Wakeup call: What actor Luke Perry’s death can teach us about strokes
Fans of the 1990s television blockbuster show “Beverly Hills 90210” and the current hit “Riverdale” were shocked and saddened at the news that actor Luke Perry suffered a massive stroke in late February and died March 4 as a result.
Perry was only 52 years old and appeared to be in good overall health. How could someone have a stroke at that age?
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, killing nearly 140,000 Americans each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. What’s even more surprising is that CDC statistics show stroke rates have increased in recent years in young people ages 35 to 44.
Observer-Reporter
Observer-Reporter
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang, who is shown hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2016, suffered a stroke two years earlier at the age of 26. Tests showed Letang had a very small hole in the wall of his heart since birth, which could have contributed to his stroke.
Sports fans will remember Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang suffered a stroke in 2014 at the young age of 26. In Letang’s case, tests showed he had a very small hole in the wall of his heart since birth, which could have contributed to his stroke. In Perry’s case, he reportedly was a smoker earlier in his life. Smoking raises triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood, lowers good cholesterol levels, damages cells that line blood vessels and thickens and narrows those vessels.
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing brain tissue to die. Stroke can cause disability such as paralysis, muscle weakness, trouble speaking, memory loss or even death.
There are two types of stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs either when a brain aneurysm bursts or a weakened blood vessel leaks. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked.
“That could be from both blood clots that occur within the brain or from another area of the body and leading towards the brain,” said Maggie Timko, a registered nurse and stroke care coordinator at Monongahela Valley Hospital. “So, it causes a blockage and then it causes brain cells damage in that surrounding area.”
Where the stroke occurs determines how it affects your body.
“It could even affect your respiratory system, it can affect any area or any part of the body,” Timko said.
Patients can also suffer a mini-stroke during which symptoms only last a short period of time. Timko stressed that these also need to be taken seriously because they’re often a warning sign that a larger stroke is going to occur.
Stroke can happen to anyone at any age, but a doctor can evaluate a person’s risk factors and your stroke risk can be controlled with proper medication if needed. Your risk of stroke is elevated is you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, coronary artery disease or atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular and often rapid heart rate. Obesity and family history of stroke are also risk factors.
“We make sure patients are on appropriate medication,” Timko said. “A majority of strokes are preventable or we can reduce the chances of them having a stroke if we can get them on the right medication, if we can get their blood pressure controlled.”
Timko recommended regular follow-up appointments with the doctor and having blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly, especially as people age. Obesity and smoking also elevate the risk of having a stroke, so controlling weight and quitting smoking can lower that risk.
Timko encouraged everyone to know the warning signs of a stroke and to act “F.A.S.T.” someone is displaying the symptoms.
Acting quickly is important because, Timko said.
“Time equals brain. The sooner that someone with signs of a stroke seeks treatment, the level of deficiencies and resulting disabilities is reduced,” she said.
The acronym F.A.S.T. is also an easy way to remember the first symptoms and warnings signs of a stroke and to act fast to get to a hospital. “F” represents face drooping; “A” denotes arm weakness; “S” corresponds to speech difficulty; and “T” signifies time to call 911.
Dizziness, confusion and loss of balance can also serve as stroke warning signs as well. If you experience any of these symptoms or if you see someone having any of these signs, call for help immediately.
Acting F.A.S.T. and recognizing the early warnings signs of stroke can save brain tissue and, in some cases, can safe lives.