May is American Stroke Month. Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S., despite stroke being largely preventable, treatable and beatable. Black Americans have a disproportionately higher prevalence of stroke and the highest death rate from stroke compared to any other racial group. More than two-thirds of Black Americans have at least one risk factor for stroke. Among other factors, this may be a result of unmanaged risk factors and socioeconomic disparities. Hispanic people in the U.S. face a high risk of stroke, in part, due to unmanaged risk factors including diabetes, obesity and cholesterol.
HCA Midwest Health (including Centerpoint Medical Center) has partnered with the American Stroke Association on a new initiative called Getting to the Heart of Stroke. Together, HCA Midwest Health and the American Stroke Association, will take a real look at the health disparities right here in Kansas City and create a plan for helping more people in our community live the long, healthy lives they deserve.
Dr. Chandler with Centerpoint Medical Center shares more about stroke, including prevention by reducing risk factors, how to recognize a stroke and more.