Every 40 seconds, someone suffers from a stroke in the United States. Every four minutes, a stroke ends in fatality. While stroke can be fatal and cause long-term disability, receiving immediate treatment can decrease the potential for impairment and increase the chances of survival. Every minute counts, which is why it’s important to be aware of the warning signs to receive swift care.

National Stroke Awareness Month is observed every year throughout May. This month, we want to ensure that our patients are knowledgeable about what a stroke is, what the risk factors are and what the warning signs are.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off or slowed, causing oxygen and nutrient deprivation of the brain cells. The potential for brain damage increases with every minute a stroke goes untreated, so it’s important to be aware of the early warning signs.

Lifestyle factors that play a larger role than we may realize:

There are a number of different risk factors that come along with strokes that can not be changed, including gender, age, and family history. It’s important to be mindful though that there are a few changes you can make on your own. These include, but are not limited to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Regular use of tobacco products
  • Having high blood cholesterol levels
  • Heavy use of alcohol
  • Lack of regular exercise
  • A diet that is high in fat, but low in fiber, fruits, and veggies

What are the Warning Signs?

Warning signs and symptoms of stroke are typically very sudden, and include:

  • Numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Drooping of the face, especially on one side
  • Trouble with speech, slurring of words or inability to speak at all
  • Problems with eyesight in one or both eyes
  • Difficulties with walking, balance, and coordination
  • Dizziness or severe headache

Once the symptoms above occur, it’s important to call 9-1-1 as soon as possible.

How can we help?

At Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island, we want the best for you, your friends and your family. That’s why at ICCLI, Dr. Druz and her team, provide personalized and patient-centered atmosphere. Since every patient has their own set of unique needs, we work with you to identify and treat cardiovascular conditions. At ICCLI our doctors use both evidence-based care and functional medicine to help patients. Our Functional Medicine Therapy includes the following health issues:

  • Detoxification
  • Holistic Nutrition
  • Neutraceuticals and Supplements
  • IV Therapy
  • Stress Resilience and Mindfulness

We also use traditional treatments and evaluations of all cardiac conditions. This includes:

  • Coronary disease
  • Myocardial  Infarction
  • Bypass Surgery
  • Stents
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Hypertension
  • Abnormal Cholesterol
  • Cardio-oncology
  • & More!

During this month, please spread the news about stroke prevention and treatment! So if you’d like to learn more or have any questions don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Druz and her staff at Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island.