Stroke/Carotid Artery Disease

  Pam Blad, Radiology Technologist

Stroke occurs when a blood vessel feeding the brain bursts or is clogged, causing a sudden disruption in the blood flow to the brain.

ü      Stroke is the third leading killer in the United States, resulting in the following statistics annually: 750,000+ victims

ü      160,000 deaths (3^rd leading cause of death)

ü      266,000 survivors with permanent disabilities

ü      30,000 new permanent admissions to nursing homes

ü      Over 4 million living survivors of stroke

ü      Every 45 seconds in the USA, someone has a stroke

ü      Huge economic impact with costs of $40-70 billion per year

Carotid artery disease is the leading cause of strokes. More than 50% of stroke victims present no warning signs. After the age of 55, the risk of stroke doubles every 10 years. Most significantly, 97% of the adult population cannot name a single warning sign of a stroke.

When the carotid arteries become blocked with plaque (atherosclerotic plaque), blood flow to the brain is compromised.

50% of nursing home admissions are stroke victims. Imagine walking down the hall of a nursing home. Every other room would be occupied by a stroke victim. Stroke is the number one reason for nursing home admissions.

A screening test that can help save your life and is non-invasive (no-needles)