AFRICAN-AMERICAN AT HIGHER |
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African-Americans At Higher Risk For Stroke (NAPSM)-Each year, 780,000 Americans suffer a stroke. It is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. For African-Americans, stroke is more common and more deadly-even in young and middle-aged adults-than for any other ethnic or racial group in the country. In addition, African-Americans suffer more severe strokes than white Americans and have a higher incidence of the manageable stroke risk factors, including high blood pressure and cigarette smoking. Many people do not know the symptoms or what to do when they witness someone having a stroke. The following information is provided to you by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). “Stroke is an unmistakable event. Few other medical conditions come on so suddenly or are so noticeable to a bystander,” said Walter J. Koroshetz, M.D., deputy director, NINDS. “For this reason, it is critical that people know to call 911 and get to the hospital to receive appropriate medical treatment immediately when a stroke occurs. Prompt treatment can dramatically decrease or even prevent long-term disabilities caused by a stroke.” A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Brain cells die when deprived of oxygen and nutrients provided by blood. Because stroke injures the brain, if you are having a stroke, you may not realize what is happening. But to a bystander, the signs of a stroke are distinct: • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body) • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination • Sudden severe headache with no known cause. In treating a stroke, every minute counts. Treatments are available that greatly reduce the damage caused by a stroke. Knowing the symptoms of a stroke, making note of the time of the first stroke symptoms, and getting to the hospital quickly-within 60 minutes if possible-can help you save yourself, or someone you know, from serious long-term disability. Making changes in your lifestyle can help prevent stroke. The NINDS, part of the National Institutes of Health, is addressing the high mortality rate of stroke by educating the public about the signs and symptoms of stroke and its risk factors. Risk factors of stroke include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, family history of stroke, high cholesterol and being overweight. Talk to your doctor and let him or her know about the concerns you may have about the risk factors of stroke. Find out your risks and take action. More information on stroke, including how to reduce risk factors, is available from the NINDS. Order free materials by calling 1-800-352-9424 or by visiting http://www.stroke.ninds.nih.gov. It is critical that people know to call 911 and get to the hospital immediately when a stroke occurs. |
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