Author Archives: Abigail Hasan

Harnessing AI in Stroke Care

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At Flushing Hospital Medical Center, we are committed to bringing the latest innovations in stroke care to our patients.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now playing an important role, helping us improve both the speed of treatment and the quality of recovery.

One of the technologies we use to speed up stroke diagnosis is Aidoc, an advanced AI system that reviews CT scans in real time to detect strokes caused by clots or bleeding in the brain.

By alerting our stroke team immediately, Aidoc reduces delays and supports rapid decisions for clot-busting medication or thrombectomy. This ensures that more patients can receive life-saving treatment within the critical “golden hour.”  The “golden hour” in stroke refers to the first 60 minutes after symptoms arise. This is a critical time because prompt medical intervention can greatly minimize brain damage and enhance recovery outcomes.

Flushing Hospital is a certified Primary Stroke Center, a recognition that highlights our commitment to delivering the highest quality of care for stroke patients. By integrating advanced AI technology with compassionate care, our hospital continues to excel in enhancing outcomes for stroke patients in our community.

 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

High Blood Pressure: The Silent Stroke Trigger

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Man measuring blood pressure at home.At  Flushing Hospital’s Primary Stroke Center, we see it all too often—patients arriving with stroke symptoms who had no idea their blood pressure was dangerously high. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the single most important modifiable risk factor for stroke. Yet, millions of Americans live with it unknowingly.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Normal readings are typically around 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is consistently above 130/80 mmHg. Over time, this force can damage artery walls, making them more prone to clots, rupture, or narrowing, leading directly to stroke.

Why It’s Called the ‘Silent Killer’

Most people with high blood pressure feel perfectly fine. There are usually no symptoms until something serious—like a stroke—occurs. That’s why it’s known as the ‘silent killer.’ Regular monitoring is essential, especially if you have risk factors like diabetes, obesity, or a family history of heart disease.

How High Blood Pressure Leads to Stroke

Uncontrolled blood pressure can damage and weaken blood vessels, making them more likely to rupture and cause a hemorrhagic stroke. It can also contribute to the formation of blood clots that block blood flow to the brain, causing an ischemic stroke. Even small, repeated elevations in BP increase stroke risk significantly over time.

What You Can Do

The good news? Stroke caused by hypertension is largely preventable. Here’s how you can take control:
– Monitor your blood pressure at home regularly.
– Reduce salt and processed food intake.
– Exercise at least 150 minutes a week.
– Maintain a healthy weight.
– Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco.
– Take medications as prescribed by your doctor.

A Message from Our Stroke Team

If you or a loved one is living with high blood pressure, now is the time to act. Visit your doctor, get your numbers checked, and commit to a healthier lifestyle. Remember: every point you lower your blood pressure reduces your risk of stroke.

At Flushing Hospital’s Primary Stroke Center, we are dedicated to preventing strokes through education, early detection, and community outreach. Let’s work together to silence the ‘silent killer’ and protect our brain health.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.