Like most things in life…there is a surplus of information available to us via Internet, newspaper, magazines, TV and radio on just about any subject imaginable. And like most things in life… there are truths and myths. Unfortunately, much of the information available to us, including the understanding of medical facts, can be quite difficult to decipher. And the truths and myths regarding strokes are one of them!
The underlying causes of a stroke can be vast, but to understand the reality of how and why, needs to be understood. These causes can include, but not limited to, high blood pressure, diabetes, poor diet, lack of physical activity, high blood cholesterol, Carotid Artery Disease, Atrial Fibrillation, Peripheral Artery Disease and Sickle Cell Disease.
What’s important to know is there are 2 types of strokes:
1) Ischemic – 90% of strokes in the U.S. fall under this classification –the blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is cut off due to a blockage or clot. 2.) Hemorrhagic– a weakened blood vessel ruptures in the brain.
Deciphering Myth From Truth:
MYTH 1: Strokes only occur in older adults. TRUTH: There is a growing population of those affected by strokes between the ages of 18 and 65.
MYTH 2: Strokes are an unusual occurrence. TRUTH: Surprisingly, strokes occur more often than you think. The statistics show that strokes are the 4th leading cause of death in the United States.
MYTH 3: Strokes victims cannot be treated. TRUTH: The good news is that if a stroke victim is treated within a certain amount of time (usually 4.5 hours), the damage can be reversed.
MYTH 4: Strokes cannot be prevented. TRUTH: 90% of strokes are due to vascular reasons. Living a healthy lifestyle, including, but not limited to, healthy diet and weight, can help to prevent the risk of suffering from a stroke.
MYTH 5: Strokes are not hereditary. TRUTH: Unfortunately, you can’t beat genetics! If you are predisposed to hypertension, diabetes, obesity and other high risk factors, your chances of suffering a stroke will certainly increase as compared to someone without this type of family history.
MYTH 6: Smoking doesn’t affect the risk of someone suffering a stroke. TRUTH: Smoking increases the likelihood of blood clots and the build up of plaque in the arteries—making for ripe conditions for a stroke to occur.
If you or a loved one suffers a stroke, there are several resources to help in recovery and to overcome some of the daily challenges post stroke.
The Good News? 7 million people have survived a stroke! You can take the right steps NOW to prevent or reduce your risk of being a stroke victim.
Sources: Center for Prevention for Disease Control and Prevention, Everydayhealth.com, strokeassociation.org
