Stroke Guidelines To Save Your Health

We kept asking ourselves what we could have done and how could we have known in advance. (Mild stroke symptoms can be difficult to notice). And would it run in our family? Grandpa, after all, did have high blood pressure…

Strokes are one of the more serious and disabling conditions in the U.S., striking close to 800,000 people per year it is estimated. Many of these are “mini” and repeat strokes. But they can lead to a serious massive stroke later, as with my grandfather. The results can then be brain damage, paralysis (as he had), memory loss, even a coma. Oftentimes these conditions are permanent. Stroke is also third biggest cause of death in the U.S.

So taking these statistics into consideration, more attention has been put on this issue and stroke guidelines. Especially since a large part of the population is rapidly aging. Concern for this problem is now a routine part of good elderly health care.

Stroke victims are not limited to the elderly, of course. Here are a few facts, according to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA):

• Strokes can happen to any age group, including the young, even children.
• A stroke can be caused by a clot from somewhere else in the body when it impacts the brain, or…
• Arterial bleeding can happen right in or around the brain itself.
• Most strokes occur to those over 40 years old.
• Both men and women get strokes, with little variance in numbers.
• Heart disease is a major risk factor for strokes.
• Blood clots due to heart disease is a major cause.
• Strokes hit all races.
• African Americans have a higher death rate from stroke vs. whites.
• African Americans can suffer more serious damage from stroke.

Prevention

• Exercise – This was no problem for dad since he still exercises twice a day! This helps control blood pressure and weight as well (plus proper oxygen levels in the system).
• Maintain a healthy weight – Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, blood clots, and stroke. It also makes one less likely to exercise, although that is what is needed to help control weight. So it can become a vicious circle.
• Blood pressure – High blood pressure is one of the big contributors to stroke. As we age it is imperative to keep tabs on blood pressure regularly. Some senior campuses (i.e. assisted living) offer blood pressure monitoring monthly.
• Be aware of diabetes – This can affect the vessels in the brain. Many elderly have undiagnosed diabetes and may not be maintaining proper diet, which can also encourage stroke.
• Do not smoke – And if you do, quit. As we know, smoking can cause high blood pressure.
• Work on stress levels – Try keeping a relaxed and positive attitude. Ongoing, high levels of stress due to change, ill health, loss, anger, etc. can affect blood pressure. (Sometimes holiday times can trigger off anxiety and stress in the elderly.)
• Be aware of stroke symptoms and get immediate medical attention if they occur. This can make total difference in treatment and recovery from any stroke damage.

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