SYRACUSE — Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age.
And they don’t stop because of a pandemic. About one in four people worldwide
have a stroke —
the world’s No. 2
killer and a leading cause of disability. But up to 80% may be prevented.
That’s why the
American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is
commemorating World Stroke Day on Oct. 29th by emphasizing the importance of
preventing stroke. Much of what puts you at risk for a stroke (uncontrolled
high blood pressure, smoking or obesity) increases your risk for complications
due to COVID-19.
The association’s
World Stroke Day efforts will include a focus on controlling high blood
pressure, because it’s the leading preventable cause of stroke. About half of
U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and only 25% have it under control.
Check your blood pressure regularly
“Checking your blood pressure regularly and getting it to a healthy range is
one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of stroke,”
said Mitchell S. V. Elkind, M.D., M.S., FAHA, FAAN, president of the American Heart
Association and professor of neurology and epidemiology at Columbia University
in New York City.
These tips can help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range
(120/80) —
and lower your stroke risk:
·
Join the team. Work with your
doctor and other health care professionals to manage your blood pressure through lifestyle
changes and/or medication.
·
Take medications as prescribed. If you have been prescribed blood pressure
medications, take them as prescribed.
Check the labels on over the counter cold or flu medications, as some
may elevate your blood pressure. If you
have high blood pressure, NSAIDs may cause elevated blood pressure, consider
acetaminophen instead.
·
Eat colorful fruits and veggies. A heart-healthy
diet may help lower blood
pressure over time.
·
Rest up. Getting seven to
nine hours of quality sleep each night can improve brain function.
Sleep-related breathing issues may increase stroke risk, so seek treatment
right away if you suspect sleep apnea or a similar problem.
·
Meditate. Practicing
mindfulness and being aware of your breathing may significantly reduce blood
pressure.
·
Be active. Adults should
get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity or 75 minutes of
vigorous activity (or a combination). Two days per week of moderate- to high-intensity
muscle strengthening activity is also recommended.
Be an Empowered to Serve™
changemaker
Reducing stroke risk isn’t always just a matter of changing daily habits.
There is growing evidence that historically marginalized groups in the U.S. live with increased stress and reduced access to health care, socioeconomic and psychological factors. As a result, up to 40% of Black adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure and Black people who have a stroke are more than twice as likely to die from it than white people.
“At the American
Stroke Association and American Heart Association, we’re working with
individuals, organizations, businesses and government to address the root
causes of these inequities to ensure longer, healthier lives for all. It will take all of us, coming together to make change at individual
and structural levels.”
Know
the most common warning signs
In addition to managing your own risks, Elkind and the ASA advise all people to
be ready to save a life by remembering the most common stroke warning signs
using the acronym FAST – F for face drooping, A for arm weakness, S for speech
difficulty and T for time to call 911.
“Getting
emergency medical treatment for a stroke is safe, even during the pandemic,”
Elkind said. “Calling 911 helps treatment start even before you reach the
hospital, improving chances for a better recovery.”
Ride for research
You can also recognize World Stroke Day by riding your bikes in the
association’s digital event, One CycleNation on Oct. 29. You’ll help stop the
cycle of stroke and heart disease by raising funds to support community
programs that allow people to live longer and healthier. Fundraising and
distance achievements will be recognized.
The
livestream event will also feature stroke survivors, including Olympic gold
medalist Michael Johnson and This is Us and
Psych
actor Timothy Omundson.
For more information on how to get involved, visit Stroke.org/WorldStrokeDay.