Stroke Symptoms Require F.A.S.T. Thinking

In the United States, stroke is the fifth most common cause of death, occurring once every 40 seconds. 
According to the American Stroke Association, “A stroke occurs when a blood vessel bringing blood and oxygen to the brain gets blocked or ruptures,” depriving the brain of the oxygen necessary for survival. It only takes a few minutes for vital brain function to die and lose the ability for that part of the brain to control bodily functions.
The after effects of stroke survival are dependent upon the type and number of cells lost.
Risk Factors for Stroke
African Americans, women and those older in age can be at higher risk for stroke. These risk factors are amplified by high risk medical conditions and lifestyle factors including:
High Blood Pressure (HBP)/Hypertension: HBP is the number one cause of stroke and the most controllable of all the risk factors. “Many people may not be aware that their blood pressure is higher than normal,” said Dr. Sandra E. Brooks, Chief Medical Officer at CompleteCare Health Network. “Over time elevated blood pressure can damage your heart and make it difficult for blood and oxygen to get to vital organs such as your brain and kidneys. As hypertension can begin as early as the teenage years, it is important for people to have their blood pressure checked regularly.”
Smoking: Cigarette smoking increases blood pressure, decreases exercise tolerance and increases the tendency for blood to clot. Smoking also decreases HDL (good) cholesterol.
Diabetes: Diabetes occurs when people develop resistance to insulin, a hormone that helps the body process glucose or sugar. Insulin resistance increases one’s risk for high cholesterol. In addition, diabetes and hypertension increases a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease.
High Fat Diet: Diets high in saturated fat, trans fat and salt can contribute to high blood pressure, as well as obesity; both risk factors for stroke.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Sitting for long periods of time without activity is not healthy. Thirty minutes of exercise per day (this exercise should raise your heart rate and make you “break a sweat”) is recommended, providing you can do it safely.
Use of birth control pills, pregnancy, history of preeclampsia/eclampsia or gestational diabetes, oral contraceptive use and smoking and post-menopausal hormone therapy may pose special stroke risks for women that should be discussed with a provider.
Stroke Symptoms
When a stroke occurs, nearly two million brain cells die each minute. Early intervention can improve chances for recovery.
“Getting someone the medical assistance they need at the first sign of a stroke is necessary to both save their life and help them maintain a good quality of life after a stroke occurs,” said Dr. Brooks. Patients who have a stroke and receive care within 90 minutes of the start of their symptoms are nearly three times more likely to recover from the incident with little or no permanent disability.
It is important to know the signs of a stroke and be able to recognize them in others. Many resources use the acronym F.A.S.T. to educate patients on how to spot and respond to a stroke victim.
F – Face drooping. Is one side of the face drooping, sagging or feeling numb? Is the person’s smile even?
A – Arm weakness. When the person’s arms are raised does one drift down? Is one arm weak or experiencing numbness?
S – Speech difficulty. Can the person be understood when they speak? Is their speech slurred or do they find it difficult to say simple sentences?
T – Time to call 9-11. If someone has these symptoms, even if they start and stop, 911 should be called.
Other symptoms of stroke may include; numbness, confusion, trouble seeing, loss of balance or coordination including problems walking normally and severe headache.
Reduce Your Risk of Stroke
• Keep your blood pressure under control
• Manage your cholesterol
• Manage your blood sugar
• Increase your activity level
• Eat a healthy diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quitting or avoid tobacco
Women on birth control pills, who have had hormone replacement therapy, or who have experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy should be especially careful to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
Take Home Message
Check in with your Primary Care Provider at least once per year and have your blood pressure and “numbers” checked. Knowledge is power!
CompleteCare Health Network offers primary care and specialty services in locations throughout Cape May County. Schedule an appointment by calling (609) 465-0258 or visiting CompleteCareNJ.org.