Did you know that the risk of having a stroke more than doubles each decade after the age of 55? As one of the leading causes of death for seniors, it’s important to not only know ways to prevent strokes, but how to spot them before they happen. Let’s dig deeper into the effects of hypertension and how to spot a stroke when it’s happening!

Hypertension: The Silent Killer

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often referred to as the “silent killer” because of the seemingly inability to identify warning signs. One of the most frightening aspects of cardiovascular disease is that it doesn’t discriminate. Regardless of race, gender or age, you may be at risk.

So, what are some of the ways to prevent high blood pressure, you ask? Aside from blood pressure medication, you can do a number of things to naturally lower your blood pressure. Things like regular exercise, eating a healthy and low-sodium diet, quitting smoking and managing stress are some of the most well-known remedies. It is important to note, though, that while these remedies are scientifically-proven to lower blood pressure, genetic factors can increase your chances of hypertension, making it that much more important to schedule regular doctor visits to determine a targeted approach.

With so many factors that determine your risk for having a stroke, it can be tough to figure out how to prevent them. Let’s look at some statistics to help you determine if you’re at an increased risk:

• Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.
• “Risk of having a first stroke is nearly twice as high for blacks as for whites, and blacks have the highest rate of death due to stroke.” – CDC
• Mortality rates from strokes are higher in women (60%) than for men (40%).
• Nearly 3/4 of all strokes occur in people over the age of 65.
• Adults with diabetes are four times more likely to die from heart disease than adults without diabetes.
• If you smoke 20 or more cigarettes per day, you are six times more likely to die from a stroke than non-smokers.

Act FAST

Knowing the warning signs of a stroke can be crucial to attaining quick medical attention, which can minimize damage or prevent a major stroke altogether. In fact, patients who arrive at the emergency room within three hours of their first symptoms often have less of a disability three months after, compared to those who delayed care.

FAST is one of the most widely known acronyms in the medical industry for a reason. It works! Here are the warning signs to look for so you can act FAST:

F – Face Drooping

Is one side of the person’s face drooping? Or, is it difficult for them to smile properly? If so, it may be time to call for help.

A – Arm Weakness

A typical symptom of a stroke is the inability to raise both arms without one or both drifting downwards. Have the person raise both arms to the ceiling for 10 seconds to check for weakness in the arms.

S – Speech Difficulty

Speech slurring is a common indicator of a stroke. Have the person repeat a simple sentence, like “the sky is blue.” Are they unable to speak or hard to understand?

T – Time to Call 9-1-1

If you notice any of these symptoms, even if for a short period of time, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital, immediately. The longer you wait, the worse the damage can be.

Post-Stroke Therapies

As more research has been done on strokes, the more we understand about not only how to prevent initial strokes, but recurrent strokes as well. These recurrent strokes are somewhat common. Nearly 25% of people who recover from their first stroke will have another within 5 years. This places a greater focus towards post-stroke rehabilitation.

These therapies typically treat the underlying root of the issue, whether that be weight, blood pressure, cholesterol or unmanaged diabetes. In order to have the best chance at making a full recovery and preventing a recurrent stroke, it is crucial to utilize post-stroke therapies, along with the proper medication.

While the instances of strokes have been on the rise, there is still room for hope. As new research is being done in the field, doctors have found that they have more time than expected to save brain cells from permanent damage. Previously, doctors had thought that the time frame for preventing further brain damage was six hours. With this new research, that time frame has been extended to 16 hours. So, even if the symptoms of a stroke have come and gone, there is still hope! Make sure to call an ambulance immediately, and act FAST.

 

At The Wellington Senior Living, we know the importance of acting FAST. That’s why we’re located one block west of Midlands Hospital! CHI’s Midlands Hospital is equipped with a full emergency department, along with cardiac specialists to make sure you get the timely help when you need it most. So, if being at a senior living community that’s near medical care is important to you, don’t hesitate to give us a call!