Dr. Bill Blaine talks about stroke risk factors and warning signs
Strokes, which occur when any part of the brain is deprived of oxygen, are Canada’s third-leading cause of death.
The most common type of stroke is the ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel in the brain.
To mark national Stroke Awareness Month, Almonte family physician Dr. Bill Blaine talks about stroke risk factors and warning signs.
Know the risk factors – “Risk factors for ischemic stroke include age, which means older than 40,” says Dr. Blaine.
“Other risk factors include heart disease, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, a close relative with a history of strokes, a sedentary lifestyle and a high body-mass index.”
Learn FAST – “We often use the acronym FAST for the main warning signs of stroke and how to respond,” says Dr. Blaine.
“F” is for Face – “Any sudden weakness or drooping in the face, or sudden problems with vision can be a sign of stroke,” says Dr. Blaine.
“A” is for Arms – “Sudden weakness or numbness in one or both arms can signify stroke,” he says.
“S” is for Speech – “Slurring of words or garbled speech can also indicate stroke,” says Dr. Blaine.
“T” is for Time – “Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke treatment,” stresses Dr. Blaine. “For every hour of delay in treatment of stroke, your brain will lose as many neurons as it would over 3.5 years of normal aging.”
The optimal potential benefit from available treatment occurs if the treatment is provided within three hours of the onset of symptoms.
“If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention,” says Dr. Blaine. “Just as importantly, if you see these symptoms in a loved one, encourage them to seek immediate medical attention.”