Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1499651
6 | Health Matters: Providence Saint John's Health Center A stroke is a sudden and unexpected medical emergency, but that doesn't mean there aren't steps that you can take to reduce the risk of experiencing this potentially life-threatening event. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds in America. It's the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a frequent cause of disability, including paralysis, memory impairment and the loss of vision or the ability to speak. There are two kinds of stroke: ischemic stroke—the more common kind—and hemorrhagic stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs when there's a blockage of oxygen reaching the brain and brain tissue begins to break down. A hemorrhagic stroke takes place when there's a rupture of a blood vessel into the brain. About 85% of strokes are ischemic and 15% are hemorrhagic. "Whether it's an ischemic or a hemorrhagic stroke, we provide lifesaving treatment," says Lisa Arnold, RN, manager of the stroke program at Providence Saint John's Health Center. "We offer the highest level of care for complex neurological emergencies." While it's true that anyone can have a stroke—even babies—your risk increases as you get older. In addition, risk is higher for Black and Hispanic people. While age, race and family history are factors you can't change, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing this brain-damaging or sometimes fatal condition, as the American Stroke Association estimates that 80% of strokes are preventable. STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO REDUCE YOUR RISK INCLUDE: Get your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure is the top risk factor for stroke, so it's important to work with your doctor to lower your blood pressure if it's 130/80 or higher. Manage your diabetes. High blood sugar damages blood vessels, which puts you at increased risk of developing some kind of blockage, leading to a stroke. Bring your blood cholesterol down. High cholesterol increases the possibility that an artery will become blocked. If an artery leading to the brain is obstructed, it can result in a stroke. Stop smoking. Smoking, including vaping, almost doubles your risk for ischemic stroke, the most common kind. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight, especially if you carry a lot of that weight around your midriff, increases risk. Exercise. Getting about 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise, such as walking, helps cut risk. Don't binge drink or use recreational drugs. Drinking alcohol, especially binge drinking, raises risk. So does using drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine. Control an irregular heart rhythm. Several different heart conditions increase stroke risk, but atrial fibrillation (afib) is the top one. Check the prescription drugs you take. For women, taking birth control or hormone replacement prescriptions that contain estrogen raises stroke risk, so discuss your risk factors with your physician. And if you take a blood thinner, talk to your doctor about monitoring the dose to reduce the risk of a bleeding stroke. To learn more about our stroke center, go to providence.org/locations/socal/saint-johns-health- center/neurosciences. Questions? Send them to Lisa Arnold at Lisa.Arnold3@providence.org. Are You at Risk for Stroke? Learn how to cut your chances of experiencing this medical emergency Balance Did the person have a sudden loss of balance? Eyes Does the person have blurry vision in one or both eyes? Face Is one side of the face drooping? Arm or leg Is there a sudden weakness in one arm or leg? Speech Is the person's speech slurred or strange? Time If you observe any of these signs, immediately call 911. Providence Saint John's Health Center is nationally recognized for its dedication to providing stroke patients with the best lifesaving care. Designated as a Los Angeles County EMS Comprehensive Stroke Center and as Thrombectomy Capable by the Joint Commission, Providence Saint John's was also honored to receive the American Heart Association's Gold Plus Get With the Guidelines-Stroke Quality Achievement Award for its commitment to current, research-based guidelines. BE FAST Stroke is a serious medical emergency and needs immediate attention. Early recognition is critical to receiving lifesaving treatment. Learn the warning signs using BEFAST. Every second counts!