Preventing First Stroke: Possible Screening
More than 600,000 Americans are expected to experience their first stroke this year — but up to 80% of these incidents may be preventable. The American Stroke Association (ASA) has issued updated advice urging healthcare workers to screen for stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, high blood sugar, and obesity.
Understanding Stroke Risk Factors
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel bursts and leaks blood into the brain. The ASA recommends that adults follow the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, and avoid red meat and sugar. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling cholesterol, managing blood pressure, and avoiding smoking are also crucial.
Screening and Prevention
Healthcare professionals should screen patients for sedentary behavior, including a lack of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or vigorous exercise. Patients should be educated on the importance of non-medical factors such as education, financial stability, access to care, and healthy food, as well as neighborhood walkability.
Women’s Stroke Risks
Women are generally at a higher risk of stroke due to factors related to their reproductive health and longer life expectancy. They may need to be screened more frequently than men for stroke risks, including birth control pill use and pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure and premature birth.
Early Detection and Intervention
The American Heart Association’s (AHA) PREVENT risk calculator can estimate 10-year and 30-year stroke and heart disease risk in people over 30. Understanding which people are at increased risk of a first stroke and providing support to preserve heart and brain health can help prevent a first stroke.
Stroke Warning Signs
Experts use the acronym BE FAST to quickly recognize stroke warning signs and know when to call 911:
- B is for balance — difficulty with walking
- E is for eyesight — seeing double vision, blurred vision, loss of vision
- F is for a facial droop or crooked smile
- A stands for arm weakness or numbness. This also applies for leg weakness or numbness
- S is for changes with speech
- T represents time — time to call 911
Conclusion
Preventing a first stroke is crucial, and early detection can significantly impact patient outcomes. By understanding stroke risk factors, screening appropriately, and following lifestyle modifications, we can reduce the occurrence of strokes and stroke-related deaths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the American Stroke Association’s goal for stroke prevention?
A: The ASA aims to prevent up to 80% of strokes.
Q: What are the key factors for stroke risk screening?
A: High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, high blood sugar, and obesity.
Q: Can women be screened more frequently for stroke risks?
A: Yes, women may need to be screened more frequently due to their increased risk factors, such as birth control pill use and pregnancy complications.
Q: What is the American Heart Association’s PREVENT risk calculator?
A: The PREVENT risk calculator estimates 10-year and 30-year stroke and heart disease risk in people over 30.
