Stroke Awareness:

Ashley Ulrich
Nov 1, 2024
3 min read

Knowledge is Power, and It Can Save Lives

Hello, Friends and Health Enthusiasts!

Here at Foothills Heart & Vascular Screenings, we believe that knowledge is a powerful tool for maintaining your health. Today, we’re focusing on stroke awareness—a critical topic that can feel a bit intimidating but is vital to understand. Don’t worry, we’ll keep things light and engaging, because being informed about strokes can truly make a life-saving difference.

The Stark Reality of Stroke

Did you know that every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States experience a stroke? That’s a staggering number, and about 610,000 of these are first-time strokes. Imagine, every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke, and every 3 minutes and 11 seconds, someone loses their life to this condition. These numbers highlight the critical need for awareness and timely intervention.

Types of Strokes: The Silent Blockages

Approximately 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes, where blood flow to the brain is blocked. This type of stroke can be particularly dangerous because it often strikes without warning. Recognizing the signs and acting quickly can make all the difference.

Stroke Awareness: Knowledge is Power, and It Can Save Lives

The Human Impact

Stroke is not just a leading cause of death; it’s also a major cause of serious long-term disability significantly reducing quality of life. It reduces mobility in more than half of stroke survivors aged 65 and older. Globally, over 12.2 million new strokes occur each year, and one in four people over the age of 25 will experience a stroke in their lifetime. These statistics are a powerful reminder of why stroke education is so vital.

Economic and Demographic Insights

The economic burden of stroke is immense. In the United States alone, stroke-related costs were nearly $56.2 billion between 2019 and 2020. These costs include healthcare services, medications, and lost productivity. In 2022, stroke accounted for 1 in every 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease, underscoring its significant impact on public health. While stroke risk increases with age, it’s important to note that strokes can occur at any age.

Prevention and Timely Intervention

The good news is that many strokes can be prevented through lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Regular screenings, like those we offer at Foothills Heart & Vascular Screenings, can help detect risk factors early. Remember, patients who receive treatment within 3 hours of their first symptoms often have less disability 3 months after a stroke than those who receive delayed care.

Recognizing the Signs: B.E.F.A.S.T.

This past Tuesday was World Stroke Day, a perfect reminder of the importance of stroke awareness. One of the best ways to combat stroke is by recognizing its signs early. We use the acronym BEFAST to help remember the symptoms:

Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Face: Face drooping on one side.
Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm, or leg.
Speech: Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
Time: Time to call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms are present.

Raising Awareness Together

Despite the importance of early intervention, only 38% of people are aware of all major stroke symptoms and know that they need to call 911 when someone is having a stroke. Let’s change that! By spreading awareness and educating ourselves and our loved ones, we can make a significant impact.

Conclusion: Be a Stroke Hero

Understanding stroke statistics might seem overwhelming, but it’s a crucial step in prevention and timely intervention. At Foothills Heart & Vascular Screenings, we’re committed to raising awareness and providing the tools you need to stay healthy. Together, we can All be Stroke Heroes and potentially Save Lives.

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Contact Us Today!

Foothills Heart & Vascular Screenings

ashley@foothillsscreenings.com

(425) 331-0512

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