According to the National Stroke Association 50% of African Americans will die from stroke or heart disease. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in African American women and African Americans have strokes more often than any other racial or cultural group. The reason for our increased chance of stroke is due to several factors including:

• A higher rate of high blood pressure in African Americans, which is the leading indicator for stroke.
• The high rates of Diabetes in African Americans, which can increase strokes.
• An increased rate of sickle cell anemia among African Americans, which can cause a stroke if a sickle shaped cell blocks a blood vessel to the brain.

As a community African Americans can decrease these grim statistics. It begins with awareness, prevention and understanding the symptoms of stroke and then telling somebody what you now know about stroke, so they can pass on the information to others.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when part of the brain doesn’t get the blood it needs. Then, brain cells die. There are two types of stroke and then there is something called a mini stroke (medically this is called a Transient Ischemic Attach or T.I.A).

• An ischemic stroke happens when blood is blocked from getting to the brain.
• A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, and blood bleeds into the brain.
• A “mini-stroke.” happens when, for a short time, less blood than normal gets to the brain. You may have some signs of a full stroke, or you may not notice any signs at all. But it only lasts a few minutes up to 24 hours. Then you’re back to normal. Many people don’t even know they’ve had it. However, a “mini-stroke” is a sign of a full stroke to come, so it’s important to know the signs of a stroke.

What are Stroke Symptoms?

Symptoms of stroke include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - usually on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, call 911 or call your doctor immediately.

What to do if having a Stroke?

Call 911. Stroke is a medical emergency so you need to act fast. The longer blood flow is cut off to the brain, the greater the damage. The sooner action is taken to help the better the outcome for a good recovery.

How to Prevent a Stroke

• Don’t smoke. Smoking can increase your risk of a stroke
• Get your cholesterol tested. If it’s high (above 200), your doctor should discuss ways to bring your cholesterol to a healthier range. You may need to lose weight (if you’re overweight), get more physical activity in your daily routine, and eat healthier. Your doctor may discuss medications to help as well.
• Know your blood pressure. Make sure you do not have high blood pressure. High blood pressure or hypertension is defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. If your blood pressure is high your doctor should discuss options to lower it. Option will include diet, exercise and possibly medication.
• Get tested for diabetes. Diabetes can raise your chances of getting heart disease. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels at a healthy range.
• Eat heart-healthy foods. Eat whole- grain foods, vegetables, and fruits. Choose lean meats and low-fat cheese and dairy products. Limit foods that have lots of saturated fat, like butter, whole milk, baked goods, ice cream, fatty meats, and cheese.
• Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese raises your risk for heart disease. If overweight talk to your doctor about starting an exercise routine and eating healthier foods.
• Eat less salt. Choose foods with less salt. Use spices, herbs, lemon, and lime instead of salt.
• If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Too much alcohol raises blood pressure and can raise your risk for stroke.
• Manage your stress. Sometimes, people cope with stress by eating, drinking too much alcohol, or smoking-these are all ways that could hurt your heart. Lower your stress: talk to friends, be physically active, meditate, and try not to take on more than you can handle. Often people turn to unhealthy eating, smoking or drinking alcohol in excess to man age their stress, these are risky behaviors that can increase the likelihood of stroke.

Empowerment Points:

You can prevent a stroke through leading a healthier lifestyle. However, it is critical to know and share with others the signs and symptoms of a stroke.

Call 911 if you or someone else is experiencing any of these symptoms you could save a life, maybe your own:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

If you experience some of these symptoms, don't wait. STROKE is an EMERGENCY –
Call 9-1-1!

Resources:

American Heart Association, www.Amercianheart.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, www.ninds.nih.gov

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, www.nhlbi.nih.gov

National Stroke Association www.stroke.org

Author:

Kimberly Higgins Mays, MPH, MBA