The CoxHealth Stroke Center has been named to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll list. CoxHealth is the only health system in our area, and one of only 71 in the United States, to receive this honor.
This recognition is awarded to health systems that consistently treat tPA-eligible stroke patients within 60 minutes from the time they arrive at the hospital. tPA is tissue plasminogen activator, a drug that can dissolve the blood clots which cause most strokes.
Neurologist Scott Duff says stroke research has proven that faster treatment means better patient outcomes. “Quick treatment allows the return of blood flow and saves the starving brain cells from dying,” he says.
According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every three minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.
Says Dr. Duff: “I am very proud of all the doctors, nurses and technicians that help us treat our patients quickly. But to get even better results, we need everyone to recognize a stroke FAST by knowing the warning signs. Is there Facial weakness, Arm weakness, or a Speech problem? If so, it’s Time to call 911 and get to the nearest stroke center.”
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