As stroke survivors navigate their way toward recovery, certain information about their physical condition come into play again and again. Keep the following details close at hand — write them down, copy them, post one copy on the refrigerator, put one in your wallet, and give copies to your caretakers. Physicians and specialists will monitor, assess, and determine your treatments based partly on the data in the following list:
Your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI)
Your blood type and blood pressure
Your levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol
If you're diabetic, your fasting blood glucose
Any allergies, especially to medications
Any medical conditions
Current prescriptions and dosages
Other drugs you take — over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal supplements, and so on
Your doctor's name and phone number
Your emergency contact — name, phone number, and relationship to you