A stroke can be devastating to the body. In fact, it is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. But the good news, especially for African-Americans, is that stroke can be prevented.
Stroke, also called brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Disruption in blood flow is caused when either a blood clot or piece of plaque blocks one of the vital blood vessels in the brain (ischemic stroke), or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into surrounding tissues (hemorrhagic stroke).
There are other types of stroke such as embolic stroke, when a blood clot forms somewhere in the body (usually the heart) and travels through the bloodstream to your brain; and a thrombotic stroke, where blood flow is impaired because of a blockage to one or more of the arteries supplying blood to the brain.
Stroke simply doesn’t come on, but is caused by other factors. The No. 1 risk factor is high blood pressure.
“Hypertension is a big issue. Then there’s cholesterol, because that builds up plaque in your vessels; obesity can increase your rate; smoking can significantly increase your rate; substance abuse issues can also cause stroke,” said Lenora Maze, clinical nurse specialist for Eskenazi Health. “Genetics can also play a part.”
Most strokes happen after age 65, but experts say anyone with risk factors can suffer from stroke.
Warning signs of stroke include face drooping; arm or leg weakness; and speech difficulty. Additional signs include sudden, severe headache with no known cause; sudden trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; or sudden confusion or trouble understanding.
If someone is having a stroke, they should access emergency care as soon as possible.
“We also have a ‘clot buster’ we can give patients, but we have a limited time window,” said Maze.
Following a stroke, recovery from it and the specific ability affected depends on the size and location of the stroke. A small stroke may result in problems such as weakness in an arm or leg. Larger strokes may cause paralysis (inability to move part of the body), loss of speech, or even death.
Blacks should especially understand the risk factors and signs of stroke. According to the National Stroke Association (NSA), stroke notably affects Blacks. Their research shows that African-Americans are twice as likely to die from stroke as Caucasians. The rate of first strokes in Blacks is almost double that of Caucasians, and strokes tend to occur earlier in life for African-Americans than Caucasians.
Additionally, African-American stroke survivors are more likely to become disabled and experience difficulties with daily living and activities.
“I wish I had a good answer as to why stroke affects African-Americans more. Unfortunately there hasn’t been enough research done to have a conclusive answer. Some people say it’s genetics, others say it’s cultural or diet,” said Clair Doines, director of marketing and communications for the NSA. “What we do know is that there are those common risk factors.”
But with lifestyle changes, African-Americans and others at risk for stroke can take steps to reduce their chances. Some tips include managing blood pressure and cholesterol, proper diet, and exercise.
“Also, stay away from smoking and also know your family history,” said Diones.
Eskenazi’s Maze said that it’s important for certain individuals to know the ABCs of stroke, but despite your risk factor, people should know the warning signs so they can administer help to a stroke victim quickly, especially youth.
“When you’re having a stroke, you’re not the best decision maker. So if you see someone around you having a stroke, you should get help quickly,” said Maze. “We see more than one instance of a 9 or 11-year-old with a grandparent having a stroke, that wisely call 9-1-1 quicker than people coming on their own.”
For more information, visit Eskenazihealth.edu; stroke.org; and strokeassociation.org.
