What is a Stroke?
When the blood supply to the brain is reduced or disrupted, brain tissue cannot get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Within minutes, brain tissue will begin to die in the affected area leading to brain damage.
What Causes a Stroke?
High blood pressure or hardening of the arteries causes most strokes. Vascular and hematologic disorders also cause strokes. Addressing underlying risk factors, like hypertension (high blood pressure), atrial fibrillation (irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm), and diabetes can prevent most strokes. Managing these conditions can reduce the chances of having a stroke.
Know the Types of Stroke
- A temporary decrease in blood supply to a part of the brain causes a TI (Transient Ischemic Attack) or “mini-stroke.” This type of stroke is often referred to as a warning for a future stroke. TI stroke symptoms are like those of a stroke; however, the damage is not permanent.
- Ischemic stroke occurs when blockage of a blood vessel impairs blood flow to part of the brain. According to the CDC, ischemic strokes account for 87% of all strokes, making them the most common type of stroke.
- Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood vessels in your brain leak or rupture. Uncontrolled blood pressure is the most common cause of hemorrhagic stroke.
Stroke by Race
Although strokes impact every ethnicity, Blacks tend to be diagnosed with strokes more often than other ethnicities. Blacks are also more likely to die from a stroke than other ethnicities.
Common health conditions in the black community, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, contribute to the high rates.
Diagnosed Cases of Stroke:
| Age-adjusted percentage of stroke among persons 18 years of age and over, 2018 | |||
| Non-Hispanic Black | Non-Hispanic White | Non-Hispanic Black / Non-Hispanic White Ratio |
|
| Men | 3.2 | 3.1 | 1.0 |
| Women | 4.6 | 2.3 | 2.0 |
| Total | 4.0 | 2.7 | 1.5 |
Source: chart from U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health Data, CDC 2021. Summary Health Statistics: National Health Interview Survey: 2018. Table A-1a.
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/shs/tables.htm.
Death Rate:
| Age-adjusted stroke death rates per 100,000 (2018) | |||
| Non-Hispanic Black | Non-Hispanic White | Non-Hispanic Black / Non-Hispanic White Ratio |
|
| Men | 59.0 | 35.7 | 1.7 |
| Women | 48.0 | 35.6 | 1.3 |
| Total | 53.0 | 36.0 | 1.7 |
Source: chart from U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health Data: CDC 2021. National Vital Statistics Report, Vol. 69, No. 13. Table https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr69/nvsr69-13-508.pdf [PDF | 2.05MB]
Although strokes are more common in the black community, a stroke can happen to anyone at any age.
According to the CDC, every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, and every 4 minutes, someone dies from a stroke. Therefore, understanding what a stroke is and the warning signs is imperative.
Knowing the warning signs of a stroke can help you identify a change in behavior and trigger you to seek help faster because response time is critical. The faster medical attention is received, the higher chance of recovery.
How to recognize stroke symptoms:
- Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion or other cognitive changes
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Change in vision
- Trouble walking
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
The most common stroke risk factors:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diabetes
- Overweight or obesity (BMI)
- High Cholesterol
- Smoking
- Cardiovascular disease
- Family history
- Covid-19 infections
The Best Treatment for Stroke
Every second counts! Medical professionals will move quickly upon arrival to determine the type and cause of the stroke. Upon arrival, paramedics will perform several tests, including a CT scan, although a doctor may request other imaging.
Once a stroke is confirmed, the doctor will begin treatment and prevention methods, including medication. Sometimes, the doctor may administer minimally invasive interventions to restore blood flow by dissolving blockage and preventing clots. If required to repair blood vessels from rupturing, the doctor may use an endovascular procedure.
Stroke Prevention
A healthy lifestyle, regular medical checkups, and managing current health conditions are the best ways to prevent strokes.
If you haven’t had your annual exam and are looking for a new medical provider, check out Connect2heal.
If you or a loved one thinks you may be having a stroke, call 911 immediately.
