May is National Stroke Awareness month. In order to understand your risk factors and the symptoms of stroke, Futura Health Screening offers preventative stroke and vascular screenings every Tuesday in Kirkland at 13118 121st Way NE, Suite 104 and every Wednesday at Jefferson Square in West Seattle, located at 4700 42nd Ave SW, Suite 488.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States. According to the American Stroke Association, approximately 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke each year and about 75% of all strokes occur without warning symptoms.

“Time is crucial in the treatment of stroke, as on average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke and roughly every four minutes someone dies from a stroke,” said Julie Menkens, Director of Futura Health Screening. “The earlier a stroke is recognized and the patient receives medical attention, the greater chance of recovery.”

Strokes occur when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and vital nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures.  When this occurs, part of the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen, destroying millions of valuable nerve cells within minutes. The resulting damage can lead to significant disability including paralysis, speech problems and emotional difficulties.

“If you suspect a stroke, remember the word FAST – F-A-S-T,” said Menkens.  “F is for face – is your face drooping? A is for arms – can you lift both arms? S is for speech – are you slurring your words? And T is for time, call 9-1-1 immediately because with stroke, time lost, is brain lost.”

 The primary stroke symptoms include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face or facial drooping
• Sudden numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination         
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Treatment may be available if you get to the emergency room immediately upon recognition of stroke symptoms. Leading a healthy lifestyle, including lowering risk factors like high blood pressure and weight, can also help reduce your stroke risk.

An estimated 20 to 30 million Americans are at risk for vascular diseases such as stroke, peripheral arterial disease and aortic aneurysm. Preventative screening allows for early detection and treatment before a catastrophic event, such as a stroke or aneurysm rupture.

If you are over 50, have high blood pressure, are a past or current smoker, or have high cholesterol, then you are at risk for vascular disease, such as stroke, aneurysms and peripheral arterial disease (leg artery blockage).

The screening exams offered include carotid artery ultrasound to detect stroke-causing plaque, abdominal aortic ultrasound to detect an aneurysm, and ankle brachial index (ABI) to detect peripheral arterial disease in the legs. Screenings are $45 each or $125 for all three. No doctor referral is necessary. To schedule your screening, call (425) 398-7797.

 For more information about stroke, visit http://www.futurahealthscreening.com/ or http://www.strokeawareness.com/.

Futura Health Screening is the only ICAVL accredited non-invasive vascular screening program in Washington State. Futura Health Screening is a division of Pacific Vascular, Inc., the largest provider of vascular ultrasound testing in the Northwest.