Stefan Dupont, MD, PhD Stopping Stroke Before It Starts To Prevent a Brain Attack: Manage Your Risks and Watch for Warning Signs A stroke can be damaging and deadly. It disrupts blood flow to the brain and can lead to neurological impairment, paralysis and death – in fact, it is the third leading cause of death in the United States with more than 600,000 people each year experiencing a stroke. There is hope. By understanding the risk factors, working with your primary care physician and knowing the warning signs, you can help prevent your chances of suffering a stroke. “When you turn 55, you enter an age group that is at a much higher risk for stroke, but there is no standard diagnostic or predictive test currently available,” says Stefan Dupont, MD, PhD. “The single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk is to work with your primary care physician to monitor your risk factors.” Control What You Can Risk factors fall into two categories: those that can be controlled and those that can’t. “Age and family history of stroke are factors that we cannot control,” says Dr. Dupont. “But high blood pressure, high cholesterol, exercise (or lack of ) and smoking – we can.” Exercising, eating right and working with your doctor to manage your cholesterol, blood pressure or diabetes can greatly reduce your risk for stroke. Understanding the warning signs of stroke and acting quickly are also vital to preventing a stroke or limiting the effects. “It’s crucial to call 911 immediately if you’re experiencing any of the warning signs of stroke,” Dr. Dupont says. “Emergency room triage is very important as there are certain treatments that can only be given within three hours of presenting symptoms. Remember, it is crucial to get to an ER, and to get there by ambulance.” If you suspect a person is having a stroke, Act F.A.S.T. FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Doe one arm drift downward? SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Can he or she do it accurately? Are the words slurred? TIME: If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is critical because brain cells are dying. “It’s important to be as proactive as possible,” Dr. Dupont adds. “I’ve seen so many people come in who have told me they thought they were having a stroke but they went to bed instead of seeking help. Immediate action must be taken whenever stroke is suspected.” Call 911! “It’s crucial to call 911 immediately if you’re experiencing any of the warning signs of stroke,” Dr. Dupont says. “Emergency room triage is very important as there are certain treatments that can only be given within three hours of presenting symptoms. Remember, it is crucial to get to an ER, and to get there by ambulance.” April 2016 n Beachwood Buzz 51