MercyOne wants to help stem the tide of stroke deaths in Eastern Iowa

A stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the United States, with high blood pressure being the primary risk factor. MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center aims to reduce stroke incidence by raising awareness.
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics are staggering. Stroke is a leading global cause of death and disability, with 11.9 million new cases annually, and roughly 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 will experience a stroke in their lifetime.
 
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are vital to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
 
“1.9 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke. The longer the stroke is untreated, the worse the possible disability. This is why early detection and treatment are essential,” Shannon Pape, MercyOne Dubuque Stroke Coordinator, said.
 
Noack stresses the need to recognize the common warning signs of a stroke and the easy-to-remember acronym B.E. F.A.S.T.

• B - Balance: Sudden loss of balance
• E - Eyes: Sudden vision changes
• F - Face: Face drooping
• A - Arm: Arm or Leg weakness, especially on one side
• S - Speech: Speech difficulty
• T - Time: Time to call 9-1-1 

 
Key Stroke Awareness Statistics

• Incidence & Mortality: Approximately 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke annually. It is the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Global Impact: About 93.8 million people are living with the effects of a stroke worldwide.
• Risk Factors: High blood pressure is the #1 risk factor; nearly 80% of recurrent strokes can be prevented.
• Age Factor: Stroke risk doubles every 10 years after age 55, though cases are increasing in younger adults.
• Symptoms Awareness: While 93% recognize numbness, only 38% know all major symptoms and know to call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Gender and Race: Over half of stroke deaths occur in women. African Americans have almost double the risk of a first-time stroke compared to white people.
• Treatment Timing: Stroke treatment is a time-sensitive emergency where “time is brain.” Rapid EMS arrival is crucial, as the first 60 minutes are critical for preventing permanent damage.
• Anyone who thinks they might be at risk for a stroke can take this stroke risk assessment quiz.

Stroke Care | MercyOne
 
 
ABOUT:
MercyOne Dubuque Stroke Care is a leader in stroke care, delivering an advanced, coordinated approach across eastern Iowa.
 
Our stroke team has been recognized as:

• Primary Stroke Center certified by The Joint Commission – This is a symbol of MercyOne’s commitment to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care.
• American Heart Association Get with the Guidelines® Stroke Gold with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll awards – These awards highlight our commitment to following the latest research-based clinical guidelines, leading to safer, higher-quality care.

 
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About MercyOne
MercyOne is a connected system of health care facilities and services dedicated to helping people and communities live their best life. MercyOne’s care providers and staff make health the highest priority. The system’s clinics, medical centers, hospitals and affiliates are located throughout the state of Iowa and beyond. Headquartered in central Iowa, MercyOne is a member of Trinity Health (based in Livonia, Michigan) – one of the largest not-for-profit Catholic health care systems in the nation. Learn more at MercyOne.org