Are You At Risk For A Stroke?

DID YOU KNOW … your chances of getting a stroke INCREASES if:

(Note: These factors CANNOT be changed)

• You are older than 55 years (your chances more than doubles for each decade after age 55).

• Are either Asian-Pacific Islander Afro-American or Hispanic

(Note: These factors CAN be changed)

You have:

• Family history of a stroke
• High blood pressure (pressure that is equal or greater than 140/90 mm/Hg).
• High cholesterol (level of 240 mg/dL or higher).
• Excessive alcohol intake (women = more than one drink per day, men = more than two drinks per day or binge drinking for either gender).
• Use illegal intravenous drugs, cocaine, or cigarettesA weight problem.
• Diabetes mellitus. Heart disease. People with heart problems have more than twice the risk of stroke as people with healthy hearts.
• History of Transient ischemic attacks (TIA’s) or “mini-strokes.” A person who has had one or more TIA’s is almost 10 times more likely to have a stroke than someone of the same age and gender who never had one.
• High red blood cell count. The reason is that more red blood cells thicken the blood and form clots more easily.

SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF STROKE

If you notice one or more of these signs, do not wait. Call 9-1-1.

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

STROKE TREATMENT

If you have one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, do not delay! Call

9-1-1. If you are with someone who may be having stroke symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1. Expect the person to protest but do not take “No” for an answer. Insist on taking prompt action.

Accepted ways of treatment include surgery, drugs, acute hospital care and rehabilitation. When a neck artery has become partially blocked, surgery may be used to remove the fatty buildup. Balloons, stents and coils are other treatment methods.

Another treatment option, known as tissue plasminogen activator or tPA has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This clot-dissolving drug now allows physicians to treat acute strokes caused by blood clots, which make up 70-80% of all strokes. This drug does carry a risk of bleeding in the brain. However, its benefits outweigh the risks when an experienced doctor uses it properly. This drug is effective if given promptly (for maximum benefit, the therapy must be started within three hours of the onset of the stroke). Therefore, it is critical that the medical professionals, caregivers, and the public recognize stroke as a medical emergency and respond immediately.