Being “stroke smart” also means being heart smart

“Listen to your bodies, argue with your doctors, stand up for yourself, and most of all, take care of your health. It is easy to lose, and so very difficult to get back.” — stroke survivor Linda I.

Sign the Charter to Prevent Stroke with One Click

Limbs that won’t budge, the corner of the mouth sagging, one eye shut. We all know what the aftermath of a stroke looks like. But do we all understand what many of our Care2 members learned the hard way: preventable stroke can happen to anyone?

You can instantly add your name to a worldwide charter that will stop stroke risks in their tracks. Click here to add your signature!

Kimberele A., Care2 member and stroke survivor of 10 years, emphasizes, “Family members need to know the signs of a stroke…Be stroke smart.”

Being “stroke smart” also means being heart smart.

Atrial Fibrullation (AF) is an irregular heartbeat that causes 3 million strokes worldwide every year. Atrial flutter is similar to atrial fibrillation but characterized by more-organized and more-rhythmic electrical impulses.

During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s two upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly — out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart. Atrial fibrillation symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness.

Episodes of atrial fibrillation can come and go, or you may have chronic atrial fibrillation. Although atrial fibrillation itself usually isn’t life-threatening, it is a serious medical condition that sometimes requires emergency treatment. It can lead to complications. Treatments for atrial fibrillation may include medications and other interventions to try to alter the heart’s electrical system.

Spending a lifetime treating stroke can be avoided if you spend a doctor’s appointment treating AF.

Care2 member Geri M. spent the last 10 years of her life regaining her balance after a debilitating stroke.

She writes, “My mouth dragged down on one side, entirely altering my appearance…Sometimes if I turned a particular way, I would lose all control and fall.” The AF charter has the power to steer patients around this lifelong pitfall. “Trust your brain and body,” says Geri.

“They are remarkable mechanisms, so treat them well.”

Millions of people have lost their balance, their strength, and their lives because of a tiny blip in their hearts called AF.

Click here to automatically add your name to the charter and help prevent AF-related stroke.

Thank you for Taking Action,

Kara F.
Care2 and ThePetitionSite Team