By D.J. Thatcher, RN, NRP
May is Stroke Awareness Month — here’s the latest science, smart prevention strategies and simple habits that can lower your risk
A stroke is a brain attack, in which blood flow to the brain stops or bursts, resulting in death of brain cells and, potentially, permanent neurological deficits such as paralysis, difficulty speaking and inability to perform the activities of daily living.
According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S. resulting in more than 160,000 lost lives. Nearly 800,000 Americans experience a stroke every year. Of these, about 90 percent are ischemic strokes, meaning a clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. The other 10 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic, caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain.
While many of us know that high blood pressure, smoking, lack of exercise and other common habits can increase our risk of stroke, there are other less known things to consider.
Dr. Timothy Baxley is a board certified and fellowship trained neurologist with many years of local experience treating issues of the brain and nervous system. He works with Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates in the upstate of South Carolina.
Dr. Baxley tells us that, often, early signs of a pending stroke are ignored or blamed on something else.
“Sometimes, the signs of a stroke mask themselves as transient weakness, especially if it affects one side or one region of the body. Other issues such as blurred vision, memory issues and balance or coordination problems are potential warning signs,” he said.
Stroke Prevention Strategies
Dr. Baxley recommends regular physical exams and bloodwork by a primary care practitioner to identify risk factors and help prevent a stroke. He also passed along some other timely advice based on the latest research.
“Increase your hydration by drinking eight ounces of fluid several times a day and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Also, eliminate high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) from the diet,” he said. “HFCS affects the neurons (brain cells) directly by damaging the cell membranes, depleting levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (a ‘growth fertilizer’), and causing sugar spikes, resulting in many negative effects.”
He also warns against being a “couch potato” (as we often hear related to disease prevention).
“Limiting our movement results in sluggish blood flow and stasis, or slow circulation. This leads to a toxic buildup of waste products in the bloodstream that has been implicated as a cause of neurodegeneration and a root cause of Parkinson’s Disease and increased stroke risk,” says Dr. Baxley. “Regular exercise such as jogging around the block, or anything that increases the heart rate moderately, can be beneficial. If you can’t jog, put a stationary bike in front of the TV and ride it for just 30 seconds. Then, increase the ride by 30 seconds each day until you can sustain an elevated heart rate,” he says.
While walking has shown positive results for many conditions, Dr. Baxley said the increase in heart rate from other forms of exercise appears to have a greater benefit related to brain health.
Sleep and Stroke Risk
Another key area that Dr. Baxley identifies as being crucial for stroke prevention is sleep.
“Get a minimum of seven hours of sleep each night because the body produces neuroprotective substances during the deep stages of sleep,” he said. “If you can’t sleep that long, at least remain in a recumbent position (lying down on your back, stomach, or side) even if you’re not sleeping, because it helps your blood circulation, or perfusion, and takes the load off joints and blood vessels,” says Dr. Baxley. He also recommends screening for, and treatment of, obstructive sleep apnea to prevent many disease conditions.
Emerging Stroke Prevention Research
Emerging biohacks that might prevent stroke that are being studied include intermittent fasting, or time-restricted eating, which supports metabolic health and lowers stroke risk factors; sauna use several times a week to reduce blood pressure and inflammation and nutritional supplements including vitamins and minerals. Of course, consult your health provider.
Remember BE FAST
Finally, spot the signs of a stroke by remembering the phrase BE FAST:
B: Balance—loss of coordination
E: Eyes—Changes in vision
F: Face—Drooping on one side
A: Arms (and legs)—Weakness on one side
S: Speech—Trouble speaking or understanding
T: Time to call 911. EMS can begin treatment and fast track a stroke patient to the proper hospital.
