Recurrent Stroke Remains Serious Health Threat Despite
Available Lifestyle Changes, Therapies
WASHINGTON, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Although stroke is the third leading cause of death
and a leading cause of debilitation in the United States, a significant gap exists among
Americans between general understanding of stroke and stroke prevention efforts. According
to a new survey issued today by The National Council on the Aging (NCOA), Americans
understand that those who have had a stroke are at greater risk for a future one, yet stroke
survivors are not taking all the possible steps to protect their health.
While 88% of those surveyed recognized that a person who has a stroke is at greater risk
to have another one, statistics show that one-third of all strokes are recurrent, even though
there are lifestyle changes and medications available today that can help reduce risk.
Additionally, 66% of respondents said they knew someone who had suffered a stroke, but
many of those who survived were not exercising regularly (32%), refraining from smoking
19%) or watching their diet (18%) -- simple steps proven to help prevent a future stroke.
"Those who have already had a stroke can make changes to their everyday routines to lower
their risk for a second stroke or a heart attack," said Mark Alberts, MD, professor of neurology,
Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois. "It is particularly important that
stroke survivors and their families or caregivers work closely with their physician to develop an
individualized treatment plan, which will often include medication."
In addition to basic lifestyle changes, risk of recurrent stroke can be reduced by using
appropriate medicines. For instance, many patients may benefit from antiplatelet therapy that
prevents blood platelets from sticking together and clotting, thus helping to reduce stroke risk.
Research shows that after surviving a stroke, men have a 42% chance of having another one
within five years, and women have a 24% chance during the same time period. Suffering an
initial stroke also puts people at increased risk for having a heart attack, a leading cause of
death that affects over one million Americans each year. Similarly, having a heart attack
also increases the risk of having a first or recurrent stroke.
Confusion about Stroke Risk Factors, Symptoms
The survey results show that many Americans incorrectly identified excessive stress (87%),
overexertion while exercising (56%), dehydration (38%), asthma attacks (24%) and wearing
constrictive clothing (16%) as risk factors for stroke. Respondents also mistakenly selected
shortness of breath (53%) and heart palpitations (50%) as stroke symptoms. Nearly
two-thirds of those surveyed failed to recognize the age range (age 65+) most affected by
stroke.
Older Americans At Greatest Risk for Stroke Show Little Concern
While two-thirds of all strokes occur in people over 65, only one in eight (12%) of those
surveyed in this age group indicated they were most concerned about experiencing a stroke,
given the choice of other serious conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and diabetes that
result in fewer fatalities. Additionally, 75% of seniors surveyed said they have never talked
to their doctor about stroke risk.
"For older Americans, stroke poses a significant health risk, so it is alarming to us that so
few seniors have discussed their personal risk for stroke with their doctor," said James P.
Firman, president and CEO of NCOA. "Better education is clearly needed to help all
Americans understand their risk of stroke to protect their health."
To help educate the public during National Stroke Awareness Month, the NCOA has
developed a "Stroke Survival" tip sheet that provides essential information for reducing
stroke risk and making a home "stroke prepared. " Easy-to-follow pointers, such as
"Keep a phone on a low table" and "Provide a neighbor with a list of emergency numbers,"
are included. The information can be accessed at http://www.ncoa.org.
Stroke affects more than 700,000 people each year -- approximately one person every 45
seconds. Annually, strokes lead to an estimated 168,000 fatalities. Strokes result from a
sudden interruption of blood flow to any part of the brain, which in turn injures or kills brain
tissue. This damage impairs normal function in the parts of the body controlled by the
affected brain area. Stroke can lead to severe impairments, including debilitation from
paralysis, short-term memory loss and even speech and vision problems that may result
in the need for long-term care. The sooner a stroke patient receives treatment, the more
likely that long-term damage can be prevented.
The survey was conducted by the NCOA though an unrestricted educational grant from
Sanofi-Synthelabo and Bristol-Myers Squibb. The telephone survey was conducted from
April 24 through April 28, by ICR/International Communications Research of Media, PA.
For results based on the total qualified sample(n=992) there is 95% confidence that the
error attributed to sampling and other random effects is +/- 3.1 percentage points. The
n=450 respondents aged 55 and older were deliberately oversampled.
Founded in 1950, The National Council on the Aging is the nation's first charitable organization
dedicated to promoting the dignity, independence, well-being, and contributions of older
Americans. NCOA serves as a national voice and powerful advocate on behalf of older
Americans. NCOA is an innovator, developing programs such as Benefits CheckUp, Foster
Grandparents and Family Friends. NCOA is an activator, working with its thousands of
community organization members nationwide to provide needed services to older people.
For more information on NCOA, visit http://www.ncoa.org.
SOURCE
National Council on the Aging
Web
Site: http://www.ncoa.org
