Written by Dr. Aisha Harris
Does the idea of a stroke scare you? Do you know what a stroke is?
A stroke is a medical problem where there is poor blood flow to the brain due to decreased blood flow (ischemia) or bleeding (hemorrhagic). Strokes stop people in their tracks, either by death or by decreasing or diminishing a part of their quality of life or function temporarily or permanently.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability. Too often people die from strokes or they are so disabled their way of life is completely altered, creating a huge adjustment for themselves and their families.
Many strokes are preventable!
High blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes. High blood pressure, or hypertension, causes about half of all strokes. Known as the silent killer, high blood pressure is often asymptomatic, showing no signs or symptoms, until it is too late and strokes or heart attacks occur.
Screening for and preventing high blood pressure is a great way to prevent strokes from occurring. But for those with high blood pressure, controlling blood pressure every single day can significantly decrease the risk of strokes.
Black Americans have a higher prevalence of strokes and higher death rate from strokes than any other racial group. In that same context, Black Americans have a higher prevalence of high blood pressure also. The Black community has many health disparities within cardiovascular disease. So, being aware of and proactive about addressing these risks is important.
Unfortunately, many people think they are untouchable. They believe they do not have high blood pressure or stroke risks. This makes diagnosing high blood pressure more surprising, or having a stroke a shocking experience.
Everyone should have a primary care doctor where they get regular checkups and screenings.
Did you know young people can have strokes? The average age to have a stroke is decreasing. Stroke hospitalizations for young people are increasing. Classically, people think strokes only occur in older people, but there are many risk factors for strokes that can occur at many ages.
Yes, high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke. But other risk factors include diabetes, pregnancy and postpartum, smoking cigarettes, migraines, birth control pills, high cholesterol, obesity, illicit drug use, lupus and atrial fibrillation.
Stroke can present differently in everyone, but common signs of stroke include weakness, numbness, confusion, difficulty talking, difficulty walking or trouble seeing.
If concerned about a stroke call 911 and get to the hospital. Don’t delay care, time equals tissue, meaning delayed care causes dead tissue!
Dr. Aisha Harris, MD, is a Flint native and board-certified family medicine doctor at Harris Family Health in Flint, Michigan. Harris Family Health is a membership-based clinic that provides personalized and full primary care to adults and children. Learn more about Harris Family Health by visiting www.harrisfamilyhealth.com.
Feel free to submit health questions to Dr. Harris via theflintcouriernews@gmail.com.
