Blacks, Southerners Hardest Hit by Stroke
CDC: Learn Warning Signs, Lower Risk, Get Help Immediately for Stroke
May 19, 2005 -- Stroke is America's No. 3 cause of death, and it burdens blacks and Southerners the most, says the CDC.
That's been true for a long time, and it's going to take a major effort to turn the trend around, according to two new studies in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
The CDC's prescription: Learn to recognize stroke's red flags, work on lowering your risk, and seek immediate help if you suspect a stroke. Getting quick treatment can make a big difference in a stroke's outcome.
Every year, stroke strikes an estimated 700,000 people in the U.S., and about 160,000 of those strokes are fatal, says the CDC.
"As we observe National Stroke Awareness Month, these two studies serve as sobering reminders that it is crucial that we do everything within our power to educate people about the steps they can take to reduce their risk for stroke," says the CDC's Donna Stroup, PhD, in a news release.
"We especially need to reach African-Americans and people living in the Southeastern United States," says Stroup, who directs the CDC's Coordinating Center for Health Promotion. "We must improve access to health care and look at creative ways to increase public awareness of the early signs of stroke, particularly among those most at risk."
The CDC lists these warning signs of stroke:
Call for emergency medical help immediately for those symptoms. Some stroke medications must be given within a short time frame to reduce the severity of damage caused by a stroke.
Many stroke risk factors can be modified. The CDC's list includes:
Address those issues, and you may lower your stroke risk, says the CDC.
Blacks, Southerners Hardest Hit by Stroke
CDC: Learn Warning Signs, Lower Risk, Get Help Immediately for Stroke
May 19, 2005 -- Stroke is America's No. 3 cause of death, and it burdens blacks and Southerners the most, says the CDC.
That's been true for a long time, and it's going to take a major effort to turn the trend around, according to two new studies in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
The CDC's prescription: Learn to recognize stroke's red flags, work on lowering your risk, and seek immediate help if you suspect a stroke. Getting quick treatment can make a big difference in a stroke's outcome.
'Sobering Reminder'
Every year, stroke strikes an estimated 700,000 people in the U.S., and about 160,000 of those strokes are fatal, says the CDC.
"As we observe National Stroke Awareness Month, these two studies serve as sobering reminders that it is crucial that we do everything within our power to educate people about the steps they can take to reduce their risk for stroke," says the CDC's Donna Stroup, PhD, in a news release.
"We especially need to reach African-Americans and people living in the Southeastern United States," says Stroup, who directs the CDC's Coordinating Center for Health Promotion. "We must improve access to health care and look at creative ways to increase public awareness of the early signs of stroke, particularly among those most at risk."
Stroke's Warning Signs
The CDC lists these warning signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, including trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or trouble with walking
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Call for emergency medical help immediately for those symptoms. Some stroke medications must be given within a short time frame to reduce the severity of damage caused by a stroke.
Stroke's Risk Factors
Many stroke risk factors can be modified. The CDC's list includes:
- High blood pressure
- Atherosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries, which often involves cholesterol problems)
- Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
- Tobacco use
- Diabetes
Address those issues, and you may lower your stroke risk, says the CDC.
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