Stroke risk tied to cardiac health
Reported November 16, 2007
Every 45 seconds in this country, someone has a stroke. Every three minutes, someone dies from a stroke. Each year, more than 750,000 people in the United States suffer strokes, the brain’s equivalent of a heart attack. Stroke is the third leading cause of death of Americans, claiming 150,000 lives each year, and is the leading cause of adult disability. Stroke also impacts the economy as well, costing the United States $58 billion each year in medical expenses and lost job productivity.
These are sobering statistics, but even more so is the fact that nearly half of the population cannot identify the most common symptoms – weakness and numbness. Every minute that passes after a stroke means the death of more brain cells. Knowing the early warning signs can lead to a better outcome for the patient.
There are two kinds of stroke. The more common kind, called ischemic stroke, is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel. The other kind, a hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds in the brain. Either way, without blood to supply oxygen, brain cells quickly begin to die. “Mini-strokes” or transient ischemic attacks (TIA) occur when the blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted. Seventy percent of TIAs last less than 10 minutes.
It is vital for people to recognize the warning signs of stroke and seek medical treatment immediately. Studies show many people wait a day or two, hoping the symptoms go away. That decision could cost you greatly. While two of the most common warning signs are weakness and numbness, stroke’s other warning signs also include tingling on one side; sudden blurred vision or decreased vision in one or both eyes; difficulty speaking and comprehending others; loss of balance and coordination; and a sudden, severe headache.
