One Every 40 Seconds: How to Recognize, Manage, and Survive a Stroke

Every May, National Stroke Awareness Month serves as an important reminder to learn the signs and symptoms of stroke. More than 795,000 Americans experience a stroke each year, that's about one stroke every 40 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Stroke is also a leading cause of serious long-term disability. Recognizing the warning signs and responding quickly can make a critical difference, and sharing that knowledge can help protect others.

What is a stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die within minutes, which is why rapid recognition and response are critical.

There are two primary types of stroke:

• An ischemic stroke, caused by a blocked artery, which is the most common.
• A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a "mini-stroke," produces temporary symptoms but must be treated as a medical emergency. It is a serious warning that a major stroke may follow.

Recognizing the signs of a stroke: BE FAST
Whether you work in a clinical role or not, recognizing the signs of a stroke saves lives. The American Stroke Association recommends using the acronym BE FAST to identify warning signs:

• B - Balance: Sudden dizziness, loss of coordination or trouble walking
• E - Eyes: Sudden blurred, double or lost vision in one or both eyes
• F - Face: Facial drooping, numbness, or an unnaturally uneven smile
• A - Arms: One arm is numb, weak or drifting downward when both arms are raised
• S - Speech: Slurred, strange or absent speech
• T - Time: Call 911 immediately, even if symptoms seem to resolve

Additional warning signs include a sudden, severe headache with no known cause and abrupt confusion or difficulty understanding others. If you experience any stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Risk factors for stroke
Conditions that increase risk of stroke:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease (including atrial fibrillation)
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Prior stroke or TIA significantly increases your risk of another stroke

Behaviors that increase risk:

• Eating a diet high in saturated fats and sodium
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Tobacco use

Other factors:

• Risk roughly doubles every 10 years after age 55, though about 1 in 7 strokes occur in people aged 15-49.
• Women face a higher lifetime risk than men.
• Non-Hispanic Black and Pacific Islander individuals are more likely to die from stroke than other racial groups.
• Family history and genetics also play a role.

Reducing your risk of stroke
Lifestyle modification remains the most powerful prevention strategy. The following healthy habits can significantly reduce stroke risk, according to the CDC:

• At least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate aerobic activity per week
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and opt for foods low in saturated fats, trans fats and sodium.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Don't smoke. If you do, quitting lowers your risk of stroke.
• Limit alcohol to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women.
• Manage your medical conditions
• • Get your cholesterol tested at least once every five years, or as directed by your doctor.
  • Monitor your blood pressure regularly. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
  • If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels consistently and follow your treatment plan.
  • If you have heart disease or atrial fibrillation, work with your care team on treatment options.

• Work with your healthcare team
• • Take prescribed medications as directed, and never stop taking them without consulting your doctor.
  • If you've already had a stroke or TIA, follow your individualized prevention plan closely to reduce the risk of another.

Advanced stroke care with Ascension Wisconsin
When seconds count, doctors at Ascension Wisconsin stroke centers work quickly to understand the cause of your symptoms and deliver the care you need. Ascension All Saints Hospital is a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center, in addition to offering patient-centered care at its inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation stroke clinics on campus.

Ahmed Siddig, MD is a neurologist with Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin. He sees patients at Ascension All Saints Hospital. For more information on Dr. Siddig and his practice, visit Healthcare.ascension.org or call 262-687-8322.