Stroke prevention and the signs to watch for

Cape Girardeau resident Karl Busche credits a simple, noninvasive testing procedure for detecting the restricted blood flow in his legs that likely would have caused a stroke resulting in death or significant disability.

Busche, 72, has worked at Missouri Dry Dock for 58 years and climbed the steps to the river on a regular basis.

In 2010 his legs started bothering him. His wife, Ruby, encouraged him to go to the doctor.

"I wouldn't go to the doctor," Busche said, although the numbness, cold and pain were out of the ordinary.

He began to worry when the pain did not subside.

"My dad lost a leg to bad circulation. I saw the advertisement for Stroke Detection Plus and decided to check it out."

A stroke occurs when a clot inhibits blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in or near the brain bursts.

Stoke Detection Plus performs mobile vascular screenings. They use ultrasound to screen areas of the body that indicate problems which could result in a stroke or heart attack.

Busche's tests indicated a significant blockage in both legs. He went to Dr. Randy Brown at Southeast Cardiac and Vascular Surgery and had stents put in his legs.

Now Busche works full time and spends a lot of each day on his feet.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, Missouri is listed as one of the "Stroke Belt States," having one of the highest rates in the country for strokes.

"The reasons for that are pretty complex," said Dr. Doc Nguyen, a cardiovascular surgeon with Cape Cardiology Group. "There's the Southern culture fare, diet and fatty foods, smoking, obesity and diabetes."

According to the American Stroke Association, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Every four minutes someone dies from a stroke. Stroke is also the leading cause of disability in the country, costing billions in related medical costs.

"Statistics are misleading. Regardless of the numbers, we are seeing too many strokes," Nguyen said.

Scott McGlothlen, president of Stroke Detection Plus, also noted the effect strokes have in health care.

"Fifty percent of all nursing home admissions are the result of a stroke," McGlothlen said. "Across America all of us are walking around with some risk [of having a stroke]. It progresses quicker the more factors you have. After age 40, your risk doubles every decade."

There are two types of strokes.

Ischemic stroke accounts for about 85 percent of all strokes. When this happens, the blood flow to the brain is blocked by blood clots or fatty deposits called plaque in blood vessel linings.

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and leaks blood into the brain.

"People do not realize how serious this is," Nguyen said.

Nguyen said that lifestyle changes can reduce the chances of a stroke. Having a low-cholesterol and high-fiber diet are important factors. Exercising, not smoking and controlling one's diabetes, if applicable, are all important. Nguyen also noted that patients with atrial fibrillation should work with their cardiologist to manage it.

If you think you or someone around you is having a stroke, call for help immediately.

According to Dr. Aaron B. Koonce of Southeast Neurology, time is of the essence when responding to a stroke.

"The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients in order to function," Koonce said. "Brain cells begin to die after just a few minutes without blood or oxygen. The result is a loss of brain function. This may include impaired ability with movement, speech, thinking and memory, bowel and bladder, eating, emotional control and other vital body functions."

Individuals can become familiar with the signs of stroke using the FAST test.

F stands for face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A is for arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S represents speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?

T is for time. If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.

A stroke and vascular screening will be held at the Cape Girardeau County Extension Office, 684 West Jackson Trail in Jackson, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 2.

Saint Francis Medical Center offers heart and health screenings every Wednesday from 7 to 10 a.m. at its Health and Wellness Center atrium, at 150 S. Mount Auburn Road in Cape Girardeau. A free stroke risk assessment is also available the first Wednesday of the month.

In recognition of American Heart Month, Saint Francis will offer free heart and health screenings from 7 to 10 a.m. Feb. 13, 15 and 17, in the Health and Wellness Center. To register for the free screening, call 331-5877.