During a stroke, every minute counts. If you or someone you know has signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately.

During a stroke, the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Brain cells in the immediate area begin to die because they stop receiving the oxygen and nutrients they need to function. This is why immediate medical attention is necessary.

There are two major kinds of stroke. The most common is called an ischemic stroke, which are caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel or artery in the brain. These types of strokes may be treated with a drug called t-PA, which dissolves blood clots, if patients receive care within 4.5 hours of the stroke.

The second major type of stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by a blood vessel in the brain breaking and bleeding into the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes cannot be treated with t-PA. Instead, surgery is often performed to help relieve the pressure or blood clots caused by this type of stroke. In both cases, time is of the essence for successful treatment.

There is another type of brain attack that may be a sign that an ischemic stroke is on the way. Transient ischemic attacks, or “mini-strokes,” happen when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked. Sufferers may experience blurry or lost vision on both eyes; tingling or numbness of the mouth, or are unable to speak clearly. The effects of TIAs may last only a few minutes, but this does not mean they should be ignored. TIAs may be predictors of strokes. It’s estimated that about 15 percent of those who have a stroke first experienced a TIA.

We’re talking about the symptoms, causes and prevention of stroke with musical inspiration from Angela Bofill.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the US. As many as 5 to 14 percent of stroke survivors have a second stroke within one year.

With her strong, distinctive alto, Angela Bofill carved a niche as an outstanding interpreter of soul ballads and became a mainstay on the Quiet Storm radio format.

Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit. After she lost the ability to sing, she returned to the stage for “The Angela Bofill Experience” in which she skillfully narrated her life story, while her band and other singers .

Podcast guests include Angela Bofill, Catherine Schuller, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Neva White DNP, CRNP- BC, CDE, and Rose Hall from Tessie’s Teas.

Throughout the podcast we will feature music from Angela Bofill’s albums Angie and Angel of the Night courtesy of SONY Music.