May is Stroke Awareness Month and experts are urging Marylanders to assess their stroke risk and know the warning signs.
Strokes are the third leading cause of death in Maryland. Across the U.S., a stroke occurs every 40 seconds and frequently leads to chronic disability.
Risk factors include obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes and little to no physical activity. Risks are slightly higher for people in rural communities.
Dr. Ravi Johar, board member of the American Heart Association, said people also should monitor heart abnormalities.
“If you have a heartbeat that’s irregular, that’s not beating the way that you expect it to, that can also really increase your risk of a stroke,” Johar explained. “Keep those annual exams. Get in with your doctor every year to make sure that you don’t have any underlying causes that can increase your risk for a stroke.”
The association said 80% of strokes are preventable. Eating vegetables, fruits and other foods high in fiber, while avoiding foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, can reduce the chance of having a stroke. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise, not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are other prevention tips.
Recognizing stroke symptoms and taking action quickly can influence treatment and recovery outcomes. Experts teach the “BE FAST” acronym, which refers to balance loss, vision changes in one or both eyes, face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech and “time to call 911.”
Johar stressed the importance of seeking treatment immediately during what doctors call the “golden hour,” the critical first window after stroke symptoms appear.
“We always say to try to use urgent cares or your doctor’s office whenever you can,” Johar noted. “This is one time that I would say if you have any of those symptoms, any of those ‘BE FAST’ symptoms, that you go straight to the emergency room.”
There are two types of strokes. An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks an artery, preventing blood supply to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs if an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures. Pressure from the leaked blood can damage brain cells.
High blood pressure and aneurysms are often linked to hemorrhagic strokes.
For residents of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, stroke awareness is especially important. Southern Maryland’s mix of rural communities, waterways and active outdoor lifestyles can increase certain risk factors. Local hospitals and MedStar Health facilities serve as critical resources for rapid stroke care in the tri-county region.
Public health officials encourage families to discuss stroke risk during routine check-ups and to create family emergency plans that include knowing the nearest stroke-ready hospital. Quick recognition of BE FAST symptoms can mean the difference between full recovery and long-term disability.
MedStar Health and the American Heart Association continue to promote education and prevention programs throughout Southern Maryland. Community events, health fairs and school initiatives help spread awareness as summer activities increase outdoor time.
