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Knowing the signs of a stroke and getting help quickly can make a difference, experts say

2022-05-17T23:56:32.170Z


Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial as it can lead to disability or even death if not treated quickly.


The type of fat (and not the amount) reduces the possibility of strokes, according to a study 0:45

(CNN) --

When it comes to stroke, also known as a stroke, acting quickly is key.


"Wasted time is wasted brain. Every minute counts," according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke is a serious medical event that can lead to disability or even death if not treated quickly, says Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of clinical cardiology and cardiovascular prevention at National Jewish Health.

And they are frequent: Every 40 seconds someone has a stroke in the United States, according to the CDC.

US Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, announced on Sunday that he had suffered a "mild stroke."

That same day, Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman announced that he was recovering from a stroke.

In light of this news, and in light of National Stroke Awareness Month, experts are urging citizens to better understand the signs of strokes so they can identify them and get medical help early.

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What really is a cerebrovascular accident or CVA?

"A heart attack is a heart attack, and a stroke is a stroke," Freeman said.

It is usually "a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain."

That may mean something is blocking blood to the brain or a blood vessel in the brain has ruptured, according to the CDC.

There are two main types: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

Most strokes are ischemic and occur when blood reaching the brain is blocked by clots or particles such as fatty deposits called plaque, according to the CDC.

When a brain artery leaks or ruptures, it's called a hemorrhagic stroke, according to the CDC.

Sometimes the blood is blocked for only a short time, usually five minutes at most, and that's called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a mini-stroke.

These attacks are still a medical emergency and could be a warning sign of a future stroke, according to the CDC.

Sudden, severe headaches are one of the symptoms of a stroke.

Experts say that a severe headache, vision problems, numbness, and slurred speech are signs of a stroke.

what happens in the brain

In a hemorrhagic stroke, blood that has leaked from the artery damages brain cells by exerting too much pressure, according to the CDC.

When blood flow is interrupted in an ischemic stroke, brain cells can't get the oxygen and nutrients they need.

Cells can begin to die within minutes, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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what are the symptoms

Strokes are usually identified by a sudden, severe headache, vision problems in one or both eyes, problems walking, paralysis or numbness of the face or limbs, and problems speaking or understanding others, according to the Clinic. May.

Experts use the acronym FAST ("face, arms, speech, time to call the doctor") to describe what to do in the event of a stroke.

First, ask the person to smile and see if one side of their face looks droopy.

Next, she asks him to raise both arms;

See if you can't lift one or it slides down.

Third, check if he speaks badly or strangely by asking him to repeat a simple phrase.

If any of these symptoms are concerning, seek emergency medical help immediately, according to the Mayo Clinic.

How to treat a stroke

Treatment and recovery depend on the severity of the stroke and how quickly the patient receives medical care.

Smaller strokes may leave less of an impact, but larger ones can change much of a person's life, Freeman said.

Where in the brain the stroke occurs can influence its effects, such as whether a person has to relearn how to walk or talk during their recovery, he added.

"If you can get to the hospital within a certain amount of time, you can receive life-saving therapies, such as an anticoagulant drug or a procedure to restore blood flow," Tavee wrote in an email.

Strokes are one of the leading causes of death in the United States and can be disabling, but they are treatable, according to the CDC.

"If you have a stroke, going immediately to a hospital or facility that can intervene can significantly improve outcomes by quickly restoring blood flow," Freeman said.

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Prevention measures

High blood pressure, age and a history of strokes are major risk factors for stroke, according to Freeman.

Diabetes and heavy alcohol use can also increase the risk, said Dr. Jinny Tavee, chief of the division of neurology and behavioral health at National Jewish Health.

There are six things Freeman recommended that people do to prevent not only stroke, but other vascular risks as well.

"The same thing that prevents heart disease also prevents cerebrovascular disease," he said.

Not smoking is the key to reducing risk, he said.

Freeman also recommends following a mostly whole grain, low-fat diet to reduce plaque buildup, getting 30 minutes of exercise a day (as long as your doctor deems it safe), reducing stress, and getting enough sleep.

On average, adults need about seven hours of uninterrupted sleep each night, he added.

Finally, Freeman said it's important for your health to build a network of love and support.

"I know it sounds a bit cheesy nowadays," he said.

"It turns out that those who have the most caring, supportive and strong social networks ... have less cardiovascular disease."

cerebrovascular accident

Source: cnnespanol

All news articles on 2022-05-17

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