When you hear the word stroke, does it fill you with dread and fear? Maybe that is because someone you know or love is affected by the condition. Or perhaps, fortunately, you do not have first-hand experience, but are aware of the statistics surrounding it which make worrying reading. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Ireland with 2,500 stroke related deaths occurring each year. It is also one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide.
About 10,000 people have a stroke each year in this country. Stroke is the leading cause of acquired disability. It is estimated that more than 80,000 people are living with such disabilities. The risk of stroke increases with age, however it can also occur at a younger age. More than a quarter of patients who experienced a stroke in 2020 were under 65 years. The average age of stroke patients was 72 years.
Women face a disproportionate burden of stroke mortality and disability. One in four women in Ireland die from heart disease and stroke with women six times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than breast cancer. Factors such as pregnancy and menopause increase the risk of stroke.
While these figures may paint a concerning picture, it is important to realise that there is a lot we can do to protect ourselves from stroke. By making healthy lifestyle changes we can reduce our risk and even avoid it regardless of our age or family history.
If you need a gentle nudge to get you started, maybe World Stroke Day, which takes place on Saturday, may offer a timely reminder of the importance of taking those first steps. To mark the occasion, Croí the local heart and stroke charity, is putting the spotlight on the importance of stroke awareness and prevention.
Laura Walsh, a community stroke support specialist with Croí, says stroke is a medical emergency and can happen to anyone, at any time.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply carrying oxygen and nutrients to part of the brain is disrupted suddenly by a blockage or a rupture, she explains. This causes parts of the brain to become damaged or the death of an area of brain tissue. As a result, people's mobility, ability to communicate, see, think, and feel may be adversely affected.
FAST action saves lives
She says knowledge is power. Recognising the signs and symptoms of a stroke could potentially save a life. The sooner a stroke sufferer arrives in hospital, the less health damage is likely to occur. A person's chance of surviving and recovering is greatly improved if immediate action is taken. According to the latest statistics from the Irish National Audit of Stroke, only 50 per cent of people attended hospital within three hours of having stroke symptoms while 21 per cent waited more than 12 hours to attend.
Some medical conditions such as high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, and diabetes may increase the risk of stroke. These conditions can be managed effectively, both by medication and lifestyle choices, and with the support of health care providers such as GPs.
"We often do not know if we have a condition like high blood pressure, so it is important to have regular check-ups to find out about our risk factors," says Ms Walsh. "It is never too late to make a change and small changes can have large impacts."
Healthy lifestyle changes including cutting down on alcohol, quitting smoking, managing your weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise will help to reduce your risk of having a stroke.
Croí is keen to create greater awareness about both stroke symptoms and the importance of acting quickly if you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke. Fast action can save lives.
"Acting FAST increases the chances of survival as urgent treatment can begin," outlines Laura Walsh. "If you think someone may be having a stroke, look out for the following:
Face: Has their mouth or eye drooped? Can they smile?
Arms: Can they raise both of their arms? Is there a weakness in one arm?
Speech: Is their speech slurred? Do they understand what you are saying?
Time: Call 999 or 112 if you see any of these signs.
Remember, do not wait to find out if any of these symptoms will go away. Every minute counts. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the potential for adverse health outcomes.
Other telltale signs to look out for include:
• Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, leg, or one side of the body.
• Difficulty finding words.
• Blurred vision including loss of sight in one or both eyes.
• Sudden confusion or memory loss.
• Dizziness, a severe headache, reduced balance, or a sudden fall.
"'We need to act FAST if we suspect a stroke."
Do not ignore mini-strokes
A TIA (transient ischemic attack ), or "mini stroke", is caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to part of the brain. The symptoms may be the same as a stroke, but they resolve quickly, according to Laura Walsh, the Croí community stroke support specialist.
She says suspected TIAs require urgent medical treatment. "It is important not to ignore them, as having treatment can prevent a major stroke happening. Research has shown, with urgent treatment, more than 80 per cent of strokes that occur after a TIA can be prevented."
Life After Stroke
Although some people may recover quickly after a stroke, others may need ongoing support to help them cope with the emotional challenges of the condition and to help them regain as much independence as possible.
"Life after a stroke can be difficult for many stroke survivors and their families. Croí's mission is to support survivors and their families through the recovery and wellbeing process.
"We hold monthly in-person stroke survivor support groups in Galway and Mayo, where we welcome stroke survivors and their family member or carer. It provides a safe and supportive space to meet others affected by stroke and learn about life after stroke."
She says it is important to care for the carers, also. "Looking after someone following a stroke can be challenging and often happens quite suddenly. It can have an impact on the whole family and can be a big responsibility. If you don't look after yourself, it is difficult to look after someone else. We facilitate a monthly carers' support group where carers can socialise, relax, and share experiences."
• Croí, supported by Surmodics, will host a virtual question and answer session on the psychological impact of stroke as part of its World Stroke Day awareness campaign today (Thursday ) at 11am. Dr Tom Burke, assistant professor at the School of Psychology at the University of Galway and a senior clinical neuropsychologist at University Hospital Galway, will be the speaker. People can ask questions and take notes. To register, telephone (091 ) 544310 or log on to www.croi.ie/stroke or via https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkdeqqqTIvGNHOuT5ZGTN07gU_J4Z5JwTj
• If you have any questions about stroke or heart health issues, contact Croí at (091 ) 544310 from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected], or log on to www.croi.ie to access a wide range of helpful resources and to register for weekly sessions with the Croí health team.
