DEATH FROM STROKES REACHES ALL-TIME HIGH IN UNITED STATES.

Byline: Merritt McKinney Medical Tribune News Service

Following a 25-year decline, the number of U.S. deaths caused by strokes is now at an all-time high, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), which designates each May as Stroke Awareness Month.

From 1992 to 1995, the number of deaths from these ``brain attacks'' increased 10 percent, from 143,769 to 158,061, the AHA said. Possible explanations for the rise include the aging of the population as well as a rise in untreated high blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke.

``Despite this alarming rate of increase, we should not feel hopeless, because today we have new drugs that give stroke patients a fighting chance,'' said Dr. Jan Breslow, president of the Dallas-based AHA.

During a stroke, a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain either bursts or is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Permanent disability or death can occur when the lack of oxygen kills brain cells.

Because rapid treatment with clot-dissolving drugs can reduce the severity of strokes caused by blood clots, the AHA urges everyone to learn the following warning signs of stroke:

Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, leg or arm on one side of the body.

Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye.

Difficulty in speaking or understanding speech.

Sudden, severe headaches with no apparent cause.

Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls.

Anyone who experiences one or more symptoms of stroke should seek immediate medical attention to reduce possible brain damage, according to the AHA.

``Minutes make a difference,'' said Breslow.

To reduce the risk of stroke, the AHA encourages people to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and refrain from smoking, as well as to seek treatment for high blood pressure.

According to the AHA, nearly one-third of stroke survivors need assistance in caring for themselves, and more than two-thirds are unable to accomplish the tasks they performed at work prior to the stroke.

Those interested in learning more about stroke can check out the AHA's Web site at www.americanheart.org or call the AHA Stroke Connection, which provides information about outreach programs and support groups for stroke survivors and caregivers, at [phone].