May is Stroke Awareness Month

Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and disability in the United States, and second leading cause of death and disability worldwide, according to the American Heart Association. One out of five people under the age of 55 has a stroke, and this statistic increases with age. African Americans, Asian and Hispanic populations have an increased risk for stroke. More women than men die from stroke, and more women die from stroke than from breast cancer every year.

When signs and symptoms of stroke are first recognized, every minute counts as immediate action and treatment can aid in preventing brain damage, long-term disability and even death.

Recognizing stroke symptoms utilizing the BEFAST (balance, eyes, face, arms, speech, time) acronym is key to early detection and activation of emergency services.

• BALANCE: Look for lack of coordination or difficulty walking
• EYES: Complaints of blurry vision or visual changes in one or both eyes represent eye symptoms
• FACE: Drooping to one side of the face with an inability to smile evenly represents facial symptoms.
• ARMS: Weakness to arms and legs, usually involving only one side
• SPEECH: Slurred speech or difficulty forming words.
• TIME: Act quickly and call 911 immediately. (In addition to ischemic stroke symptoms, a sudden, unexplained, severe headache could be indicative of a brain bleed. This headache is usually characterized as the worst headache of one’s life.)

Know your risk factors and discuss these with your primary care physician. Uncontrolled risk factors for stroke include age, race, gender and family history. Controllable risk factors include high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, poor circulation, lack of physical activity and obesity.

If you suspect a stroke, bring your loved one to the emergency room at Valley View at first sign.