Strokes and heart attacks could be caused by APS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: 06/17/2007
Contact: Christina "Tina" Pohlman
Phone: 608-782-2626
Website Address: http://www.apsfa.org
Email Address: apsfa@apsfa.org


Strokes and heart attacks could be caused by APS

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is known to cause heart attacks, strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIA), brief stroke-like episodes.

A heart attack occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen to an area of heart muscle is blocked, usually by a clot in a coronary artery. Each year, over one million people in the U.S. have a heart attack and about one-half die. Unfortunately, many heart attack victims wait two hours or more after symptoms begin before they seek medical help. This delay can result in death or lasting heart damage.

A stroke, or "brain attack," occurs when blood circulation to the brain fails. Brain cells can die from decreased blood flow and the resulting lack of oxygen. There are two broad categories of stroke: those caused by a blockage of blood flow and those caused by bleeding. While not usually fatal, a blockage of a blood vessel in the brain or neck, called an ischemic stroke, is the most frequent cause of stroke and is responsible for about 80 percent of strokes.

A TIA is a transient stroke that lasts only a few minutes. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is briefly interrupted.

It is recommended anyone under the age of 50 who has had a heart attack, stroke or TIA should be tested for APS.

The APS Foundation of America is the only United States health agency dedicated specifically to bringing national awareness to APS. We are a volunteer-run, community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to spreading awareness and support to those with the disease.

Knowing more about APS can make all the difference. Get in the know and Get in the Flow!

For more information Contact: Christina "Tina" Pohlman at Phone: 608-782-2626 Website Address: http://www.apsfa.org Email Address: apsfa@apsfa.org