Behind heart disease and cancer, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States – accounting for 1 out of every 15 deaths annually. It is also the leading cause of disability in adults. Unfortunately, the risk of stroke doubles with each decade after age 35, and individuals with existing heart disease are at heightened risk for stroke.
“A stroke – or brain attack – occurs when a blood vessel that brings oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot or some other particle,” explains Robert Iaffaldano, M.D., medical director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at St. Francis Hospital.
“Because of this rupture or blockage, the part of the brain affected is deprived of needed blood and oxygen. Within minutes, nerve cells in that portion of the brain begin to die,” he said.
There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke – which is caused by blood clots and hemorrhagic strokes, caused by bleeding from a burst blood vessel. Ischemic strokes are the most common.
One of the most common causes of stroke is atherosclerosis – in which fatty deposits and blood platelets collect on the wall of the arteries, forming plaque. Over time, the plaques slowly begin to block the flow of blood. The plaque itself may block the artery enough to cause a stroke. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, tobacco use, diabetes, carotid or other artery disease, high cholesterol, obesity, excessive alcohol use, atrial fibrillation and a history of mini-strokes or TIAs.
“The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is injured, and how severely it is injured,” Dr. Iaffaldano added.
Strokes may cause sudden weakness, loss of sensation, or difficulty with speaking, seeing, or walking. Since different parts of the brain control different areas and functions, it is usually the area immediately surrounding the stroke that is affected. Sometimes people with stroke have a headache, but stroke can also be completely painless. It is very important to recognize the warning signs of stroke and to get immediate medical attention if they occur.
The most common sign of stroke is sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, most often on one side of the body.
Other warning signs can include:
If you or someone you know is having these signs, call 911 and seek medical help immediately. Stroke is a medical emergency. Treatment is available, but only if a stroke is recognized in time. DO NOT try to diagnose the problem by yourself, and DO NOT wait to see if the symptoms go away on their own.
Even if the symptoms pass quickly, they could be an important warning that requires prompt medical attention.
Editor’s note: This article was provided by St. Francis Hospital in Blue Island, Illinois. For more information or to obtain a physician referral please call 708-385-4433.