Stroke Care
A stroke can happen to anyone at any age, any time. A stroke is a brain attack, and just like a heart attack, you need immediate medical attention. During a stroke, blood flow is cutoff from the brain, and brain cells begin dying. The faster blood flow is restored, the less damage occurs. That’s why it’s imperative you know both the warning signs of a stroke and what you’ll do if one occurs.
BE FAST: REMEMBER THE SIGNS OF A STROKE.
B: BALANCE ISSUES.
E: EYESIGHT CHANGES.
F: FACE DROOPING.
A: ARM WEAKNESS.
S: SPEECH DIFFICULTY.
T: TIME TO CALL 911.
Should you experience even one of the signs, call 911 immediately. DON’T WAIT!
Emergency crews are trained to recognize strokes and will begin care before you arrive at the Emergency Department. St. Bernards has a Stroke Rapid Response Team ready at all times to treat stroke emergencies with the latest stroke care that, if provided early enough, can potentially reduce or reverse the effects of a stroke.
St. Bernards is a certified Arkansas Stroke Ready Hospital that receives transfer stroke patients from regional hospitals throughout Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri for specialty care. From prevention to treatment to recovery, we are dedicated to providing the highest-level of education, care and support at every stage of your journey.
How to Help Prevent a Stroke
- If you have high blood pressure, keep a log of your blood pressure readings to review with your primary care provider.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, diet and body weight. Avoid fatty foods and those high in cholesterol.
- If you are Type I or Type II diabetic, keep your blood sugar levels under control.
- Avoid smoking. If you need help with smoking cessation, talk with your primary care provider to explore ways to help you quit.
- Stay active! A sedentary lifestyle can negatively affect your health and increase the risk of hypertension, obesity and stroke.
- Have regular wellness visits and check-ups with a Primary Care Physician
Stroke Risk Factors
- Age: Although stroke is more common among older populations, many people under 65 also have strokes. Even babies and children can have strokes.
- Race: Black Americans have a much higher risk of death from strokes.
- Gender: Women have more strokes than men, and strokes are more fatal in women than men.
- Prior Stroke, TIA or Heart Attack
- Family History
Stroke Risks Factors Quiz
Women Face Higher Risk of Stroke
In the U.S., 1 in 5 women will have a stroke. About 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year. Stroke is the #3 cause of death in women, and black women have the highest chance of stroke.
Risk factors for women:
- Pregnancy
- Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, also called preeclampsia
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Atrial fibrillation
- Birth control pills
- Migraines with aura and smoking
Source: AHA
Life After a Stroke
We understand that life post-stroke can be challenging to navigate. We’re here to help. We offer a variety of resources that can be beneficial to you and your family:
