Stroke

Know the warning signs of stroke: Time Saved is a Life Saved
Interview on Stroke with Paul Pepper
  Time Critical Diagnosis System – KOMU Television Interview (.wmv)
  Time Critical Diagnosis System – Missourinet Radio Interview (.mp3)
Acute Stroke System Report
Stroke Survey Summary Report
Stroke Data Profile

Stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease. It affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die.

There are two types of strokes. The first type of stroke is caused by clots that block an artery resulting in ischemic strokes. This is the most common stroke, accounting for approximately 80% of all strokes. The second type is caused by ruptured blood vessels resulting in hemorrhagic or bleeding strokes.

When part of the brain dies from lack of blood flow, the part of the body it controls is affected. Strokes can cause paralysis, affect language and vision, and cause other problems. Strokes can be treated and it is important you recognize the warning signs of a stroke and get help immediately.

Warning Signs of Stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience symptoms! Time lost is brain lost!

Source: American Stroke Association

The Missouri Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program (MHDSP) addresses the “Healthy People 2010” focus area of Heart Disease and Stroke.  Priority focus is on controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol, increasing heart attack and stroke sign and symptom awareness and the need to call 911, improving emergency response, and improving quality of care.

The program works collaboratively with other Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services programs that address related chronic diseases or risk factors so that activities of these programs are not duplicated, but enhanced.

Interventions include policy, environmental, and system changes to improve heart disease and stroke prevention in community, worksite, school, and health care settings.