Ischemic Stroke Education – McLeod Health

Dr. Gabe Simpson
Medical Director of Emergency Services
Medical Director of Stroke Services
mcleod health cello

The most common type of stroke, ischemic stroke, is caused by blockage of an artery that supplies blood to the brain.

People with a family or personal history of stroke are more likely to have an ischemic stroke. Also, men are more likely than women to have an ischemic stroke. And African Americans are at greater risk than any other racial or ethnic group.

The greatest risk factor for stroke is uncontrolled hypertension. High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because most people have no symptoms. Many people don’t even realize they have high blood pressure until they are diagnosed after having a stroke or heart attack.

Other risk factors for ischemic stroke include

• atherosclerosis
• high cholesterol
• atrial fibrillation
• previous heart attack
• Diabetes
• smoking
• Being overweight, especially if you have a lot of belly fat

Having any of these risk factors or conditions increases the risk of blood clots or fatty deposits called plaque. Plaque buildup restricts blood flow in arteries in the neck and head, causing blood clots to form. An ischemic stroke occurs when an artery that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a stenosis or a blood clot.

For stroke patients, every minute counts. BEFAST can guide patients to the stroke treatments they desperately need.

If you think someone is having a stroke, remember the BEFAST acronym and do this simple test.

B-Balance: Is the person out of balance?

E-Eyes: Have you lost sight in one or both eyes?

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

A-Arms: Have both arms raised. Is one arm hanging down?

S-Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange?

T.-Time: Call 9-1-1 immediately if you observe any of these signs.

If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, you should be aware that you may have a stroke. It’s important to call 911 and go to the nearest emergency department.

McLeod Health Cheraw is certified by DNV GL Healthcare as an acute stroke hospital.

This accreditation acknowledges to our community that hospitals have the resources and commitment to provide the best possible stroke care. The right equipment to rapidly assess and treat stroke. , personnel, and training. Intravenous thrombolysis, also known as tenecteplase, can be given in acute stroke hospitals. It is an FDA-approved treatment for strokes caused by blood clots blocking blood flow to areas of the brain.

The DNV GL Healthcare Acute Stroke Ready Certification is based on standards set by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association and certifies that medical centers are ready for the full spectrum of stroke care, including diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education. Indicators for checking and evaluating results.

Acute stroke hospitals are designed to be part of a larger stroke care system. Stroke patients who require ongoing care after initial treatment are provided within the McLeod Health System at the Primary Stroke Center at the McLeod Regional Medical Center. McLeod became the first hospital in the region to become an accredited primary stroke center in 2014.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Her one-third of all patients have their first stroke before age 65. This is why it is so important to improve the specialized stroke care we offer our patients and the care of our entire community.

To stay stroke-free:

• Know and control your blood pressure
• don’t smoke, stop if you smoke
• lose weight if needed
• become more active
• Identification and management of atrial fibrillation

Work with your doctor on how to live a stroke-free life.

The board is accredited in emergency medicine. Dr. Gabe Simpson serves as Medical Director of Emergency Services and Medical Director of Stroke Services at McLeod Health Cheraw. He is the longest-serving doctor in the emergency department. Dr. Simpson holds a M.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He completed residency training in emergency medicine at his Memorial Hospital in Palmetto, Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Simpson has received numerous awards, including the Academic Society of Emergency Medicine Award for Excellence in Emergency Medicine, his N. John He Stewart Award for Excellence in Emergency Medicine, and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Humane Physician Alumni Award.