<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd“>
Stroke: A Critical Concern in the U.S.
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, claiming a life every four minutes. Each year, around 800,000 individuals experience a stroke, which translates to approximately one stroke every four seconds.
by Claire Kinzy | The American Heart Association, Dallas
Life is filled with countless beautiful moments and experiences that we often take for granted. Picture this: a loved one asks you a question, but your response comes out as gibberish. You try to smile as your child runs by, only to find one side of your face is numb. You reach for a plate in the cupboard, but your arm refuses to lift. Sadly, these seemingly minor details can serve as crucial warning signs of a stroke.
Understanding Stroke Awareness
May is designated as Stroke Awareness Month. Given that stroke remains one of the top five causes of death and disability in the United States, it is vital for us all to recognize the warning signs. Notable signs of a stroke include:
- Sudden severe headache without a known cause
- Sudden difficulties with walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding
Recognizing the Signs with F.A.S.T.
To effectively identify stroke signs and respond appropriately, remember the acronym “F.A.S.T.”:
- F – Face Drooping: Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile.
- A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Request that the person raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S – Speech Difficulty: Is their speech slurred, are they struggling to speak, or is it hard to comprehend what they say?
- T – Time to Call 9-1-1: If the person exhibits any of these symptoms, even if they seem to improve, call 9-1-1 right away to ensure they receive medical attention.
Identifying Stroke Risk Factors
Certain stroke risk factors are genetic, while others stem from natural processes. Immutable risk factors include:
- Age – The likelihood of having a stroke roughly doubles for each decade after turning 55. While strokes are more prevalent among the elderly, individuals under 65 also suffer strokes.
- Heredity (Family History) – Your risk of stroke may increase if close family members have experienced strokes.
- Race – African Americans face a higher risk of stroke-related death compared to Caucasians, largely due to higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
- Gender – Women experience more strokes than men. Factors like using birth control pills, pregnancy, history of preeclampsia/eclampsia or gestational diabetes, smoking, and post-menopausal hormone therapy can elevate stroke risks for women.
- Previous Stroke, TIA, or Heart Attack – Those with a history of stroke face significantly higher risk. Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) act as “warning strokes” that mimic stroke symptoms but don’t lead to lasting damage. Individuals who’ve had one or more TIAs are ten times more likely to experience a stroke compared to someone of the same age and gender without such a history.
Modifiable Risk Factors
Conversely, these risk factors can be changed:
- High Blood Pressure – This is the primary cause of stroke and the most significant controllable risk factor.
- Smoking – Recent studies indicate that cigarette smoking significantly contributes to stroke risks, as nicotine and carbon monoxide in smoke harm the cardiovascular system in several ways.
- Sodium Intake – Evidence suggests that consuming too much sodium elevates blood pressure, leading to increased stroke and heart disease risks. Nine out of ten Americans exceed the recommended sodium intake. Aim to limit sodium to less than 1,500 mg daily.
- Poor Diet – Diets rich in saturated and trans fats can elevate cholesterol levels. Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily can lower stroke risk.
- Physical Inactivity and Obesity – Being sedentary or overweight raises your chances of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Engage in brisk walks, use stairs, and strive for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
If you witness someone experiencing a stroke, act immediately by dialing 911. Quick treatment is critical for a better recovery.
The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association are dedicated to assisting all Americans in leading healthier lives, free from cardiovascular diseases and strokes.
For more information, please visit www.strokeassociation.org today.
Musical Artist Michelle Williams is supporting the Power To End Stroke campaign. “I am honored to partner with this initiative, as my father suffered a stroke in 2005 due to smoking, diabetes, and poor nutrition, and my grandmother had a stroke in 2006 after a routine outpatient procedure. I aim to raise awareness so we can prevent strokes. Taking care of ourselves begins with understanding our health.”
