Even During a Pandemic, Act "FAST" for Stroke Care
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and a time we should familiarize ourselves with the signs of a stroke:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 911
The FAST campaign helps remind us that time lost is brain lost. Because a stroke occurs when a clot or ruptured vessel obstructs blood flow to the brain, any delay in care can lead to serious complications or even death. Recent research published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery found that stroke patients delayed treatment for two hours amid concerns about COVID-19. It is critically important to seek emergency help when experiencing signs of a stroke. At Vista Medical Center East, we follow strict safety guidelines and take every precaution to protect patients from COVID-19. Our hospital has earned a gold seal of approval by The Joint Commission for stroke, which means we have achieved national recognition for the stroke care we deliver.
As stroke rates rise among younger adults, nearly 1 in 3 don't know the symptoms, according to a study published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke. With rapid access to a medical intervention being one of the most important ways to survive a stroke, we must educate all ages about recognizing these critical signs.
The National Institutes of Health reports that strokes are a leading cause of death and serious disability, with more than 800,000 strokes happening each year in the U.S. “As a physician specializing in Neurology, I’m often asked by patients how to avoid a stroke altogether.” Here are ways you can act today to lower your risk:
- Know your blood pressure. According to the American Stroke Association, nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure — and it’s the leading cause of stroke.
- Lower your cholesterol. Large amounts can build up in blood vessels due to lifestyle or family history, contributing to blood clots.
- Know your blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes or are prediabetic.
- Move more, sit less. Exercise, even 25 minutes of brisk walking a day, can lower your risk.
- Mind your food. Load up on fruits and vegetables but turn down the dial on saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium.
- Don’t smoke or vape. Nicotine and carbon monoxide wreak havoc on your cardiovascular system. The risk of stroke more than doubles for African Americans who smoke compared to their nonsmoking peers, according to a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
- Don’t delay your care. Talk with your doctor about making sure your preventive screenings and check-ups are on track. And remind your loved ones to stay on top of their health and well visits.
What else can you do to prevent a stroke? Discuss your risk factors with your primary care physician and plan to address them. If you don’t have a primary care physician, Vista Physician Group is accepting new patients. Visit www.VistaPhysicianGroup.com or call (847)599-1142 to schedule an appointment today.
Dr. Shazia Kamran is a Neurologist at Vista Health System.