Stroke Awareness
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, and most people know of someone who has suffered a stroke. Survivors of strokes are left with varying degrees of disability that require additional medical services and care requirements that are costly. One of the most important pieces of information to know about strokes is that they can often be treated if caught early.
So what exactly is a stroke? A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain is disrupted. When oxygen rich blood is not delivered to the brain cells, the resulting lack of oxygen will cause those cells to die. This interruption of blood flow can happen when an artery in the brain ruptures or is blocked with a blood clot. The majority of strokes are the type that involve a clot and are called ischemic strokes. Less common is a hemorrhagic stroke from a ruptured artery. The resulting effects of a stroke will depend on what part of the brain is deprived of oxygen, the size of the brain area damaged, and the amount of time before treatment is received.
Any person at any age can have a stroke. It is more likely in men than women, and the chance of having a stroke increases with age. In the United States, the ethnicities at highest risk for stroke include Black Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans. Having a family or personal history of stroke, taking birth control pills, and being pregnant all increase the likelihood. Many chronic diseases have a negative impact on blood vessels, which in turn can lead to a stroke.
The ability to spot signs of a stroke is valuable knowledge that can save a life. A stroke victim will display an abrupt onset of symptoms that may include difficulty with vision, speech and balance. Sudden confusion or a severe headache can also occur. The acronym FAST is a helpful tool that can serve as a quick and simple assessment if you think someone might be having a stroke. FAST stands for:
Face: One-sided drooping or asymmetric expressions when smiling or raising eyebrows.
Arms: When asked to hold both arms straight out in front of body, they are unable to hold up one of the arms.
Speech: Slurred or disorganized speech when asked to repeat a sentence.
Time: Call 911 FAST! Quick medical care is crucial.
Early intervention is key. The faster a stroke victim receives treatment, the better their outcome. The best outcomes occur in those who receive treatment within three hours of the onset of symptoms. The time that symptoms began is critical information that emergency health care providers will want to know. Remember and report this time if possible.
The good news is that most strokes can be prevented! The major focus of prevention should be controlling chronic health problems, particularly high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking. Pursuing regular medical care and taking medications as prescribed are important steps toward managing chronic health problems. Additionally, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly is highly beneficial and will positively impact all the health problems mentioned above. Depending on an individual’s age and circumstances, their health care provider may recommend daily aspirin or a prescription blood thinner to help prevent a stroke. Starting any new medication, even over-the-counter medication, has risks and benefits. Be sure to talk with your health care provider about your risks for a stroke and develop a personalized prevention strategy tailored to your individual situation.
Hailey Saunders, APRN, MSN, FNP-C, is a family nurse practitioner and Kansas City native who is passionate about evidence based health education.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.
References:
AHAJournals.org/doi/10.1161/STR.0000000000000375?cookieSet=1