The top three causes of death (Part 3)

As we discussed in our last two blogs, two of the top three causes of death are heart disease and cancer. Now let us discuss our other killer – A Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases). While doing some research, I found out that people confuse a stroke with a heart attack, but these are two very different things. A heart attack is something that affects your heart and the way it functions; whereas a stroke affects your brain and the blood flow to it. The best way to remember a stroke is to consider it a brain attack.

What is the description of a stroke? According to www.stroke.org (National Stroke Association)

Blood vessels that carry blood to the brain from the heart are called arteries. The brain needs a constant supply of blood, which carries the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function. Each artery supplies blood to specific areas of the brain. A stroke occurs when one of these arteries to the brain are blocked or burst. As a result, part of the brain does not get the blood it needs, so it starts to die.

Causes of a stroke – A stroke is caused when an artery is blocked, ruptures or from narrowing of the artery due to atherosclerosis, cholesterol or plaque.

Symptoms of a stroke – It symptoms depend on what part of the brain is affected and it usually comes without warning. In some cases, one might not even know they had a stroke; but in more severe cases it can leave one severely disabled and most times can lead to death.

Signs of stroke – A stroke can affect almost any part of the body

• Face – The muscles in the face can tighten up and one cannot smile or the face droop
• Arms – If one cannot raise both arms or if one arm drifts downward
• Speech – Check to see if someone’s speech is strange or slurred

Sudden numbness, weakness, headache, lack of sensation, confusion and/or trouble speaking, seeing, walking and/or loss of balance is a sign the body is in trouble.

Ways to prevent a stroke

• Know your blood pressure – Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most common causes of strokes. If you do have hypertension, get it under control with your doctor’s guidance
• Know if you have atrial fibrillation (Afib) – This irregular heartbeat can cause pooling of blood in parts of your heart that can form into clots and cause a stroke. Your doctor would be able to tell you if you have Afib
• Know your cholesterol number – If it is too high, work with your doctor to get it under control
• If you are diabetic – consult with your doctor to get or keep it under control as it may also increase your risk of stroke
• If you have blood flow problems – consult with your doctor to see the best method to manage it
• If you smoke – Stop. Smoking increases the risk of a stroke significantly
• If you drink – drink in moderation, heavy drinking may increase your risk of stroke
• Stay healthy – like with any healthy lifestyle, exercise and good eating habits will decrease your chances of having a stroke

Treatment for onset of stroke – If you should ever feel something is wrong with yourself or a loved one, Call 9-1-1 immediately. Timing may be the difference between someone that can recover and severe disabilities or death.

Remember a stroke is something that might not be 100% eliminated, but it is something that one can prevent.

At First Care of New York, we care for many stroke victims and can be there for you and your family, if they have suffered a stroke and can no longer care for themselves or others. Our highly trained certified home health aides and personal care aides can be there to help them lead the most enriching life possible. You can count on First Care of New York to be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for any and all Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship needs. For your convenience, we may even schedule a nurse to visit you or your loved one’s at home and evaluate the level of care that is needed. This will help clarify some questions you or your loved one may have. First Care is a licensed home care service agency that provides top quality aides to all our clients. We are regulated by the NYS Department of Health and are accredited by The Joint Commission. If you would like to have more information, please feel free to contact us by phone at 718-741-5950 or on our website at www.1st-care.org.