Education on Ischemic Strokes – McLeod Health

Dr. Gabe Simpson
Medical Director of Emergency Services
Medical Director of Stroke Services
McLeod Health Cheraw

Ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, is caused by a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain.

Those with a family history or personal history of stroke are more likely to have an Ischemic stroke. Men are also more likely than women to have an Ischemic stroke. And, African Americans have a higher risk than any other race or ethnic group.

The greatest risk factor for stroke is unmanaged high blood pressure. High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” since most people do not experience any symptoms. Many are unaware they even have high blood pressure until they receive a diagnosis after a stroke or heart attack occurs. This is why it is important to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis by a medical professional.

Other risk factors for Ischemic stroke include:

• Atherosclerosis
• High cholesterol
• Atrial fibrillation
• Prior heart attack
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Being overweight, especially if you have a lot of abdominal fat

Having any of these risk factors or conditions increases your risk for blood clots or fatty deposits, called plaque. As plaque builds up it limits the blood flow in the arteries in the neck or head, allowing blood clots to form. When an artery that supplies blood to the brain is blocked through a narrowing or blood clot, then an Ischemic stroke occurs.

Every minute counts for stroke patients. B.E. F.A.S.T. can lead patients to the stroke treatments they desperately need.

If you think someone may be having a stroke, remember the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. and do this simple test:

B-BALANCE: Does the person have a loss of balance?

E-EYES: Have they lost vision in one or both eyes?

F-FACE: Does one side of the face droop?

A-ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S-SPEECH: Is their speech slurred or strange?

T-TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms it should prompt you to realize that you may be having a stroke. Once symptoms start it is crucial to get treatment as quickly as possible to make it less likely that any damage becomes permanent. Call 911 and get to the nearest emergency department.

McLeod Health Cheraw is certified as an Acute Stroke Ready hospital by DNV GL Healthcare.

The certification acknowledges to our community that the hospital has the resources and commitment to provide the best possible stroke care. It is a combination of the right equipment, personnel, and training to quickly assess and treat strokes. An Acute Stroke Ready hospital has the ability to administer intravenous thrombolytic therapy also known as Tenecteplase. This is an FDA-approved treatment for strokes that are caused by a blood clot that is interrupting blood flow to a region of the brain.

The DNV GL Healthcare Acute Stroke Ready Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association and affirms that the medical center addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes.

Acute Stroke Ready hospitals are designed to be part of a larger stroke system of care. For any stroke patient needing ongoing care after the initial treatment that care would be provided within the McLeod Health system at the Primary Stroke Center, McLeod Regional Medical Center. McLeod became the first hospital in the region to become a certified Primary Stroke Center in 2014.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death. One-third of all patients have their first stroke prior to age 65. This is why the exceptional stroke care we provide for our patients and improving the care overall for our community is so crucial.

To help stay stroke-free:

• know and control your blood pressure
• don’t smoke, stop if you do
• lose weight if needed
• become more active
• identify and manage atrial fibrillation

Work with your primary care provider on how you can live a stroke-free life.

Board certified in Emergency Medicine; Dr. Gabe Simpson serves as Medical Director of Emergency Services and Medical Director for Stroke Services for McLeod Health Cheraw. He is the longest-tenured physician in the Emergency Department. Dr. Simpson received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine at Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Simpson has received numerous awards including the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award, the N. John Stewart Award for Excellence in Emergency Medicine and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine’s Humanitarian Physician Alumni Award.