Disease
• What We Do
• Contact Us

Stroke

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When this happens, part of your brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs and starts to die.

Warning Signs of a Stroke

If you see someone showing any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the 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

Stroke in South Carolina

Stroke is South Carolina’s third biggest killer.

• 2,285 – The number of people who died from stroke in South Carolina in 2010.
• 14,471 – The number of people treated for stroke in South Carolina hospitals in 2010.
• $539 million – The total cost of hospitalizations due to stroke in SC in 2010.

Reduce Your Stroke Risk

• Check your blood pressure and control it
• Stop smoking
• Manage your diabetes
• Check your cholesterol and control it
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week

Related Links

• “Fact Reaction” stroke awareness radio PSA
• Support for young stroke survivors in SC
• Stroke and Cholesterol (pdf)
• Warning Signs of Stroke (pdf)