Sarver lecture focuses on stroke prevention

Special to the Green Valley News

“The key word in stroke is ‘sudden.’ Know your risk factors and know the signs of a stroke. If a stroke happens, get immediate medical help, and do not go (to the hospital) in your own car,” said speaker Leslie Ritter on Thursday at Sarver Heart Center’s final lecture of the season.

An RN, Ph.D. and associate professor at the University of Arizona’s College of Nursing, Ritter explained the differences between non-modifiable risk factors — those that can’t be controlled, including age, family history and gender — and modifiable risk factors, those that can be controlled, such as high blood pressure, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity.

“The most prevalent and modifiable risk factor is high blood pressure; more than two-thirds of those over 65 have it.

“If you have high blood pressure at age 50, you’re at four times greater risk of having a stroke,” she said, adding that treatment of high blood pressure in the elderly reduces the risk of stroke by 36 percent. She said a person’s risk doubles every 10 years after age 55.

There are about 150,000 deaths from strokes every year in the United States, Ritter said, making it the third-leading cause of death. Strokes are also the leading cause of disability.

Types of strokes

A stroke is the rapid decline of brain function due to a disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia (lack of blood supply) or a hemorrhage.

TIA (transient ischemia attack): Often called a mini-stroke, a TIA requires immediate evaluation of symptoms because hospitalization helps reduce the chance of a second stroke. “Immediate treatment of all risk factors reduces risk of a major stroke by 90 percent,” Ritter said.

Ischemic stroke: Ritter said this involves a blocked artery either by a blood clot or fatty deposits. This can occur when a blood clot forms in the atrium of the heart; a piece can break off during a fibrillation and go to the brain.

Hemorrhagic stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel bursts inside the brain; the brain is sensitive to bleeding and damage can occur quickly.

“Stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911. Paramedics can notify the hospital (en route) so the deck is cleared and specialized treatment is in motion even before you get there... time loss is brain loss,” Ritter said.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.

Warning signs

Recognizing the signs and getting immediate medical help is crucial for best chance at recovery. Signs of a stroke include:

Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm and/or leg especially on one side of the body.

Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding.

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

Sudden severe headaches.