It is estimated that 750,000 Americans will experience a stroke this year. Of this number, 160,000 will die and the rest will forever have their lives changed in significant and profound ways. African Americans are twice as likely to die from a stroke as Caucasians and the rate of having their first stroke is almost double that of Caucasians. One half of all African American women will die from either a stroke or heart disease. For those with sickle cell anemia, 11% will have experienced a stroke by the age of 20. Pretty depressing until you read the next line:
“… 80% of strokes are preventable!”
You Have the Power to Make a Significant Change!
That’s not me saying this but the National Stroke Association. This statement means that 600,000 Americans could prevent their strokes from occurring this year. You have the power to make a significant difference in how strokes are going to affect you and your community. You can both prevent a stroke and lessen the damage from a stroke if you know what to do.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is really a “brain attack!” Just like a heart attack effects the heart, a stroke or “brain attack” affects the brain. Vital blood and oxygen to the brain cells are cut off resulting in some level of damage to the effected brain tissue. Most strokes happen when the artery or blood vessel is blocked by a blood clot or by the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits or by sickle cells which tend to sick together once they have changed into their sickle shape. In some cases, a stroke can be caused when an artery or blood vessel ruptures at a weak spot in the wall of that artery or blood vessel.
Every stroke is different since it depends upon the area of the brain that has been affected and the amount of time that area has been without oxygen. Strokes are also classified according to their severity. A mini-stroke or TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) is a brief episode of stroke-like symptoms that can last from a few minutes to 24 hours. TIAs usually cause no permanent damage or disability but are serious warning signs of an impending stroke. It is estimated that 35% of people who experience a TIA will have another stroke. Statistically it breaks down this way:
o 5 to 14% will have an additional stroke within one year.
o Within the next five years, 24% of women and 42% of men will have an additional stroke.
Again, this can seem overwhelming and depressing until you remember that:
“… 80% of strokes are preventable!”
This means you can take steps on the front end to prevent a stroke and you can take steps after you have had a stroke to prevent an additional one.
Risk Factors: Uncontrollable vs. Controllable!
Everyone has some level of risk to having a stroke. It is important to understand the risk factors that contribute to a stroke. Some of the risk factors are controllable. Some of the risk factors are not. We will first look at the uncontrollable risk factors for stroke:
o Age. Although a stroke can happen at any age, your risk increases with age. After age 55, the risk for a stroke doubles for every decade. Although you have no control over your chronological age, you do have the ability to reduce your biological age.
o Gender. A stroke is more common in men but more lethal in women.
o Race. For African Americans, the risk of a stroke is twice the rate for Caucasians. Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islanders are also at a higher risk than Caucasians.
o Family History. If someone in your family has had a stroke, then you are at a higher risk for a stroke. Part of this could be genetics and part could be lifestyle. You have no control over the genetics but you certainly have control over your lifestyle.
o Previous Stroke or TIA. If you have had a stroke or TIA then you chance of having another stroke in the next 5 years is 25 to 40% depending upon your gender.
As you can see from the above list, there are certain factors that you do not have any control over. The good news is that you have multiple ways to offset the above uncontrollable risk factors. Our companion article “11 Action Steps That May Prevent Strokes!” will go into greater depth on the actionable steps that you can take to reduce your risk of stroke through the following controllable risk factors:
o Control High Blood Pressure. High blood pressure increases stroke risk 4-6 times and is the #1 risk factor for a stroke. You have the power to positively impact this area.
o Control Heart Disease especially Atrial Fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrillation can cause blood to collect in the upper chambers of your heart increasing the opportunity for blood to form clots to causes a stroke.
o Stop Smoking. Smoking doubles the risk for stroke.
o Control Alcohol Consumption. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined at one glass of wine or beer or one drink each day. There is some research to suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may lower your risk for stroke provided that there are no other medical reasons for avoiding alcohol. But, once you increase from moderate to heavy alcohol consumption, everything changes and your risk increases substantially.
o Control Your Cholesterol. Lowering your cholesterol may have a positive effect on reducing your risk for stroke. It will certainly reduce your risk for heart disease which is a major risk factor for stroke.
o Control Your Diabetes. Having diabetes increases your risk for a stroke. There is a lot you can do in this area to control your blood sugar which will reduce your risk for stroke and improve your overall health and wellness.
o Control Your Weight Through Diet, Exercise and Nutrition. The “Super Size Me” fast food lifestyle has created a “Super Sized” population of overweight and obese people. This additional weight increases your risk for a stroke, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other health issues.
o Check for Other Circulatory Problems. In addition to sickle cell disease, it is important to have your carotid arteries checked by a qualified physician on a regular basis. The carotid arteries carry blood from the heart to the brain and can narrow from the build up of cholesterol and other plaque forming substances. This leads to reduced blood flow and increased risk for blood clots and blockages.
Our companion article “11 Action Steps That May Prevent Stokes!” will discuss each one of these controllable risk factors and give you a comprehensive plan of action to help you not only lower your risk but also improve your health and overall wellness.
Common Stroke Symptoms!
We will conclude this article by looking at the common stroke symptoms. Learning these symptoms and knowing what to do when they occur could save your life or the life of someone else. These are the most common stroke symptoms:
o Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg especially if it occurs on one side of the body.
o Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
o Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
o Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
o Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
If you have or see anyone who has these symptoms, then call 911 immediately. Time is critical in decreasing the effects of a stroke. Currently there is a clot busting drug that can be administered to diminish the effects of a stroke. However, there is only a three-hour window when this drug can be administered. Once the stroke symptoms occur the clock starts ticking and your quick response could be the difference between life or death, permanent disability or significant recovery.
Summary!
Stroke is the number one cause of adult disability. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. For the African American community, the effects of a stroke are significantly greater. According to the National Stroke Association, “80% of strokes are preventable!” Please join us in helping our community to take proactive steps in reducing the risk of stroke. Please email this article to a friend. Make it your goal to share this with at least 5 others so that together we can change the health dynamics of our community. Thank You!
Dan Hammer has a background in biology, chemistry and exercise physiology. He used to run one of the largest health club operations in the Chicagoland area and has been helping people with their wellness issues for more than 25 years.
Author: Dan Hammer
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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