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By Sharon Leary - May 05, 2008 Special to iBerkshires
NORTH ADAMS — Do you know the top three leading causes of death in the United States? The first two are widely publicized — heart disease and cancer. You may be surprised to know that the third leading cause of death is stroke.
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Established in 1989, the annual campaign is designed to raise awareness about the treatment and prevention of strokes.
A stroke, or a cerebrovascular accident, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off (an ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel bursts (a hemorrhagic stroke). Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die and death or permanent disability can result.
There are actually three types of stroke: ischemic, hemorrhagic and transient ischemic attacks, which are commonly called TIAs.
A TIA is sometimes described as a mini-stroke. It starts like a stroke, but clears up within 24 hours, leaving no apparent symptoms or deficits. A TIA is a warning from the body; a person could be at risk for a more serious stroke. Medical attention should be sought immediately.
Most strokes are ischemic. Blood clots are the common cause for artery blockage in an ischemic attack, but they are not alone. A condition called stenosis, narrowing of the arteries, can also cause a stroke.
Why do doctors care so much about your cholesterol levels? One of the reasons is because stenosis is caused by a buildup of fatty substances including cholesterol and other lipids, also known as plaque. So taking preventative steps to lower your cholesterol sooner, will increase your odds of not having a stroke later.
That being said, strokes can — and do — occur at any age. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, nearly one quarter of strokes occur in people under the age of 65. So it is important to know the signs and symptoms of stroke.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has been utilizing the FAST acronym to help community members know the signs of stroke. You may have seen the commercial: "Stroke Heroes Act FAST!"
F is for face: Does the face look uneven? Ask the person to smile.
A is for arm: Does one arm drift down? Ask the person to raise both arms.
S is for speech: Does their speech sound strange? Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase, for example, "The sky is blue."
T is for time: If you observe any of the above signs, call 911.
Other signs and symptoms include numbness or weakness of the face, arms or legs; sudden confusion or trouble understanding others; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination; and/or sudden sever headache with no known cause.
It's important if you recognize these symptoms that you call 911. The emergency services personnel will get the person suffering from a potential stroke to the hospital the quickest and safest way.
There are other risk and lifestyle factors that put people at a higher risk for stroke. The most important risk factors for stroke are high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cigarette smoking.
Blood cholesterol levels are a risk as mentioned earlier. Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver. The body needs it, and the liver makes enough for the body. Excess cholesterol usually comes from eating foods that contain high levels of cholesterol and saturated fat.
Reducing Risk
That's another reason why your doctors and health-care practitioners ask you to look at the labels of the foods you eat. The lower the cholesterol and saturated fat levels the better.
Alcohol can also be a risk factor. Excessive use of alcohol can increase blood pressure, which increases the chance of stroke.
And strokes can run in families. Genes play a role in whether or not you are at risk for a stroke. But it's not always the gene's fault; strokes can and will happen to families that lead a sedentary lifestyle or have poor eating habits.
By now you might be asking yourself, how do I prevent a stroke from happening to me? Everyone can take steps to lower their risk for stroke.
Prevent and control high blood pressure
Prevent and control diabetes
Don't smoke!
Prevent and control high blood cholesterol
Drink in moderation
Maintain a healthy weight and diet
Get regular physical activity
Know your genetic predisposition
If you want more information speak to your doctor or attend one of the three local community stroke assessments given by North Adams Regional Hospital at libraries this May.
Local Risk Assessments
The first will be held at the North Adams Public Library on Tuesday, May 6, from 9 to noon. The next is at the Milne Public Library in Williamstownon on Thursday, May 8, from 9 to noon and at Adams Free Library on Tuesday, May 13, again from 9 to noon.
Advance registration is encouraged for any of the screenings. Information about the community stroke assessments can be obtained by calling 413-664-5326.
Knowing your stroke risk status is important. Even though stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in the nation, there is a good chance if you suffer a stroke that you will survive. You should know what to expect after you have a stroke.
Rehabilitation can help a person overcome disabilities that result from stroke and also helps to lower the risk of another stroke. There are many types of rehabilitation that a stroke victim may use to help relearn skills.
There also are acute stroke therapies that try to stop a stroke while it is happening. These treatments include trying to dissolve a blood clot causing an ischemic stroke or trying to stop the bleeding of a hemorrhagic stroke. These therapies are most effective when they are given soon after the onset of a stroke. That is why it is so important to act FAST!
For more information on your risk for stroke, contact your primary-care physician or check out the community stroke assessments held in May in Northern Berkshire County.
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