Know the Facts about Stroke

Why do I need to know about having a Stroke? That is something that only happens to old people, right? Wrong. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), about 700,000 people have a stroke each year; 500,000 first strokes and 200,000 recurrent strokes. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and the third-leading cause of death for Americans and Canadians. For African Americans, stroke is more common and more deadly - even in young and middle-aged adults - than for any ethnic or other racial group in the United States. And it can happen to you or someone you care about or work with.

In this article you will learn what a stroke is and why it is an emergency, what are the signs and symptoms, what the risk factors are, and tips for prevention.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, which is why it is sometimes called a brain attack. Ischemic stroke, the most common kind, occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel or artery in the brain. Ischemic strokes account for 80 percent of all strokes. Hemorrhagic strokes, which account for the other 20 percent, occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding. During the stroke, cells in and around the stroke site begin to die and part of the brain stops working. Basic functions, such as communicating, walking, thinking, and personality, may be changed.

Learning about stroke can help you act in time to save a co-worker, friend, or relative. In getting someone treatment for a stroke, every minute counts. The longer blood flow is cut off to the brain, the greater the damage. The most common kind of stroke, ischemic stroke, can be treated with a drug that dissolves clots blocking the blood flow. The window of opportunity to start treating stroke patients is three hours. But a person needs to be at the hospital within 60 minutes of having a stroke to be evaluated and receive treatment.

Stroke damage in the brain can affect the entire body, resulting in mild to severe disabilities. These include paralysis, problems with thinking, problems with speaking, and emotional problems.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptoms of stroke are:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
  

Other important symptoms of stroke include:

• sudden nausea, fever and vomiting (these symptoms occur in minutes, not in hours or days)
• brief loss of consciousness (fainting)
• difficulty in breathing

Because stroke injures the brain, you may not realize that you are having a stroke. The people around you might not know it either. Your family, friends, or neighbors may think you are confused or otherwise ill. You may not be able to call 911 on your own. That is why everyone should know the signs of stroke, and know how to act fast. Do not wait for the symptoms to improve or worsen. If you believe you are having a stroke, or someone you know is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Making the decision to call for medical help can make the difference in avoiding a lifelong disability.

Am I at risk?

While a family history of stroke increases your risk, there are many risk factors you can control.

• If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to get it under control. Many people do not realize they have high blood pressure, which usually produces no symptoms but is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Managing your high blood pressure is the most important thing you can do to avoid stroke.
• If you smoke, quit. Medical help is available to help you stop. Speak with your doctor to review your options.
• If you have diabetes, learn how to manage it. As with high blood pressure, diabetes usually causes no symptoms but it increases the chance of stroke.
• If you are overweight, start maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
• Drug Abuse. Stroke has resulted from the use of cocaine, LSD and amphetamines (speed). Each of these drugs can increase blood pressure and cause blood vessels to narrow. Stroke can be caused by impurities in drugs that are injected. Some street drugs are cut with fillers such as cornstarch or talc. When injected, these particles can travel through the bloodstream to the brain. Once there, they can lodge in a small vessel, block blood flow, and cause a stroke.
• Heart abnormalities such as Coronary heart disease (e.g. angina or heart attack ), valve disorders, heart rhythm disorders and other heart diseases can increase your risk of stroke. Having atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder, increases the risk that blood clots will form that lead to stroke.
• Atherosclerotic plaque along the walls of the blood vessels (hardening of the arteries), usually caused by elevated blood cholesterol.
• Heavy drinking, especially binge drinking, is associated with stroke.

What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk?

While you cannot do anything about your risk factors such as family history, ethnicity, or age, there are lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce your risk.

• Maintain a healthy weight. The best way is to combine healthy eating with regular, moderate physical activity.
• Exercise. Researchers have found that people who get even moderate amounts of exercise from activities like walking can significantly decrease their risk heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and thus, stroke.
• Do not use illegal drugs.
• Drink moderately, if at all.
• Do not smoke. Smoking increases your risk for most diseases and stroke is no exception.
• Get regular screenings. Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure typically have no symptoms in their early stages, when they have yet to have done significant damage. Work with your doctor to keep high blood pressure, diabetes, and your cholesterol levels under control. Screening should also include heart rhythm. If your doctor has diagnosed you with a heart rhythm problem, be sure to take your medications and keep your appointments with your doctor.

See also:

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada Helpful information and resources in English and in French on Heart disease and Stroke.

American Heart Association Information and resources on Heart disease and Stroke

Sources: National Institutes of Health; Health Canada

This is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide anyone with specific advice or recommendation. This is not a substitute for advice from an appropriate professional. If you feel you need further help, we strongly suggest you seek assistance from an appropriate professional.

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