World Stroke Day: Stroke Across America

STROKE ACROSS AMERICA STROKE IS THE FOURTH LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN THE U.S. IT TAKES OVER 133,750 PEOPLE EACH YEAR STROKE BELT > CHIGH STROKE MORTALITY RATE) Every 45 Seconds That's 80 Strokes Every Hour 45 Somebody in the U.S. has a Stroke This means that the U.S. experiences upwards of 750,000 strokes every year WHAT IS A STROKE? WHO IS MOST AT RISK? Anyone can suffer from stroke. Although many risk factors for stroke are out of our control, several can be kept in line through proper nutrition and medical care. Risk factors for stroke include the following: • Over Age 55 • Male • African American, Hispanic, or Asian/Pacific Islander • High Blood Pressure • High Cholesterol • Smoking • Diabetes • Obesity • Cardiovascular Disease • Heavy Alcohol Use A stroke or "brain attack" occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or when a blood vessel bursts. When either of these things happen, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs. SIGNS OF A STROKE VISION LOSS/ SUDDEN LOSS OF HEADACHE/ OR DIZZINESS WEAKNESS SPEECH • Numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body) • Sudden loss of vision, particularly in only one eye • Unexplained dizziness, • Loss of speech, trouble talking or understanding language loss of balance or coordination TYPES OF STROKE OCCURRENCE RATE BY STROKE TYPE There are two types of "brain attacks" - ischemic and hemorrhagic. With ischemic stroke, a blood clot blocks or "plugs" a blood vessel in the brain. With hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures. 84% 16% ISCHEMIC STROKE HEMORRHAGIC STROKE THROMBOSIS - 51.5% INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE - 10% EMBOLISM -31.5% SMALL VESSEL DISEASE - 20% LARGE VESSEL SUBARACHNOID THROMBOSIS - 31.5% HEMORRHAGE-6% STROKE PREVENTION UP TO 80% OF STROKES CAN BE PREVENTED Although stroke can happen to anyone, certain risk factors can increase chances of a stroke. The following Stroke Prevention Guidelines will help you learn how you may be able to lower your risk for a first stroke. KNOW YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE High blood pressure is a major stroke risk factor if left untreated. Have blood pressure checked yearly by a doctor or at health fairs, a local pharmacy or supermarket or with an automatic blood pressure machine. IDENTIFY ATRIAL FIBRILLATION A Fib is an irregular heart rhythm that can increase stroke risk by 500%. A Fib can cause blood to pool in the heart, which may form a clot and cause a stroke. Get tested through your doctor or through a trusted health source so you can share results with your doctor. STOP SMOKING Smoking doubles the risk of stroke. It damages blood vessel walls, speeds up artery clogging, raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder. LIMIT ALCOHOL USE Alcohol use has been linked to stroke in many studies. Most doctors recommend not drinking or drinking only in moderation - no more than two drinks each day. CONTROL DIABETES Many people with diabetes have health problems that are also stroke risk factors. A doctor and dietician can help manage diabetes. MANAGE DIET/EXERCISE Excess weight strains the circulatory system. Exercise five times a week. Maintain a diet low in calories, salt, saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. TREAT CIRCULATION PROBLEMS Fatty deposits can block arteries carrying blood to the brain and lead to a stroke. Other problems such as sickle cell disease or severe anemia should be treated. GET CHOLESTEROL SCREENING Cholesterol is a fatty substance in blood that is made by the body or found in certain foods. High cholesterol levels can clog arteries and cause a stroke. Get screened so you and your doctor know your cholesterol level. GET CAROTID ARTERY ULTRASOUND SCREENING Carotid artery disease, or carotid artery stenosis, is the narrowing of the carotid arteries, the two main blood vessels in the neck. This narrowing is usually caused by a buildup of fatty plaque and can restrict flow to the brain and lead to stroke. Getting an ultrasound screening will let you and your doctor know if you have proper blood flow through these arteries. Sources: http://www.strokeeducation.info/topics/statistics.htm http://strokecenter.stanford.edu/guide/warning.html http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=symp http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/NSA complete guide.pdf http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7624.php http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename-prevent http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=carotid http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2010/r101209.html http://www.lifelinescreening.com/health-screening-services/carotid-artery-disease.aspx LIFE LINE O SCREENING The Power of Prevention