Every 40 seconds, a stroke alters the life of an American, according to the recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While strokes can occur at any age, seniors are particularly vulnerable. Age-related risks generally begin to escalate around 55, and nearly 75 percent of strokes affect those 65 and older.
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to stroke awareness. Below, we’ll outline essential information about the causes, risks, and warning signs of stroke,* enabling you to take swift action should the need arise.
*This article is intended for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. If you believe that you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms of a stroke, call 911.
The Primary Causes of Strokes
During a stroke, brain cells can quickly become damaged. This is due to a lack of oxygen. Symptoms may first develop in parts of the body that are controlled by those damaged areas. There are several types of strokes, categorized by the mechanism that causes them:
- Nearly 87% of strokes are ischemic strokes, which are caused by blood clots or plaques that block blood vessels to the brain.
- When a blood vessel in the brain bursts and damages the surrounding tissue, this is called a hemorrhagic stroke.
- A mini-stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a stroke that lasts fewer than five minutes but still blocks blood flow to the brain. Such mini-strokes may also be a warning sign for future strokes.
Understanding Stroke Risk Factors
While certain factors like family history and pre-existing health conditions can elevate one’s risk of stroke, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable through mindful lifestyle choices. This finding underscores the profound impact our daily habits can have on our long-term health and well-being. By addressing modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, and lack of physical activity, it may be possible to reduce the risk of stroke.
Health Conditions
Conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes may increase one’s risk of stroke. The chances of having a stroke are also higher for those who have already experienced a stroke or TIA.
Lifestyle Factors and Behaviors
Lifestyle and behavior factors that increase the risk of stroke are similar to those that increase one’s risk for heart disease. This includes physical inactivity, smoking tobacco, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Nutritional factors are also a concern, as eating a diet high in cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fats can also increase a person’s risk of stroke.
Family History and Genetics
A stroke can occur at any age. However, after age 55, a person’s chance of experiencing stroke doubles nearly every decade. Strokes occur more frequently in women than men, and one’s race or ethnicity — especially for Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Alaska Native individuals — may heighten stroke risk as well. Knowing your family’s history of stroke may help you take preventative actions earlier on, as your family’s stroke history and certain genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease may also increase risk.
5 Common Indicators of a Stroke
Become more familiar with these five common stroke symptoms and empower yourself to save your own life – or the life of someone else.
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg. The sensation may be contained to only one side of your body.
- Difficult speaking or trouble understanding speech. One may also experience a sudden sense of confusion or disorientation.
- Vision loss, which comes on unexpectedly. This may occur in one or both eyes.
- Trouble walking, unexplained dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination. This symptom, too, can manifest quite quickly.
- Severe headache or brief loss of consciousness.
If you or someone you know experiences any of these signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately. Medical professionals will need to make an assessment and begin treatment quickly.
Other Stroke Symptoms
Along with the symptoms listed above, some people—especially women—may experience more generalized symptoms during a stroke. Below, you’ll find some additional signs of a stroke in women:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Racing heartbeat
- Hiccups
- Chest Pain
Remember that fast, professional treatment is key for ensuring the best outcomes in the event of a stroke. Do not drive yourself or someone else to the hospital who may be experiencing a stroke. Your best course of action is to dial 911 and request an ambulance.
Act “F.A.S.T.” to Assess a Stroke
Every minute counts when it comes to a stroke. This easy-to-remember assessment from the American Stroke Association can help you determine if you (or a person near you) are experiencing a stroke. Most successful stroke treatment occurs within the first three hours after symptom onset. Commit the stroke acronym F.A.S.T. to your memory. It could help save a life.
F — Face Drooping
Do you notice a drooping in the person’s face? Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face feel numb or droopy, or does the smile appear lopsided?
A — Arm Weakness
Ask the person to lift both arms up. When they do, do they indicate that one arm feels numb? Does the arm drift downward?
S — Speech Difficulty
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as stating their name and address. Do they have difficulty repeating this sentence? Is their speech slurred?
T — Time to Call 911
If the person displays any of these symptoms, call 911 to get professional treatment immediately.
Prepare for the Unexpected at Newcastle Place
If you or someone you love has experienced a stroke, Newcastle Place offers skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services for personalized support. Here, you or your loved one will partner with our trained physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy teams for stroke recovery to ensure the best outcomes possible.
To learn more about stroke recovery at Newcastle Place, contact us.
