Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States dies from a stroke. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. with more than 140,000 people dying each year. It is also the leading cause of serious, long-term disability. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 795,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year. 185,000 are recurrent strokes while 600,000 are first-time strokes.
Nearly 75% of strokes occur in people over age 65. The risk of stroke doubles each decade after the age of 55. With that, strokes can and do occur at ANY age, even in children.
Smoking doubles an individual’s risk of ischemic stroke, and people with atrial fibrillation are five times more likely to have a stroke. Overall though, the primary risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. High blood pressure accounts for 12.7 million strokes worldwide each year.
Stroke risk factors
- High blood pressure (>120 / 80)
- Age 55 or older
- African American race
- History of TIA
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High Cholesterol
- Obesity (BMI >25)
- Atrial fibrillation
- Sleep apnea
- Family history of stroke
Dedicated stroke care
UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital offers specialized nursing care for stroke patients. The nursing staff receives stroke-specific education throughout the year to remain aware of the latest research and recommendations in stroke care. Several of our nurses have obtained their Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN) certification demonstrating their expertise in stroke care.
Our patients have access to stroke recovery services through rehabilitation specialists. Physical therapists, speech-language therapists, occupational therapists and social workers assist patients as they recover physical and mental functions affected by a stroke.
Rehabilitation begins at the bedside during hospitalization, directly following patient stabilization, and continues throughout outpatient follow-up. Our goal is to maximize each patient’s ability to function based on his or her individual type of stroke.
The quality of care we provide is a high priority for us. During and after your stay, we may ask for your feedback regarding how we are doing in caring for you. We appreciate your honest feedback. We use the information you provide to help us improve.
Our stroke program will collect data from your medical record to examine the care we provide and will work to continually improve our services. Any information we collect is HIPAA compliant and confidential. Information reported to outside agencies is de-identified to guard your privacy.
Awards and recognition
Get with the Guidelines: Stroke
Mary & Elizabeth Hospital is a Primary Stroke Center certified by The Joint Commission. UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital was awarded the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get with the Guidelines®-Stroke Quality Achievement Award. This award reflects our facility's commitment to provide quality stroke care to our patients. In addition, Mary & Elizabeth Hospital also received the Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite award. Hospitals receiving these awards meet aggressive goals for compliance of core standards and quality measures as outlined by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
Kentucky Hospital Association’s Quality Award: Stroke Excellence
In May 2019, Mary & Elizabeth Hospital was awarded the Kentucky Hospital Association’s Quality Award for improvements in the code stroke process which improved patient outcomes.
We provide quality care to our stroke patients at Mary & Elizabeth Hospital and it shows!
UofL Health – Stroke
Mary & Elizabeth Hospital is proud to be part of the UofL Health – Stroke. With five hospitals, multiple ambulatory care centers, tele-stroke sites, outpatient clinics, and stroke support groups, our stroke program will guide you from diagnosis to recovery. As part of our network, the experts at UofL Health – UofL Hospital - Comprehensive Stroke Center are always available for urgent consultation. UofL Hospital, as the first stroke center in Kentucky, continues to offer the latest technologies for eligible patients such as thrombectomy. By treating thousands of stroke patients per year at UofL Health, we remain true experts in stroke.
Friendly Folks Stroke Club Support Group
The Friendly Folks Stroke Club Support Group was developed at UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital to provide people who have had a stroke and their families with education, support and encouragement. Anyone who has been affected by stroke is welcome to attend. You will learn how others are coping by sharing experiences and strengths. It is through sharing that participants can give hope to each other.
Our group meets monthly at Mary & Elizabeth Hospital. With presentations by healthcare professionals and community resource persons, our support group discussions focus on emotional, as well as physical aspects of the disease and recovery. The Friendly Folks Stroke Club Support Group has a ton of fun in store with regularly scheduled activities and holiday events. Come join us and support those who, like you, are enjoying life after stroke.
The in-patient rehabilitation services department at Mary & Elizabeth Hospital coordinates the Friendly Folks Stroke Club Support Group meetings. Meetings are held at noon, the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings are in the Churchman Conference Room on the first floor in Medical Plaza I. Free Parking is available at 4402 Churchman Ave.
For more information call 502-361-6585, or visit our UofL Health Stroke Survivor & Caregiver Online Support Group on Facebook.
