You CAN reduce your risk for stroke. Here’s how.
Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. 87% of all strokes are known as “ischemic strokes” which means that blood flow to the brain is blocked. A stroke can cause long-term disability, paralysis and death—stroke is the third leading cause of death among adults.
Although stroke risk increases with age, it can occur in younger people as well. In fact, 38% of people hospitalized for stroke are under 65 years of age.1 In addition, the risk of having a first stroke is nearly twice as high in black adults compared with white and Hispanic adults.
Even though a stroke occurs in the brain, it is usually caused by a buildup of plaque within the carotid arteries in the neck, the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the brain. Pieces of the plaque can break off and become lodged in the smaller arteries within the brain, partially cutting off blood supply. Or these arteries can narrow, resulting in decreased blood flow to larger parts of the brain and a subsequent stroke. The type and extent of damage caused by the stroke depends on where in the brain the blockage occurs. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as “mini-stroke,” is milder than an ischemic stroke, and causes stroke-like symptoms for a brief period of time—but does not typically result in long-term damage.
But the real question is, how can you prevent any type of stroke from happening to you? The most important first step is to know your risk. If you have any first-degree relatives who have had a stroke, your risk is increased. If you smoke, you are at an increased risk. High blood pressure is a risk factor, as is heart disease, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and high cholesterol. Lack of physical activity and a diet high in saturated fats are contributors as well.
If you have risk factors like these, it may be a good idea to visit with us and consult with Dr. Pabst about your individual risk and how to reduce your risk for stroke. There are a number of simple, non-invasive tests like carotid doppler ultrasound that he can use to assess your personal risk for stroke, and even help you manage your risk with medication and/or lifestyle changes. Dr. Pabst can help you manage other conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, to help minimize your risk for stroke. He can also assist you with an effective tobacco cessation program.
If a stroke does occur, the sooner you get treatment, the better. For every minute a stroke goes untreated, 1.9 million brain cells die. The longer it takes for you to get treatment, the greater the risk of disability or death. Look for symptoms such as a sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. Other symptoms include sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, trouble understanding speech, vision problems, loss or balance or coordination, or a sudden severe headache with no known cause. For ischemic strokes, treatment should be administered within 3 hours of the start of the stroke to be effective.
When it comes to being able to reduce your risk for stroke, it pays to be proactive. If you have one or more risk factors, call us! We can help you understand your true risk for stroke and take the steps necessary to help you avoid having one.
- Jackson G, Chari K. National hospital care survey demonstration projects: stroke inpatient hospitalizations. Natl Health Stat Report. 2019 Nov;(132):1–11.
