Kimberly Elks, RN, is the WakeMed stroke program coordinator.
Getting a stroke victim quickly to the emergency department can significantly increase their chance for a positive recovery.
And, at WakeMed, we’re proud to be the area’s leader in stroke care. In fact, our Raleigh Campus, which cares for approximately 100 stroke patients each month was recently recongnized with a silver award for excellence in stroke care by the American Heart and Stroke Association. We also have one Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Care Center in Wake County with four locations, including Raleigh Campus, Cary Hospital, North Healthplex and Apex Healthplex.
In observation of Stroke Awareness Month, we will be providing a tip each week to help you understand what it takes to prevent strokes.
Tip #1: Control Blood Pressure to Prevent Stroke.
Did you know that high blood pressure is the number one cause of stroke? Yet, nearly 60 million Americans have high blood pressure, and almost a third do not know they have it.
- Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year – more often if you have a history of high blood pressure, have had a heart attack, are diabetic or are overweight.
- Know your family medical history. If high blood pressure runs in your family, it’s important that you ask your doctor about how to control your blood pressure.
- If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to follow the recommendations of your doctor, which may include changes in diet, regular exercise and the use of medication.
