More than 780,000 Americans are affected by strokes each year. It is the third leading cause for death in the United States and the leading cause of long-term disabilities. African Americans are more likely to suffer severe strokes than those of white Americans. They also have higher rates of risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, and being overweight.
Many people are unaware of the symptoms and what to do if they see someone suffering from a stroke. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has provided the following information.
“For African-Americans, stroke is more common and more deadly — even in young and middle-aged adults — than for any other ethnic or racial group in the country. It is critical to recognize the symptoms of a stroke, call 9-1-1, and get to a hospital quickly,”Salina Waddy M.D., Program Director, Office of Minority Health and Research at NINDS. “The good news is that treatments are available that can save people’s lives and improve their chances for successful recovery.”
A stroke is a disruption in blood flow to the brain or bleeding around the brain. When brain cells aren’t getting enough oxygen or nutrients from the blood, they die. You may not know what you are doing because a stroke causes brain damage. A stroke is a distinct sign to anyone who is not a part of the process.
* Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body)
* Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
* Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
* Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination
* Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Every minute is important when treating stroke victims. There are treatments available to greatly reduce the effects of stroke. For some treatment you will need to be there within 60 minutes. You can save yourself or someone you care about by knowing the symptoms and taking note of the time it occurred.
Lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of stroke. Part of the National Institutes of Health’s NINDS, the NINDS is dedicated to education and research on stroke prevention, treatment, and causes. High blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease are all risk factors. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding stroke risk factors. Take action and find out what your risk factors are.
You can find more information about strokes, including ways to reduce risk factors in the NINDS materials. Call 1-800-352-9424 to order your free materials or visit www.NINDS.org. www.stroke.nih.gov.
