PHOENIX (Oct. 7, 2024) - As Hispanic Heritage Month finalizes, Banner Health emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about strokes within the Hispanic population.
According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is among the leading causes of death for Hispanics, with a particularly alarming impact on Hispanic women.
A stroke, often referred to as a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel bursts. The longer it takes to receive treatment, the greater the extent of brain tissue death. Unfortunately, most stroke patients will experience some difficulties after having a stroke, like poor memory, muscle weakness, paralysis or trouble with speech.
The risk factors for strokes are exacerbated within the Hispanic community as the fifth-leading cause of death for Hispanics and is the fourth leading cause of death for Hispanic women in the United States. Alarmingly, more than one in three Hispanic women have blood pressure levels exceeding 130/90 mm Hg.
Dr. Peter Nakaji, neurosurgeon at Banner University Medicine neurosurgery clinic, stresses the importance of prompt action in case of a stroke.
"Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention,” said Dr. Nakaji. “It's crucial to act right away and seek treatment without delay."
He further emphasizes the role of preventive measures, such as managing medical conditions and adopting healthy lifestyle changes, to reduce the risk of strokes among Hispanics.
To help prevent strokes, individuals are advised to follow these recommendations:
- Consider aspirin under medical guidance to reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Control blood pressure through healthy habits and prescribed medications.
- Manage cholesterol with lifestyle adjustments and medication adherence.
- Adopt a diet low in salt, rich in fiber and whole grains to maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Engage in regular physical activity to achieve a healthy weight and promote heart health.
To learn more about stroke signs and symptoms visit: www.bannerhealth.com/services/neurology/programs-care/stroke/symptoms. To learn more about strokes tests and diagnosis visit: bannerhealth.com/services/neurology/programs-care/stroke/testing-diagnosis.
Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 33 hospitals, Banner also operates an academic medicine division, Banner – University Medicine, and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits and patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.
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