By Julie DeVries, RN, MSN, Director of Neuroscience Services/Stroke and Epilepsy at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
More than 795,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year and almost 130,000 individuals die as a result, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A stroke occurs due to the lack of blood supply to the brain, caused by either a blocked or ruptured artery. Preventive measures, quick response and correct care all play a vital role in this extreme health emergency and often, debilitating medical condition. Now is the perfect time to become educated about strokes, the risk factors, warning signs and the importance of medical care.
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There are a number of risk factors of a stroke, including those that are controllable and those that are out of our control. Your age, gender, heredity, race and a history of suffering a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA, or also known as a “mini stroke”), are all factors that are unmanageable when it comes to the risk of having a stroke. Alternatively, there are many health and lifestyle factors that can be managed and controlled, and if done so properly, can immensely decrease the risk of suffering a stroke. For this reason, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle by following these guidelines:
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Stop smoking. Smoking doubles your risk of suffering from a stroke, because it causes high blood pressure, clogs arteries and damages blood vessels. By quitting this bad habit, you are likely to reverse its effects and mitigate the risk of a stroke.
Manage alcohol intake. Too much alcohol can lead to high blood pressure, which can increase the likelihood of suffering a stroke. Be sure to manage your drinking throughout your life as a means of avoiding high blood pressure and a potential stroke in the future.
Manage and monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol. Both your blood pressure and cholesterol are major risk factors if not properly treated or acknowledged. Because neither of these conditions have signs or symptoms, it is very important to visit your doctor to get checked. Your blood pressure should be checked yearly and for reference, standard and healthy blood pressure is typically 12/80 mmHg. It is recommended to get your blood tested for your cholesterol levels at least once every five years.
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet. The benefits of exercising and eating healthy are immeasurable. Regular exercise is recommended because along with many other positive effects, it supports healthy body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. You should also manage a healthy diet consisting of foods with low sodium, fat and calories, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, to help maintain healthy high blood pressure, cholesterol and body weight.
Regular visits to your doctor. It is very important to visit your doctor regularly because preventative actions are fundamental in decreasing your chances of a stroke. Talk with your doctor about your personal health conditions, the risk of a stroke and what you can do to manage your health and lessen the chance of a stroke.
Because a stroke is such an extreme medical emergency, the degree of permanent damage is often associated a great deal with your response time. Your familiarity with the warning signs of a stroke can increase your reaction time and allow for quicker help. Important warning signs that indicate you or a loved one may be suffering from a stroke include sudden:
Numbness: One of the most common signs of a stroke is the feeling of numbness and weakness, usually of the arm, leg or face. Along with this numbness and weakness, you should look for any drooping of the face, which is also a common sign of a stroke.
Inability to move: When suffering from a stroke, you may experience limited capability to move or walk. Dizziness and weakness may result in a loss of balance and coordination, leaving you immobile.
Lack of vision: When suffering from a stroke, you may experience blurred or even complete loss of vision. This can often lead to other symptoms, such as lack of balance and nausea.
Trouble with speech: Slurred words or the inability to speak are also indicators that someone may be suffering a stroke. It is important to seek medical assistance if a person is unable to understand or communicate properly.
Harsh headaches: Those suffering a stroke may experience sudden, severe headaches with no reason. In some cases these headaches lead to dizziness, loss of consciousness and vomiting.
The quality treatment and care provided by a doctor or hospital directly results in better overall recovery and outcomes for stroke patients. The accredited and advanced stroke centers at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital provide the highest degree of treatment and inpatient care to those suffering from strokes. These two institutions continuously look to further provide the utmost, urgent diagnosis and treatment, ensuring better life quality for patients who are at risk of suffering a stroke and for patients who have suffered a stroke. Both programs offer elements that include but are not limited to, stroke specified educational services, advanced technology, rehabilitation and round-the-clock care. The recent merger will enhance the existing programs, ultimately offering superior care for stroke patients in both Somerset and Middlesex Counties.
I urge you to educate yourself further and share the helpful information with your friends and loved ones. I also strongly recommend you visit your doctor to check and discuss your personal health and the risk of having a stroke. For more information about strokes and the stroke centers at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, please visit the links below.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset: http://www.rwjuh.edu/rwjuh/neuroscience.aspx
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital: http://www.rwjuh.edu/rwjuh/the-stroke-center.aspx
