What to Know About Stroke and the Risk of a Second Stroke

The Devastating Reality of Stroke

• Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stroke is one of the leading causes of serious, long-term disability. But what many people don't realize is that surviving the first stroke does not mean the danger is over.
• For hundreds of thousands of Americans recovering from an ischemic stroke - the most common type of stroke, caused by blocked blood flow to the brain1 - the risk of another stroke remains high.
• Research shows approximately 1 in 5 ischemic stroke survivors will experience another stroke within five years.
• Based on data from the World Health Organization, second strokes are often more disabling and have poorer outcomes than the first stroke.

A Medical Emergency Measured in Minutes

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or blocked, depriving brain cells of oxygen. According to the American Stroke Association, nearly two million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated.

The damage can be catastrophic:

• Paralysis
• Speech loss
• Memory impairment
• Vision problems
• Permanent disability
• Death

The warning signs can appear suddenly:

• Facial drooping
• Arm weakness
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Severe headache
• Trouble seeing or walking

The American Stroke Association urges people to remember the acronym BE FAST to quickly recognize signs of stroke:

• Balance Loss
• Eye (Vision) Changes
• Face Drooping
• Arm Weakness
• Speech Difficulty
• Time to call 911

Stroke Can Strike at Any Age

Contrary to what many think, stroke doesn't just affect the elderly. In fact, an estimated 38% of stroke hospitalizations are in people under age 65 , and the burden continues to grow among younger populations. Over the past decade, stroke prevalence has increased by nearly 15% among adults ages 18-44 and 16% among adults ages 45-64.

Though stroke risk does increase with age, there are many other risk factors to consider:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Excess weight

Up to 80% of strokes are preventable, with a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and working with a health care team to control health conditions, the risk can be lessened.

The Cleveland Clinic recommends healthy lifestyle changes that may reduce stroke risk:

• Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
• Eating plenty of healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Getting regular physical activity
• Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco products
• Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes

The Long-Term Impact of Stroke

Stroke recovery is rarely simple.

The effects of stroke can persist over time and extend to an entire family. Many in the "sandwich generation" are caught between caring for a loved one who's had a stroke, and balancing careers and child-rearing - sometimes at the expense of their own health.

And for many families, the fear of a second stroke never fully disappears.

The Threat People Don't Talk About Enough: Secondary Stroke

After experiencing an ischemic stroke, patients remain vulnerable for a second stroke. That is why ongoing prevention and long-term care matters.

Health experts recommend:

• Stay under medical supervision
• Take medications as prescribed
• Manage underlying health conditions
• Adopt healthier daily habits
• Recognize warning signs immediately if symptoms return

When it comes to stroke, waiting can change everything. Everyone should understand risk factors, how to modify lifestyle to decrease the risk, and what to do if stroke does strike. Commit to the post-stroke care plan, aim for recovery and preventing a second stroke, and speak openly with your health care providers.