May is stroke awareness month
Did you know that someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds in the United States?
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Even a brief pause can cause serious disability or even death.
“Some risk factors for stroke can’t be controlled – like family history or genetics – but many are actually based on lifestyle factors,” said SSM Health neurologist Dr. Monica Simionescu.
Having diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, being obese, and using tobacco products are the leading causes of stroke. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics show at least one-third of US adults have at least one of these habits or conditions.
“It’s very important that we all know the signs of stroke and also how to prevent them,” Dr. Simionescu said.
How to lower risk of stroke
It is very important to seek emergency care right away when the symptoms of stroke occur. The brain is at risk of severe damage the longer a person waits.
- Control blood pressure
- Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise and focus on moving more
- Drink alcohol only in moderation
- Avoid smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products
- Appropriately treat atrial fibrillation
- Control diabetes
The symptoms of stroke, and how to respond, can be remembered as "BE FASTER"
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance.
- Eyes: Sudden blurry or loss of vision.
- Face: Sudden numbness, one side drooping
- Arms: Sudden weakness in arms, can't raise arm (s)
- Speech: Slurred or mumbling speech, severe, headache.
- Time: Time to call 911.
- Emergency Room: Travel to the ER in an ambulance so treatment can begin before arriving to the hospital.
To learn more about your stroke risk, take a free SSM Health risk assessment and discuss your results with your primary care provider.