Although Francis Bacon wasn’t referring specifically to stroke when he observed, “knowledge is power,†the phrase is applicable.
Stroke largely is preventable if you know the risk factors and, if one occurs, largely treatable if you recognize the signs and act quickly.
That’s why each May, the observance of American Stroke Month, I share knowledge provided by the American Stroke Association and American Heart Association.
I was unfamiliar with the signs of a stroke when I suffered mine at age 48, and I vividly recall the fear and confusion combined with the physical paralysis. Thanks to medical professionals, I have recovered and have suffered no recurrence.
My stroke diagnosis marked my last day smoking cigarettes, which contributes to high blood pressure, the No. 1 risk factor for strokes.
According to the stroke association, 80 percent of strokes are preventable, but half of the estimated 80 million Americans with high blood pressure do not have it under control. Three out of four people who have a first stroke report blood pressure readings higher than 140/90.
During a stroke, nearly 2 million brain cells die each minute, which is why rapid recognition, reaction and treatment are essential. The association says clot-busting drugs and medical devices like stent retrievers have made stroke largely treatable, but most patients need to get to an appropriate hospital to be evaluated and treated within three to four and a half hours of the first symptom.
Medical professionals recommend the mnemonic device, F.A.S.T., to recognize a stroke. The letters signify:
F – Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
A – Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.†Is the sentence repeated correctly?
T – Time to call 911: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.
Stroke, the nation’s No. 5 killer, respects neither age nor race. Blacks are twice as likely to have a stroke compared to whites and, although stroke is more common among older people, young adults, teens, children, babies and even the unborn can be victims.
Knowledge about prevention, recognition and treatment is the most powerful defense against stroke and its consequences.
News Tribune/RFM