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Stroke Awareness
Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer. It is also a leading cause of acquired adult disability, because there are 7 to 8 times more stroke survivors than deaths, according to the American Stroke Association (ASA). And although more strokes occur in the elderly, many middle-aged people suffer strokes as well.
What causes stroke?
Strokes occur when something interferes with the normal flow of blood to the central nervous system.
- Ischemic strokes are caused by clots that block the flow of blood through arteries.
- Hemorrhages occur when arteries burst inside or on the brain surface.
When blood flow is interrupted, the brain doesn't get the oxygen and nutrients it needs and cells begin to die. Relatively few brain cells will be affected if the interruption is brief, and the person may recover fully. Otherwise, the ASA says, the damage may be severe and permanent. One-third of stroke survivors need help caring for themselves.
The location of the stroke determines the areas of the body that will be affected. Areas commonly affected include those that involve sensory perceptions, movement, memory, thought patterns or behavior and the ability to talk or understand speech.
Treatment for stroke victims includes medication, surgery, hospital care and rehabilitation. If someone with a stroke goes to the hospital early enough, clot dissolving medication can be given.
Warning signs
Anyone having a stroke should seek medical attention immediately. Warning signs include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body.
- Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in only one eye.
- Loss of speech or trouble talking or understanding speech.
- Sudden, severe headaches with no known cause.
- Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls, especially combined with any other symptom.
Reducing your risk
Although strokes can happen to anyone, you can take steps to prevent them by making healthy changes to your lifestyle. Here are some suggestions:
- Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure (over 140/90) is the biggest risk factor for stroke.
- Quit smoking. Chemicals in tobacco raise your blood pressure and reduce the amount of oxygen your blood carries to the brain. This makes blood thicker and stickier- promoting clotting.
- Lower your cholesterol. High LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels damage your arteries and promote plaque formation.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of high blood pressure.
- Be physically active. Regular aerobic exercise promotes overall cardiovascular health.
- Eat a balanced diet, including many servings of fruits and vegetables.
- Control diabetes. People with the disease are more likely to have strokes.
- Take little strokes seriously. A small clot will sometimes clog an artery briefly, causing temporary weakness, dizziness or other symptoms. These transient ischemic attacks often precede a major stroke.
- Follow your healthcare provider's advice for treatment of heart disease.
- Find out if you need to have your carotid arteries (arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain) checked for narrowing.
By being proactive about your health, you can lower your risk of stroke, and lower your risk factor for many other illnesses as well. To learn how to recognize and respond to emergencies, including a stroke, contact your local American Red Cross chapter to enroll in a first aid course.
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