Stroke Facts

REGARDS made national news on "TODAY" when some of the highlights on stroke released by the National Institutes of Health came straight from REGARDS data. Here is the information that spotlighted REGARDS: "Observational cohort studies have improved our understanding of cultural and ethnic disparities that continue to exist in stroke occurrence, risk factors, and mortality. Geographic variations have been thought to contribute to the high stroke mortality in the southeastern United States Stroke Belt. However, an NIH funded national population-based cohort study (REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) found that exposure to the Stroke Belt during adolescence or early adulthood was more predictive of hypertension than was the current residence in the Stroke Belt. This study clearly indicates that preventive measures must begin early in life."

The entire Stroke Fact Sheet released by the National Institutes of Health.

Decreasing Salt Intake Vital to Health

You probably already know too much sodium or salt is linked with high blood pressure. But did you know that it can also lead to weight gain and poor kidney function? REGARDS researchers are working to understand more about how eating too much sodium affects blood pressure, weight gain, and kidney function.

We are also working to understand how sodium is linked to stroke and risk of death. For now, be sure to read labels carefully. Sodium can be hidden in all sorts of foods from soup to granola bars. The current recommendation from the American Heart Association is to limit sodium intake to 1500 mg per day which equals less than one teaspoon of salt per day! Your heart, brain, and body will thank you.

Stroke Warning Signs

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
• Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience any warning signs!

Quick treatment saves lives!