In the United States, almost 800,000 people suffer from strokes annually. Of those, nearly one-sixth die and a higher amount become disabled from stroke. Globally, stroke is the second leading cause of death in people aged 60 and over, killing an estimated 5 million of the 15 million who suffer from stroke. An additional 5 million of that 15 million become permanently disabled due to stroke. Surprisingly, stroke is the number five killer globally of people aged 15 to 59. Though most commonly seen in older individuals, even children and teens can suffer from stroke.
Estimates from 2009 indicated a trend of increasing stroke occurrences in developing countries, while decreasing in undeveloped countries. It was estimated that in the following twenty years stroke mortality could triple in the Middle East, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa.
Stroke is caused by several things, including blood clots, embolism and a decrease in the blood supply. When a stroke occurs, temporary or permanent paralysis can result. The paralysis can be partial, generally found only on one side of the body. Stoke can cause death and permanent disability.
Often called the “Silent killer”, stroke can occur with no symptoms as an advance warning. When there are symptoms, they include nausea, vomiting, rapid pulse, sudden headache that is severe, sudden severe pain, sudden weakness of face or limbs on one side of the body, sudden numbness of face or limbs on one side of the body, slurred speech, dizziness, loss of balance, back pain that is intense or abdominal pain that is intense.
Risk factors for stroke include age (being over age 40) weight (being more than 20 pounds overweight), high cholesterol, diabetes, family history of stroke, smoking (past or present), heart disease, high blood pressure and being inactive. Women who are in or close to menopause may also have an increased risk for stroke.
Some of these risks can be reduced by taking such measures as losing weight and adapting an overall healthy lifestyle. Though it may sound cliché', eating right and exercising really can have an impact.
Individuals at risk should undergo testing to assess their current health status. Though ultrasound/doppler is currently used as part of the diagnostic process, researchers are working on new ultrasound scanning to help identify people at a higher risk for stroke. This is positive news, but more testing will have to be done before the new ultrasound testing will become widespread or could be considered a definitive diagnostic tool.
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