Understanding Stroke: Risk Factor, Early Signs, and Life After
A stroke is caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain, often resulting in impaired mobility, permanent loss of speech or vision, or even death.1 One in four people will have a stroke in their lifetime,2 yet many don’t know the risk factors or the path to recovery. We spoke to Dr. Sara Hegab, VP, Stroke & Thrombosis, Specialty and Pipeline, U.S. Medical Affairs at Bayer, about the stroke facts that everyone should know.
What lifestyle changes reduce stroke risk?
Many of the things that put people at risk for having a stroke have to do with our lifestyle. There are 5 general areas that people can focus on to help reduce their risk of having a stroke.
- First, staying active. Incorporating basic exercise into your daily routine is essential. For some people this could be as simple as daily brisk walks and for others it could be a more structured gym routine – the important thing is movement.
- Second, controlling cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and diabetes as these are leading causes of stroke. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any medicines or lifestyle changes you may need to help you with this.
- Third, avoid smoking as it greatly increases your risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease in general.
- Fourth, maintain a healthy weight. Studies show that excess weight is directly linked to a higher risk of stroke, especially in women.
- Fifth is attention to nutrition. Reducing salt and sugar intake is important as is increasing daily intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and eating lean protein like fish. Eating a healthy and balanced diet not only helps ensure our body is getting the vitamins and nutrients that it needs but also helps control some of the other risk factors we discussed. For example, a low salt diet also helps with blood pressure control, and a low sugar diet helps with reducing excess weight and controlling diabetes.
What are the warning signs of a stroke?
The most common warning signs of stroke are weakness in the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body; trouble speaking; vision problems out of one or both eyes; severe headache; and dizziness or loss of balance and coordination.1 Rapid medical treatment is vital, so I tell my patients and their care partners to know the “FAST” signs (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech slurring, and Time to call 911) to recognize if someone might be having a stroke.1
What can I expect after experiencing a stroke?
No two strokes are the same. Some survivors experience minor effects that don’t last long. For others, it’s a life-altering event with long-term disability and complications, impacting everyday things we sometimes take for granted, like speech, balance and coordination. Recovery is a process addressing a combination of the physical effects (like weakness, stiffness, and numbness), cognitive effects (challenges recognizing, remembering, and processing information), and emotional effects (like anxiety, sadness, anger, and frustration).3
In addition to medication, your doctor may recommend gentle rehabilitation exercises and structured rehab programs, either in a hospital, inpatient facility, or at home, which may include physical therapy to rebuild strength and mobility, occupational therapy to support daily activities, and speech therapy if communication or swallowing is affected. Connecting patient support networks can also be crucial for mental well-being, recovery, and navigating the long-term journey after a stroke.
What lingering symptoms are normal after a stroke?
Because the brain is such a complex organ, not every stroke affects every person the same way. The most common lingering symptoms can be grouped into the recovery categories above: physical, cognitive, and emotional. It’s normal to experience fatigue, vision problems, and difficulties with balance, coordination, or general movement. Be patient with yourself if you find it hard to remember, recognize, and process information the way you did before the stroke. And talk to people – whether it’s your family, friends, or doctors – about any anxieties or fears that are burdening you. It’s important to be seen and heard, and to know that you’re not alone.4
Can you fully recover from a stroke?
Full recovery from a stroke is possible for some, but many patients will continue to experience minor impairments or lifelong disabilities. Despite a full or partial recovery, every survivor unfortunately faces the chance of a recurrent event. According to the American Stroke Association, approximately one in four (25%) stroke survivors will experience a second stroke in their lifetime.5
How long does it take to recover from a stroke?
Everyone’s stroke journey will be different. Depending on the severity of the stroke, recovery may take weeks, months, or even years, but tends to be most rapid in the first three months after the event.6 Participating in stroke rehabilitation with speech, physical, and occupational therapists may help your brain and body more quickly “relearn” the skills you can lose after a stroke.
How can a caregiver support someone recovering from a stroke?
As a physician, I see firsthand how important care partners are to stroke recovery. Behind every survivor is someone who helps lighten their burden, whether it’s physical or emotional. My advice is to be patient with anyone who is adjusting to life after stroke. Celebrate their small victories, listen to their fears and anxieties, and help them conduct research and explore support groups if desired. If possible, accompany them to doctor appointments to help them understand how they can lower their risk of a second stroke. Patient empowerment through education, making lifestyle changes, speaking up, and shared decision-making with a patient’s healthcare team can help you shape their road to recovery. And don’t forget self-care. Being a care partner can be a demanding role, so take breaks, lean on family and friends for help, consider joining a care partner support group, and maintain your own physical health through nutrition, exercise, and proper rest.
What increases my risk of another stroke?
In addition to lifestyle factors, people who have already experienced a stroke face a high risk of a second event. Statistically, it’s estimated that 20-30% of the 12 million people who experience a stroke worldwide each year will have a recurrent stroke, with one in five survivors suffering another within five years.7,8 That’s why it’s crucial to remain under a doctor’s supervision, to take any medications as prescribed, and to adopt healthy habits.
How do I prevent another stroke?
Research tells us that 80% of recurrent, clot-related (ischemic) strokes can be prevented,9 and a second stroke is often more disabling than the first. You and your health care team can work together to address the underlying factors that led to your stroke. Bring a list of questions to your doctor appointments and help create a prevention plan that’s tailored to you. This may include medicine or procedures and lifestyle changes to lower your risk for another stroke. Be sure to take your medicine as directed and follow your doctor’s instructions.
