Stroke Resources

Untreated high blood pressure is a strong risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease, so getting it checked regularly and getting it under control is of great importance!

Locations

• Oregon Heart and Vascular Institute
  3311 RiverBend Drive
  Springfield, OR 97477
  (541) 222-7218

• Sacred Heart Medical Center, University District
  1255 Hilyard Street
  Eugene, OR 97401
  (541) 686-7300

A self-service blood pressure screening station is available in the main lobby of both locations. Use of the station is free to the public around the clock.

The medical grade quality of the machine is accurate to within 3 mm/Hg and results are available in less than a minute. Be sure to record your measurement on one of the free blood pressure cards supplied with the machine.

More Locations

Free Blood Pressure Checks in South Lane County:

• South Lane Fire & Rescue fire stations
• Bi-Mart, Wal-Mart & Safeway stores
• Your physician's office
• The Emergency Department at Cottage Grove Community Hospital

Stroke patients who receive medical attention right away are more likely to qualify for clot busting medication or clot retrieval and have a better recovery.

Remember, TIME IS BRAIN. Stroke is an EMERGENCY!

• Balance: Does the person have a sudden loss of balance?
• Eyes: Does the person have sudden blurred, double or loss vision, in one or both eyes?
• Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms: Ask theperson to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• Time: If you observe any off these signs, BE FAST, CALL 911!

A stroke, sometimes called a "brain attack," occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.

When a stroke occurs, brain cells in the immediate area begin to die because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function. Stroke is the #5 cause of death and leading cause of disability in the U.S.

There are two major kinds of stroke:

1. The first, called an ischemic (pronounced "is-skee-mick") stroke, is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel or artery in the brain. About 80 percent of all strokes are ischemic.
2. The second, known as a hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by a blood vessel in the brain that breaks and bleeds into the brain. About 20 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic.

What is Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary stroke that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is briefly interrupted. TIA symptoms, which usually occur suddenly, are similar to those of stroke but do not last as long. Most symptoms of a TIA disappear within an hour, although they may persist for up to 24 hours.

TIAs are often warning signs that a person is at risk for a more serious and debilitating stroke. About one-third of those who have a TIA will have an acute stroke sometime in the future.

What are the symptoms of a stroke/TIA?

Stroke symptoms suddenly occur and usually affect one side of the body. Symptoms can include: numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion or difficulty in talking or understanding speech; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; and difficulty with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.

What disabilities can result from a stroke?

The effects of a stroke range from mild to severe and can include paralysis and problems with thinking, speaking, swallowing, and emotions. Patients may also experience pain or numbness after a stroke.

Is there any treatment?

Because there is no way to tell whether symptoms are from a TIA or an acute stroke, patients should assume that all stroke-like symptoms signal an emergency and should not wait to see if they go away. CALL 911. A prompt evaluation of symptoms is necessary to identify the cause and determine appropriate treatment.

Depending on a patient’s medical history and the results of a medical examination, the doctor may recommend drug therapy (alteplase) or clot removal. The use of antiplatelet agents, particularly aspirin, is a standard treatment. People with atrial fibrillation (irregular beating of the heart) may be prescribed anticoagulants.

What are risk factors for stroke/TIA?

Many strokes can be prevented by treating underlying risk factors. The most important treatable factors linked to TIAs and stroke are high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, heart disease, carotid artery disease, diabetes, and heavy use of alcohol.

Medical help is available to reduce and eliminate these factors. Lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, maintaining healthy weight, exercising, and enrolling in smoking and alcohol cessation programs can also reduce these factors.