May is recognized as National Stroke Awareness Month. It is a time dedicated to raising awareness about strokes, their symptoms, prevention, the importance of swift treatment, and support for survivors and their families.
A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, happens when blood flow to an area of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Blood carries oxygen to cells in the body. When brain cells are starved of blood, they die. There are two types of strokes: Ischemic, caused by a clot, and Hemorrhagic, caused by a rupture. A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or “warning stroke” is caused by a temporary blockage.
Each year, approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stroke. Even though some people are at higher risk for stroke, like stroke survivors and people with unmanaged AFib or high blood pressure (hypertension), strokes can happen to anyone, at any age. In fact, stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S. Women face a higher risk of stroke, with risk factors such as pregnancy, preeclampsia, and birth control use, especially if they also smoke. In the United States, 1 in 5 women between the ages of 55 and 75 will have a stroke. Among women, Black women have the highest prevalence of stroke.
A helpful acronym to remember the symptoms of stroke is F.A.S.T., which stands for face drooping, arms weakening, speech difficulties, and time to call 9-1-1.
My late mother had a stroke before she later passed away in 2021, and our ability to quickly identify these symptoms allowed us to get her to the emergency room at INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital, where there is a dedicated Stroke Medical Director, for the emergency treatment she needed as soon as possible. Some treatments for stroke work only if given within the first 3 hours after symptoms start. A delay in treatment increases the risk of permanent brain damage.
There are many ways to reduce your risk of stroke. Don’t smoke or vape and avoid secondhand smoke. Eat healthy foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium, and reduce your intake of sugary drinks. Do regular physical activity. Keep a healthy weight and take your medications as prescribed. Limit alcohol to one drink a day for women and two drinks per day for men. Get your blood pressure checked regularly and work with your health care professional to manage it if it’s high. Make sure to get adequate sleep and reduce stress levels when possible. Talk to your doctor about what plan is best for you.
When you spot a stroke warning sign, it is important to act fast. Recognizing the stroke warning signs and calling 9-1-1 immediately may make the difference between a strong recovery for the patient or long-term disability, and ultimately between survival or death. Remember, time lost is brain lost. Visit www.stroke.org for more information and resources.