Hispanics more likely to have strokes

LUBBOCK, Texas, May 16 (UPI) -- Twenty-five percent of deaths among U.S. Hispanic men and one in three U.S. Hispanic women are due to stroke and heart disease, researchers say.

Dr. Juan Fitz, American College of Emergency Physicians spokesman and assistant medical director at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, says the findings suggest a stroke knowledge deficit is more pronounced among this population.

Although Hispanics ages 35-64 are more likely to suffer a stroke than non-Hispanic whites, a survey of 2,000 women indicates Hispanics are less aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke than Caucasians, Fitz says.

In a separate study of 25,426 individuals, non-English speaking Hispanic Americans -- compared with those who speak English -- were also less likely to identify the signs and symptoms of stroke or recognize the need for immediate medical attention, Fitz says.

To help detect a stroke, the doctors group recommends a quick screening tool:

-- Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

-- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

-- Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can they repeat the sentence?

-- Time: If the person shows any of these symptoms, immediate medical attention may limit the effects of stroke, call 9-1-1 or get to the hospital.