February 15, 2008
What is a Brain Attack?
By Claudia Dunn, RN, BSN, PHN, YKHC Healthy Hearts Coordinator
When the term Cardiovascular Disease is used, most people think about Heart attacks.
Cardio means heart. This organ is responsible for circulating blood throughout the body. Vascular refers to the arteries, which carry oxygenated blood to the body's tissue and veins that carry deoxygenated blood from the tissues. Cardiovascular Disease can affect the entire body or just a portion, such as a vital organ to include the brain.
A Brain Attack is a stroke. It occurs when vital supplies of oxygen and blood are cut off due to blockage of an artery caused by a clot or the buildup of cholesterol plaque. It can also occur when an artery ruptures. The brain controls everything a human being does to include breathing, thinking and moving. In six minutes millions of brain cells can die.
Learning the symptoms of a stroke could save your life. Common symptoms include sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg-generally just on one side of the body, rapid confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, abrupt trouble with vision, either seeing in one or both eyes and unexpected trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. Also, a severe headache of unknown origin with rapid onset can be among the symptoms of a stroke.
If these symptoms last for a short period of time it may be a Transient Ischemic Attack or TIA. TIAs indicate serious stroke risks. Strokes and TIAs are emergencies. If you have these symptoms call 911 or your community's emergency response number.
Immediate medical tests are needed to determine if you are having a stroke. If you are having a stroke or TIA, immediate medical treatment could save your life and improve your chances for recovery. Strokes are the third cause of death and the most costly debilitating condition in the United States.
Risk factors for strokes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation, a history of a heart attack, TIAs or previous stroke and lifestyle factors such as tobacco usage, excess alcohol use, a diet low in fruits and vegetables and lack of physical activity. Please note unmanaged diabetes with complications can also increase stroke risks. If you have any of these conditions it is very important to work with your medical provider closely to prevent grave health problems.
The steps to decrease your risk of having a heart attack are the same measures needed to decrease your risk for a stroke. Know your blood pressure. If the reading remains higher than 130/80 frequently, work with your medical provider to get it controlled.
If you have atrial fibrillation, diabetes or high cholesterol, work with your medical provider to supervise these conditions. If you smoke, stop. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation only. Make exercise fun and an integral part of your daily life. Watch your salt and fat intake. Foods prepared from scratch generally have less sodium and hidden fats. Also remember to consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
For more information on Strokes contact the National Stroke Association at 1-800-787-6537, www.stroke.org or Take Heart Alaska at 1-888-465-3140, www.takeheart.alaska.gov