Stroke Prevention

What is a Stroke?

A stroke, or "brain attack", occurs when the blood supply to a specific part of the brain is blocked by a clot or the vessel carrying the blood bursts. Without an enough blood reaching the brain, the tissue can become damaged or begin to die.

Stroke Symptoms

If a person experiences one or more of these symptoms, they should call 9-1-1 immediately to prevent brain damage or death.

• Stroke symptoms appear suddenly and include:
• Numbness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side);
• Confusion or trouble speaking and understanding others;
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes;
• Dizziness, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination;
• Severe headache with no known cause.

Resources:

• Stroke Heroes Know how to BE FAST - Learn the Signs of Stroke
• W.F. Bruen Rescue Squad

Screening for Stroke Prevention

Screenings and regular check-ups can help prevent stroke. 

Blood Pressure Screening

Measure your blood pressure regularly so you and your health care provider can catch any health conditions early. If your blood pressure is high, you and your health care team can work together to take steps to control it. 

• Learn about high blood pressure from the CDC
• Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Cholesterol Screening

Did you know that one in six Americans has high cholesterol? Without proper treatment, having high blood cholesterol raises the risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death, and for stroke, the 6th leading cause of death for Iowans.

• Knowing your risk for high cholesterol
• Learn about cholesterol from the CDC

Data, Plans & Resources

Explore stroke data, plans, and resources in Iowa.

Heart Disease & Stroke Data

The Heart Disease and Stroke Report in Iowa highlights the impact of cardiovascular disease on the state’s population. It analyzes mortality, prevalence, and hospitalization rates for heart disease and stroke. The report highlights disparities faced by certain communities. Download the 2023 Heart Disease and Stroke Report .

State Plan

The Iowa Million Hearts State Action Plan and Million Hearts Task Force provides a framework to reduce the risk factors related to heart disease and stroke, decrease its impact of individuals and families and increase quality and years of healthy life among Iowans. 

 Read the 2022 Iowa Million Heart State Action Plan

Provider Resources