The statistics do not favor us. Stroke is a leading cause of death in women. Each year, 55,000 women, more than men, suffer a stroke. According to the National Stroke Association, stroke kills more women than breast cancer each year. In addition, oral contraceptives, pregnancy, history of preeclampsia/eclampsia, gestational Diabetes, and post-menopausal hormone therapy pose special stroke risks for women.
A stroke occurs in the United States approximately every 40 seconds.
When the blood supply is severely cut off or interrupted, brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die within minutes. It is important to get treatment for a stroke as soon as possible.
A stroke can be caused by a narrowed or blocked artery or a ruptured or leaking blood vessel.
We can take action to change all of this.
Be aware of warning signs.
You should be aware of the warning signs that a stroke may occur. As soon as you recognize the warning signs, go to the hospital.
The key to identifying these symptoms is that they come on very suddenly, and there's an acronym to make it easy to recognize and act on these symptoms: Think FAST.
Face
Ask them to smile. Do they have a drooping side?
Arms
Ask them to raise both arms. Is one arm lower or unable to lift?
Speech
Ask them to repeat an easy or common phrase. Does their speech sound slurred?
Time is a factor.
Call 911 if you see any of these signs.
You may want to minimize these symptoms to avoid going to the hospital. It is not a good idea to do this. It is important to go to a hospital with experts who are trained to diagnose and treat strokes. Call 911. Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke patients. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Risk factors
Approximately 80% of strokes can be prevented.
Many factors can increase your risk of having a stroke. Some of these factors also increase your risk of having a heart attack.
Being overweight or obeseInactivityHigh blood pressureHigh CholesterolYou can also find out more about DiabetesStroke or heart attack in the family or personal historyAge 55 and olderTreatment
You should repeat this: If you, or someone you love, is experiencing symptoms of stroke, you need to act FAST. Call 911 and go straight to the hospital. The treatment for a stroke will depend on whether or not you have a blocked or narrowed brain artery. In this case, clot-busting medications can be prescribed. If you have a ruptured artery in the brain, surgery is more likely to be recommended.
Personal Plea
I am fortunate to work with highly-skilled clinicians who diagnose and treat strokes almost daily. Early recognition and treatment of stroke can save lives and help people recover. I am aware of the importance of becoming educated about stroke symptoms and seeking emergency medical attention immediately.
Please, for yourself, your family, and everyone else you care about, take time to know the symptoms of a stroke, think FAST, encourage others to become aware, as well, and learn about your risk factors. That way, if or when we meet, it's less likely to be in the Emergency Department.
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