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Stroke can be prevented!

Did You Know?

Did you know that according to the American Stroke Association ...

  • Stroke can be prevented!
  • Stroke happens every 40 seconds in the United States
  • More than 795,000 new strokes every year in the United States
  • Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death, but the #1 cause of adult disability in the United States
  • Every minute matters recognizing and treating stroke – no time to waste getting help! Lifesaving treatments are available -But you must get to the hospital now! Don't wait and hope it gets better!
  • For every 12 minutes stroke treatment is delayed, a pea-sized piece of brain dies. Time Lost Is Brain Lost!

Did you know that risk factors for stroke include

  • High blood pressure (140/90) is the most significant stroke risk factor – but lowering even the bottom number 5 to 6 points from 90 lowers stroke risk 30-40%. Goal is 120/80.
  • Age (2/3 of strokes happen age 65 and older, but 1/3 happen younger than age 65).
    • Ten percent (10%) of all 25 to 40 year old adults will experience a stroke in their lifetime.
    • One in five strokes occur in people between the ages of 20 and 55.
  • Heart disease (especially an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation)
  • Previous stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack - often called "mini stroke")
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Did you know the warning signs of stroke are sudden

  • Slurred speech, loss of speech or inability to understand speech
  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • One side of face droops
  • Weakness, numbness or paralysis
  • Severe headaches with no known cause
  • Confusion, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination.

If even one of these warning signs occur it is important to immediately call 911, even if they resolve quickly. A TIA (transient ischemic attack) often called "mini stroke" is a stroke "trying to happen." Don't ignore it. Get immediate emergency help. Stroke looks the same in young adults as it does in older adults.

BEFASTT- The acronym B-E-F-A-S-T-T( B=Balance: E=Eyes, check for vision loss, F=Facial Droop, A=Arm weakness or drift; S=Slurred Speech; T=Terrible Headache; T=Time to call 911) is a simple tool to educate patients about the most common warning signs and symptoms of a stroke, and to call 911 instantly if they even have a suspicion that a possible stroke has occurred. NO aspirin, water, food, NOTHING IN MOUTH. Teaching your children or loved ones could save your life.)

Did you know that INTEGRIS Health Stroke Centers

  • Have been nationally certified by the Joint Commission as Primary Stroke Centers
  • Have Code Stroke Teams (rapid response of specially trained physicians and nurses specifically for stroke in the Emergency Department) which meet and exceed the national standards for rapidly treating stroke.
  • Have dedicated Stroke Units whose physicians, nurses and therapists are specially trained in the care, assessment and management of stroke.

For more information about stroke, go to stroke.org, strokeassociation.org, or call 405-644-6965.