In this episode, host Maya Acosta speaks with Dr. Rizwan Bukhari, a vascular surgeon, about stroke prevention and treatment. As May is Stroke Awareness Month, the episode aims to educate listeners about strokes and their risk factors. Dr. Bukhari explains that stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., and the most common type of stroke is ischemic, which is caused by a blockage of blood flow. Dr. Riz explains a stroke and how it can affect the brain. He also shares statistics about strokes in the U.S. and emphasizes the importance of knowing the risk factors. Dr. Riz shares that carotid surgeries help prevent strokes, and many patients receive them after being diagnosed with a blockage.Key Points:Stroke costs the U.S. billions of dollars annually, with direct medical costs estimated to be around $34 billion in 2017, not including indirect costs such as loss of productivity and wages. The average lifetime cost of care for a stroke survivor is around $140,000.The most common type of stroke is ischemic, which comprises anywhere from 70-90% of most strokes, while hemorrhagic strokes account for the remainder and are caused by the rupture of an artery.Knowing and managing one's risk factors can significantly reduce the risk of having a stroke.Resources mentioned in this episodeDr. Riz's Guide to Preventing AtherosclerosisWatch A Teachable MomentLee Stroy- Stroke SurvivorStroke AssessmentLeave us a voicemailLeave us a reviewAbout Dr. Rizwan H. BukhariRizwan H, Bukhari, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a board-certified vascular surgeon who treats various vascular issues, including aneurysms, carotid artery stenosis, lower extremity arterial blockages, gangrene, dialysis access grafts, and varicose veins. He has seen the ravaging effects of poor lifestyle choices on his patients’ health. Cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, such as obesity, tobacco use, hypertension, and diabetes, are mainly diseases secondary to the foods we eat and our lifestyle choices.Dr. Bukhari promotes food as medicine and lifestyle medicine to help his patients and the general public prevent, halt, and sometimes even reverse disease. He owns North Texas Vascular Center, where he offers diagnostic services and minimally invasive outpatient procedures largely related to amputation prevention and limb salvage.Connect with Dr. RizNorth Texas Vascular CenterMore DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE episodesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_riz_bukhari/LinkedIn: Support the showConnect with UsWebsite: Healthy Lifestyle SolutionsInstagram: @healthylifestylesolutionsYouTube channel: Healthy Lifestyle SolutionsSubscribe to our newsletter: Our NewsletterLeave us a message: Speak Pipe VoicemailRate Me: https://ratethispodcast.com/hls