Contact: Richard Gulla
Tel: 781-434-7101
Email: rgulla@mms.org
Waltham, Mass. - Feb. 7 - Following the release of new research indicating that more strokes occur during the winter months and that the public's knowledge of warnings signs is low and that people aren't calling for help soon enough when symptoms appear, physicians of the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) are urging people to learn more about strokes, their symptoms, and what steps to take when they think someone might be suffering a stroke.
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., after heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses, and is the number one cause of adult disability. Nearly 800,000 people suffer a stroke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That's an average of one person every forty seconds.
The physicians group points out that many strokes can be prevented, and for those that do occur, knowing what to do when someone is stricken can reduce the risk of permanent damage. To increase awareness and help educate patients, MMS has issued a basic Q&A on the topic, with information from the National Stroke Association, American Stroke Association, and the CDC.
What is a stroke? A stroke is essentially an attack on the brain, caused by interrupted blood flow. There are two kinds of strokes. An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked by blood clots or plaque build-up; a hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. About 85 percent of strokes are ischemic. In both cases, brain cells begin to die, and permanent damage may result.
Who gets strokes? Strokes can happen at any age, but three quarters strike people over 65. About 60 percent of deaths from strokes occur in females, about 40 percent in males. The risk of stroke varies with race and ethnicity, with African Americans and Hispanic Americans more susceptible than whites.
What are the risk factors for stroke? High blood pressure, smoking, and a high level of bad (LDL) cholesterol that causes plaque build-up in blood vessels pose the biggest risks. Other factors include diabetes, heart disease, overweight and obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive use of alcohol. Atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart beat) is also a risk. In young people, illicit drugs like cocaine are a common cause of stroke. Sickle cell disease, family history of stroke, and migraine headaches may also raise the risk.
How can the risk of stroke be reduced? Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, avoiding tobacco, and getting regular medical checkups are key steps. Also, avoid drinking alcohol to excess. People with heart disease, diabetes, atrial fibrillation or circulation problems should work with their doctors to control these conditions. Above all, make healthy lifestyle choices by exercising regularly and eating a good diet (limiting fat and salt, adding fruits, vegetables, and whole grains).
What are signs of a stroke? The sudden onset of: (1) weakness or numbness of the face, arms or legs, especially on one side; (2) trouble speaking or understanding; (3) trouble seeing in one or both eyes; (4) difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance; (5) severe headache with no known cause.
What are the possible effects of a stroke? A stroke can cause paralysis, speech problems, loss of sensation, difficulties with thinking and memory, coma, and even death. Recovery can be long and is often incomplete, creating a great burden on loved ones as well as patients.
What should people do if they suspect someone is having a stroke? Act F-A-S-T urges the National Stroke Association. F, for face: ask the person to smile to see if one side of the face droops; A, for arms: ask the person to raise both arms and watch for downward movement; S, for speech: ask the person to repeat a simple sentence and listen for slurring, or inability to understand or produce words; T, for time: call 911 immediately! Time is brain tissue lost or saved, as brain cells begin to die when a stroke occurs.
How fast should someone act? As fast as possible. Today, stroke victims can benefit from new medications previously unavailable. Drugs such as tPA can stop some strokes in progress, saving lives and reducing the potential for disability. But these drugs must be given quickly, within just a few hours, after symptoms first appear. So get help right away.
Where can I learn more? Visit the National Stroke Association (www.stroke.org), the American Stroke Association (www.strokeassociation.org), or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/stroke).
The Massachusetts Medical Society, with more than 24,000 physicians and student members, is dedicated to educating and advocating for the patients and physicians of Massachusetts. The Society publishes the New England Journal of Medicine, a leading global medical journal and web site, and Journal Watch alerts and newsletters covering 13 specialties. The Society is also a leader in continuing medical education for health care professionals throughout Massachusetts, conducting a variety of medical education programs for physicians and health care professionals. Founded in 1781, MMS is the oldest continuously operating medical society in the country. For more information please visit www.massmed.org, www.nejm.org or www.jwatch.org.
