Every year about 800,000 people suffer a stroke in the United States. Significant risk factors include atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder) and hypertension (high blood pressure). Treating these conditions can significantly reduce the risk of first or recurrent stroke. What else should you do to lower stroke risks and what happens when a person has a stroke?
“A number of advances have improved treatment for stroke patients, but it remains critical for people to call 911 when a stroke is suspected and get to a stroke treatment center as soon as possible,” said Bruce Coull, MD, professor of neurology, Department of Neurology at the UA College of Medicine - Tucson. Dr. Coull is part of the Banner-UMC Tucson’s Stroke Program, which includes a multidisciplinary team of specialists, such as stroke neurologists, neurovascular surgeons, neuro-intensive-care physicians and neuroradiologists. These specialists provide evidence-based treatment for acute strokes, including a new Neurocritical Care Unit with specialty-trained personnel.
As part of the Sarver Heart Center’s 30th Anniversary, the community is invited to learn more through an upcoming lecture with Dr. Coull – “Beating your odds against stroke: An update on prevention, treatments and acting FAST to preserve your brain” on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., in room 8403, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. Enter via Banner - University Medical Center Tucson, 1501 N. Campbell. To register online, please visit heart.arizona.edu or click on “Attend Events.” If you are unable to register online, please email mailto:heart@u.arizona.edu or call 520-626-2901. Free event parking is available in the Banner – University Medical Center Visitor Lot or the University of Arizona Zone 1 lot (after 5 p.m.).
The University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center’s 145 members include faculty from cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, pediatric cardiology, neurology, vascular surgery, radiology, endocrinology, emergency medicine, nursing, pharmacy and basic sciences. The UA Sarver Heart Center emphasizes a highly collaborative research environment, bridging “bench and bedside” research that advances life-saving innovations and patient care. If you would like to give permission for Sarver Heart Center to contact you about heart research studies, please complete a Cardiology Research Registry Information Form.