Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in this country, killing nearly 130,000 Americans each year. That’s one in every 20 deaths.

Stroke is also a leading cause of long-term disability and the leading preventable cause of disability.

Dr. Peter Panagos, M.D., FACEP, the Director of Neurovascular Emergencies and Professor of Emergency Medicine and Neurology at Washington University, tells Newsmax Health that strokes can be far more devastating than heart attacks.

He explains that there are two types of stroke: ischemic, caused by an obstruction or clot within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain; and hemorrhagic, caused by a weakened blood vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain.

Ischemic strokes account for 87 percent of cases, while hemorrhagic strokes account for 13 percent, according to the American Heart Association.

"Everyone is at risk of having a stroke, even perinatal infants,” says Panagos. “But the majority of them occur in people over the age of 60."

Time is always of the essence when treating stroke victims, so it is essential that emergency services are called immediately, says Panagos.

"EMS teams can identify a stroke and, more importantly, take the victim to the best facility in the area to treat strokes while calling ahead to alert emergency medical teams at the facility.

"All of our current treatment options are time-dependant, so it’s crucial to get the stroke victim to the hospital as soon as possible. After that window is closed, the risks may outweigh the benefits,” says Panagos.

“There are certain risk factors we cannot control such as age, gender, race and family history of stroke. But most risk factors are well within our control and involve lifestyle choices.”

Here are the American Heart Association’s and The American Stroke Association's "Life’s 7 Simple Steps":

1. Lose Weight. When you shed extra fat and unnecessary pounds, you reduce the burden on your heart, lungs and blood vessels and skeleton.
2. Stop smoking. Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.
3. Manage Blood Pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk for heart disease and stroke. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries and kidneys.
4. Control Cholesterol. High cholesterol leads to plaque, which can clog arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke. When you control your cholesterol, you are giving your arteries their best chance to remain clear of blockages.
5. Reduce Blood Sugar. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or blood sugar, that our bodies use for energy. Over time, high levels of blood sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves.
6. Get active. Living an active life is one of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself and those you love. Simply put, daily physical activity increases your length and quality of life.
7. Eat Better. A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease. When you eat a heart-healthy diet, you improve your chances for feeling good and staying healthy—for life!

“This holistic and comprehensive approach to health will modify one’s risk not only for stroke but other diseases affecting the heart, circulation, kidneys and eyes,” says Panagos.