The Fidelis Care Blog

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. It's a time to raise awareness about the symptoms and treatment for stroke. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. It is also a leading cause of disability.

What is a stroke?

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. When the brain does not get oxygen for even a few minutes, part of the brain will die or become damaged.

What are the risk factors for a stroke?

Stroke risk increases with age, but they can occur at any age. Genetics or family history are risk factors for stroke. The risk of having a stroke varies with race and ethnicity. Non-Hispanic Black adults and Pacific Islander adults have the highest rates of death from stroke. Many common medical conditions and lifestyle choices can increase your risk for stroke, including:

• High blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes.
• High blood cholesterol causes plaque that clogs blood vessels.
• Diabetes: High sugar levels in the blood causes organ damage and form plaque.
• Obesity: Excess body fat can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and raised cholesterol levels.
• Sickle cell disease: The abnormally shaped blood cells in this blood disorder can get stuck in blood vessels and cause a stroke.
• Heart disease: Certain heart conditions increase the risk for stroke such as plaque in the heart arteries (atherosclerosis), irregular heart rhythms (atrial fibrillation), or enlarged heart chambers (cardiomyopathy) that increase the risk of forming blood clots that can travel to the brain.
• Lifestyle: Behaviors such as physical inactivity, high alcohol intake, smoking, and diets high in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol have been associated with an increased risk for stroke.

What are the symptoms and warning signs of a stroke?

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke is important. This way, you can take fast action if you or someone you know might be having a stroke. The chances of survival are greater when emergency treatment begins quickly. Common symptoms of a stroke include:

• Sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis of one side of the face or body.
• Sudden confusion or inability to speak or understand.
• Sudden change in vision.
• Sudden difficulty walking or keeping balance.
• Sudden severe headache with no obvious cause.

What should you do after a stroke?

Every minute counts! If you notice symptoms, call 911 immediately. The faster that needed treatment can be given, the more brain cells that can be saved and damage avoided.

Use the letters in F.A.S.T. to identify a possible stroke:

F – Face Drooping

A – Arm Weakness

S – Speech Difficulty

T – Time to call 911

What happens after a stroke?

The symptoms and effects after a stroke vary from person to person. They depend on which part of the brain was affected, the severity of the stroke, and how quickly treatment was given. Rehabilitation therapy is an important part of recovery after a stroke. Your medical team may recommend physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech-language therapy.

How can strokes be prevented?

80% of strokes can be prevented. Talk with your provider about steps you can take to lower your risk for stroke. You can:

• Visit your primary care provider (PCP) for regular checkups. Take prescribed medications as directed. Talk to your PCP about a stroke prevention plan that is right for you.
• Know your numbers. Go to your PCP and get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly. Your PCP will see if they are in the normal range.
• Don’t smoke. Quit smoking or don’t start smoking. Avoid tobacco smoke.
• Check blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, keep blood sugar levels controlled.
• Eat healthy. Follow a diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, whole grains, and fiber. Limit alcohol intake, and eat foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, and added sugars.
• Be physically active. Adults should try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, or a combination of both.

Sources

https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke

https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/05/05/5-critical-steps-to-help-prevent-a-stroke

https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/risk-factors/index.html