Understanding the Rising Risk of Hemorrhagic Strokes: A Call to Action for Safety & Prevention

At Shoen Safety & Training, we believe that awareness is the first step toward preventing health crises. One concerning trend in recent years is the increasing rates of hemorrhagic strokes, a life-threatening condition that demands urgent attention. Prevention and preparation are things that we hope our loved ones, friends, and work families take seriously. Let’s get prepared to understand and respond to an instance where someone is suffering from a hemorrhagic stroke! As we focus on workplace and personal safety, it’s essential to recognize the factors contributing to this rise and take steps to mitigate the risks.

What is a Hemorrhagic Stroke?

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding in or around the brain. This bleeding can cause severe brain damage, and if left untreated, it can lead to death. Yikes! Hemorrhagic strokes account for about 13% of all strokes, but their fatality rate is higher compared to other types of strokes, like ischemic strokes (caused by blockages).

There are two main types of hemorrhagic strokes:

Intracerebral hemorrhage – Bleeding occurs within the brain tissue.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage – Bleeding occurs in the space between the brain and the thin tissues covering it.

The Alarming Increase in Hemorrhagic Strokes

Recent research and data have indicated an uptick in the number of hemorrhagic strokes, particularly among certain high-risk groups. While stroke rates in general have been declining due to improvements in heart disease management and preventive care, hemorrhagic stroke numbers are rising, and they present a unique set of challenges for both healthcare systems and workplace safety protocols. We hope this information puts up the red flag as it has for our trainers recently. Our CPR/AED/First aid courses focus in on Strokes and we give time for folks to ask questions and reflect on the topic together. Every once and a while there is an incredibly impactful story shared by participants that empower us to keep spreading this information far and wide. Any of the following factors ring true for you and yours?

Contributing Factors:

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) – High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke. Chronic hypertension weakens blood vessels over time, making them more prone to rupturing. With the increasing prevalence of hypertension in the population, especially in workplaces with high-stress environments, the risk of stroke is higher.
Aging Population – The global population is aging, and older adults are at higher risk for hemorrhagic strokes due to natural weakening of blood vessel walls and other age-related factors like chronic illnesses and reduced medication adherence.
Lifestyle Choices – Unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to the risk of both hypertension and hemorrhagic strokes. In today’s fast-paced work culture, unhealthy habits have become more prevalent.
Medication Side Effects – Some blood-thinning medications, used to prevent clotting or reduce the risk of ischemic strokes, can inadvertently increase the risk of bleeding. As more people use these medications, the risk of hemorrhagic stroke increases as a side effect.
Trauma and Accidents – Workplace accidents and physical trauma, especially in industries like construction, manufacturing, and high-risk physical labor, can cause head injuries that may lead to hemorrhagic strokes. This highlights the importance of safety measures like helmet use and proper accident protocols.

Why Safety Training and Awareness Matter

We have family members in high stress work environments, on blood thinners, and with aging parents. This topic truly radiates importance within our small company. While we can’t always prevent the underlying risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke, we can take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of such an event, particularly in workplace settings. Shoen Safety & Training is committed to helping families and businesses create safer environments by addressing both physical and health-related hazards. Check out what you can do after learning this information.

Key Steps to Reduce the Risk:

Promote Cardiovascular Health – Educate family members/employees on the importance of managing blood pressure, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. Encourage blood pressure screenings and provide resources for managing hypertension.
Implement Stress Management Programs – Work-related stress is a major contributor to high blood pressure. Incorporating stress management strategies, such as mindfulness training, regular breaks, and promoting work-life balance, can reduce the impact of stress on an individual’s health.
Encourage Proper Ergonomics and Safety – In physically demanding environments, safety gear like helmets and knee pads can help prevent head injuries that could lead to hemorrhagic strokes. Regular safety audits, proper training on handling equipment, and clear emergency protocols can also mitigate the impact of accidents.
Offer First Aid and Emergency Response Training – Hemorrhagic strokes require immediate attention. Having employees trained in first aid, recognizing stroke symptoms, and knowing how to act quickly can save lives. Regularly schedule training sessions to keep everyone prepared.
Foster a Healthy Work Environment – Encourage smoking cessation programs, limit alcohol use, and provide wellness programs to support individuals’ overall health. A healthy family/workforce is more likely to be aware of stroke risks and take preventative actions.

Prevention Starts with Awareness

The increasing rates of hemorrhagic strokes are a stark reminder of the importance of health and safety in every aspect of life—especially in the family unit and workplace. By focusing on preventative measures and incorporating safety training, businesses can reduce the risk of hemorrhagic strokes and other health emergencies. At Shoen Safety & Training, we provide the resources, knowledge, and support necessary to protect your family/workforce and help individuals make informed decisions about their health.

If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help your family/business create a safer, healthier environment for individuals, reach out to us today!

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