Stroke Awareness: Know Your Risk Factors

As more people are diagnosed with hypertension the incidence for stroke increases.  Currently about 1 in 3 persons worldwide has been diagnosed with hypertension.  This indicates that the incidence for stroke is more likely than ever before. Diabetes, high lipids, obesity, and cigarette smoking are also risk factors.

Strokes are cerebrovascular accidents, CVA for short.  Strokes may occur from uncontrolled high blood pressure, but may also occur when blood clots block the major arteries to and in the brain cutting off oxygen.  Hemorrhagic strokes may cause bleeding in the brain secondary to a ruptured artery.  The most common cause is from severe hypertension.  Other causes include aneurysm and malformations of arteries and veins in the brain.  Ischemic or thrombotic strokes happen when blood clots block the carotid arteries or arteries in the brain because of fat deposits in the vessel lining (atherosclerosis).  This cuts off or decreases blood flow to the brain.  Embolic strokes usually result from blood clots elsewhere in the body like pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).  Clots from the area involved migrate to the brain and block blood flow. 

Mini strokes called transient ischemic attacks, TIAs for short, usually last a few hours.  If longer than 24 hours, it is considered a CVA.  The impairments that occur are not permanent.  TIAs signal that one is at risk for a potential stroke with lifelong impairment. 

Signs and symptoms of strokes include:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness
• Weakness or loss of function  in arm, leg, face on one side
• Slurred speech or loss of speech
• Blindness 
• Mental  confusion or loss of consciousness
• Unsteady gait

 

The pseudonym FAST is a simple way to recognize general stroke symptoms. Face droops; Arm weakens; Speech difficulty; Time to call 911. 

Risk factor reduction is a good way to protect yourself and prevent strokes.  Keep your blood pressure in normal range.  Eat low fat dpet to keep lipids low.  Refrain from smoking.  Stay active with regular exercise.  Make less stress a priority as well. Best health!

Keep Your Medical Records Current

The best way to find the medical care you need and deserve is to be informed and prepared starting with your complete medical history.  Your medical record is the foundation of your health maintenance.  Collecting your records from your PCP (primary care physician) and each healthcare provider helps you stay current and up to date with your medical care and treatment.  Keeping track of the vast amount of medical information that concerns you is very important.  


A medical release authorization form is required to have your medical records released to you.  Medical record release forms are available through your doctors' offices, hospitals, clinics, and insurance providers.  Many providers have them available on their websites.  Internet searches will bring up medical release forms that can be used anywhere.  Once your form is completed, mail or fax to the healthcare provider. Charges may be incurred for copying and mailing records. 


Electronic health records (EHRs), also called electronic medical records (EMRs), are computerized versions of your medical records.  This format is replacing hard copy medical records. Patients are able to access their records anytime through secure patient portals to look at health provider reports and test results. You can also directly email your doctors, make appointments, get medication refills, and much more.  This can eliminate unnecessary visits and phone calls. 


Once you have obtained your medical records, it is important that you check for accuracy.  If any information is inaccurate, report it immediately to your healthcare providers so it can be corrected.  Make a request to the provider to correct the medical record.  If this fails, submit a statement verifying the mistakes so it can be added to your medical record.  This can prevent future medical errors.


As EHRs become more prevalent, it will be easier to see and access yours on a routine basis.  You will be able to print your records at home.  As you gather your medical record information, keep it in a folder off the computer.  Make a cover sheet listing your medical conditions, medication, allergies/ adverse reactions, operations, family history, social history, and any other pertinent information. This medical summary can then be used on your doctor visits, especially an initial one with a new doctors.  


Help your health care providers provide you with optimal health care.  Keep up with your medical records to enhance and improve your health decisions.  Best health!