Stroke: When Minutes Count
Time Is Brain
 by Douglas DeOrchis, MD,
director of vascular and interventional
radiology at The Miriam Hospital and chairman of RI Operation Stroke for
the American Heart Association
In the world of stroke, "Time is brain." The phrase isn't
as catchy as the more familiar "Time is money," but it's a
good one to remember if you or a loved one becomes one of the more than
730,000 people who suffer a stroke each year. Contrary to common belief,
stroke isn't a threat to just the elderly. Some 28 percent of all stroke
victims are under age 65; approximately 57 percent are male. The incidence
of stroke is rising in America but it is estimated that most strokes could
be prevented. Almost all the stroke victims I've seen have been smokers,
while treatment for hypertension and diabetes and a diet low in
cholesterol would further decrease risk. Strokes may be preceded by
transient ischemic attacks, known as TIAs or mini-strokes, that leave no
permanent damage. Many strokes, however, happen without warning, and
result in crippling disabilities or death.
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