Citizens Stroke Test.
Lost in all the publicity surrounding cancer and heart attacks lurks another deadly and potentially disabling disease, stroke. Citizens Medical Center, in conjunction with the National Stroke Association, wants to increase public awareness about stroke.
Stroke (or brain attacks) is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the number one cause of adult disability. Strokes occur when the brain is deprived of blood due to a blockage of plaque or a blood vessel leak. Their onset is usually sudden and can happen to anyone at any age.
Brain cells die during a stroke. Because of the interrupted blood flow to the brain during a stroke, parts of the brain die. People become disabled from stroke based upon what part of the brain is stricken. Abilities such as speech, movement, and memory can be affected depending on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much tissue dies.
Could you identify a person having a stroke? Recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention can lessen the effects of stroke if treatment is provided within three hours of the first symptom. The National Stroke Association uses the F.A.S.T. test to identify stroke symptoms.
| F.A.S.T. stands for: | |
| F = FACE | Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face drop? |
| A = ARM | Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? |
| S = SPEECH | Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does their speech sound slurred or strange? |
| T = TIME | React quickly. If you observe any of these signs, it's time to call 911 or get to the nearest hospital. |
What are the risk factors for stroke? Several risk factors for stroke do exist. They include age, family history of strokes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, smoking, obesity, and alcohol use. Women who smoke and use birth control pills have a greater risk of stroke, as do men who are African American and over age 55. Lifestyle changes can help you lessen your stroke risk. Regular exercise, moderate alcohol use, not smoking, controlling your diabetes, and knowing your important numbers (blood pressure and cholesterol) are just a few precaution measures. To view stroke risk factors and ideas to reduce your risk of stroke look at the Stroke Risk Scorecard.
Citizens Medical Center now offers the Citizens Stroke Test which serves as a predictor for stroke risk. This self-referral test measures an inflammatory enzyme that detects the potential for rupture-prone plaque, which in unhealthy arteries can rupture and cause clots that result in strokes. The cost of the Citizens Stroke Test is $75.
High blood pressure is the number one cause of strokes. Many people do not know their blood pressure is high. The National Stroke Association recommends that you get your blood pressure tested at least once a year; more if you have a family history of high blood pressure, have had a heart attack, diabetes, or a weight problem.
Citizens Medical Center wants you to Know Your Numbers. Call 572-KNOW(5669) today and register for a panel of tests that includes blood pressure, total cholesterol (HDL, LDL), triglycerides, high sensitivity c-reactive protein, blood glucose, calcium scoring, and Citizens Stroke Test (Lp-PLA2). This total package, valued at $450, is yours for the very low price of only $125!! It is recommended that you fast for 12 hours prior to having your Know Your Numbers lab work, but fasting is not required for the Citizens Stroke Test.
Approximately 80% of strokes are preventable. If you have any questions concerning stroke, talk to your doctor. For more general information on stroke and stroke treatment options, visit the National Stroke Association website at www.stroke.org.
Stroke is a serious medical event that requires immediate medical attention. If you believe someone is having a stroke, remember -- ACT F.A.S.T.!!!