Understanding Stroke and its Impact

Last year, more than 500,000 Americans had their first stroke and 200,000 had a recurring stroke. Stroke is the nation's third largest killer, and often causes serious long-term disability that requires full time care for stroke patients.

Unfortunately, because most national screening guidelines and treatment recommendations are focused on heart disease, patients at high risk for stroke are often overlooked. The PLAC® test for Lp-PLA2 is the first blood test cleared by the FDA as an aid in determining risk for coronary heart disease, and ischemic stroke associated with atherosclerosis.

There are two major types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. There are also transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), which are considered "warning" or "mini" strokes.

Ischemic Strokes

Ischemic strokes account for about 83 percent of all cases and occur as a result of an obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. The underlying condition for this type of obstruction is the development of fatty deposits lining the vessel walls (atherosclerosis).

Hemorrhagic Strokes

Hemorrhagic stroke accounts for about 17 percent of stroke cases and results from a weakened vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue. The blood accumulates and compresses the surrounding brain tissue. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a weakened blood vessel ruptures.

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)

Transient ischemic attacks are minor or warning strokes. In a TIA, conditions indicative of an ischemic stroke are present and the typical stroke warning signs develop. However, the obstruction (blood clot) occurs for a short time and tends to resolve itself through normal mechanisms. TIAs are strong indicators of a possible major stroke. Steps should be taken immediately to prevent a stroke.

How You Can Determine if you are at Risk for Stroke

Understanding the risks of stroke and making lifestyle changes can help most men and women live longer, healthier lives. Certain lifestyle modifications are now known to help reduce a person's risk for stroke. It's important to remember that stroke can be prevented.

The PLAC Test Focuses on Your Stroke Risk

When your doctor estimates that you are at risk for ischemic stroke for any reason, he or she may prescribe certain medications. It is important to follow your doctor's advice. Your doctor can use the PLAC test to help determine if you are at risk for stroke, and take the necessary steps to reduce your risk if you have high test results.

(Source: American Stroke Association.)

Living with the Effects of a Stroke
Every 45 seconds an American has a stroke. But on average more than 66 percent of ischemic stroke victims survive.

Those who do survive can be faced with serious, often irreversible impairments including:

  • Paralysis
  • Impaired motor skills
  • Aphasia (speech and language problems)
  • Memory loss
  • Emotional and psychological difficulties

According to data from the Framingham Heart Study:

  • 26% of stroke survivors needed help caring for themselves
  • 30% needed help walking
  • 19% had aphasia

(Source: ASA Statistics, 2004.)