Strokes: Time is on your side

There has recently been a very effective TV campaign about what to do when you think someone has suffered a stroke. Particularly in understanding physical signs that indicate a stroke has happened.

As always, prevention is better than cure, and there are preventative measures you can take to cut the risk of a stroke in the first place. The leading cause of a stroke is hypertension, so here are ways to reduce it:

1. Check your blood pressure - You can buy a simple but effective blood pressure kit from your chemist. The top blood pressure number should be less than 140. The bottom number should be less than 90.

2. Lose weight - Many doctors think weight loss is the single most important nondrug treatment for prevention of hypertension.

3. Exercise aerobically, quit smoking and reduce stress

4. Check your cholesterol once a year – it can narrow arteries and make you more prone to hypertension.


Sadly, we can’t always prevent strokes. But immediate action can reduce the effects of a stroke. So as the adverts tell us: move FAST

Face – drooping on one side?
Arm – can they lift them both over their head?
Speech – is their speech slurred?
Time to call 999 if any of those

If you witness someone having a stroke then the most important thing to remember is that Time is on their side.

The NHS has recently started using “clot busting” drugs. Taking a drug called Alteplase within 90 minutes of a stroke gives patients more than double the chance of full recovery, according to a report in The Lancet medical journal.

As after a stroke, treatments are constantly improving. The NHS Buckinghamshire Trust is at the vanguard of innovative stroke treatments and has recently opened eight hyper acute beds at its Wycombe Hospital stroke ward. These provide intensive nursing and therapy care for the first three days following a stroke

These facilities aim to promote patient independence, aiding rehabilitation in order to return home as soon as possible. By involving patients, their relatives and carers in setting personal goals they make the experience better for all.

When leaving hospital care there is concern over being able to cope or adjust to normal independent living. We at Home Calls can relieve any concerns you may have for that person by providing a daily check on well being. Either as long term care or just until the stroke victim is confident enough to cope again, its sure to be a great help to those in need. .

For more information on NHS Buckinghamshire’s stroke clinics go to
http://www.buckspct.nhs.uk/
And for ways in which we can help after you or someone you know leaves hospital just call 01494 449769 or email info@home-calls.co.uk