Stroke is Preventable in 80% of Cases Recognizing Warning Signs, By Adopting Healthy Lifestyle
The devastating impact of stroke, the nation’s fourth deadliest disease, is undeniable. Stroke impacts 795,000 people each year, according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA). It costs patients $33 billion annually and leaves survivors temporarily to permanently paralyzed or otherwise disabled. The number of strokes are expected to double in the next four decades, due to the aging population and metabolic disease, according to research supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Fortunately, the majority of strokes are preventable. Experts say simple, healthy lifestyle choices can prevent stroke. Even if a stroke occurs, being aware of warning signs and risk factors can help ensure that the stroke is diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Patients are three times more likely to recover with little to no long-term disability if the standard tPA treatment is administered within 90 minutes of symptom onset.
Warning Signs of Stroke
Remember “F.A.S.T.” to spot stroke signs and know when to call 9-1-1.
Face Drooping
Arm Weakness
Speech Difficulty
Time to call 9-1-1
Because time is of the essence in treating stroke, awareness of these sudden, common symptoms is critical, per the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC):
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
- Severe headache with no known cause
If someone shows any of these symptoms—even if the symptoms go away—call 9-1-1 and say, “I think this is a stroke” to help get the person to the hospital immediately. Time is important! Don’t delay, and also note the time when the first symptoms appeared. Emergency responders will want to know.
Prevent Stroke: Life’s Simple 7
The AHA/ASA reports that individuals who adopt these seven healthy habits are far less likely to suffer not only a stroke, but also a heart attack:
- Don’t smoke.
- Be physically active.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Control cholesterol.
- Control blood pressure.
- Control blood sugar.
How Pulse Helps Stroke
Pulse Therapeutics is helping in the fight against stroke by delivering the standard tPA clot-busting treatment faster, which could dramatically reduce the number of lives lost each year to stroke, heart disease and other critical conditions.
Additional Resources
- Find out more about Stroke Awareness Month from the AHA/ASA.
- Discover more about stroke, risk factors and prevention tips from the CDC.
- Learn about Pulse’s pioneering stroke and heart disease treatment solutions.