DALLAS, November 5, 2020— In response to the need for quality care guidance in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Heart Association is offering an education course for healthcare professionals on stroke care with considerations for additional protocols and care practices that come with the current pandemic. 

The American Heart Association, the leading global volunteer organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, is introducing its new course entitled: Stroke Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. The course gives users the latest science on the overlap between care for patients impacted by COVID-19 and stroke. 

“A stroke is a very serious condition for patients, and the treatment options are often extremely time-sensitive,” said Ivette Motola, MD, MPH, FACEP, volunteer expert for the American Heart Association and assistant director for the University of Miami Gordon Center for Simulation and Innovation in Medical Education and medical director of its Advanced Stroke Life Support curricula. “These are challenging times and the rate of strokes has not diminished. Therefore, the goal of this course is to inform and empower health care professionals to safely apply evidence-based and guideline-directed care amidst a global pandemic.”

This course is made possible by previously announced support from the Leona B. and Harry M. Helmsley Charitable Trust. The Association and the Helmsley Trust share a desire to quickly deploy targeted training resources to give healthcare professionals the competence and confidence to appropriately treat critical care patients during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Stroke Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic course includes the following content:

  • The epidemiology of stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the global experience,
  • The impact of COVID-19 on stroke presentation and management,
  • Recommendations for systems of care and protocols for stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic, and
  • The general approach to optimizing acute and inpatient stroke care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stroke can be caused either by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain (called an ischemic stroke) or by a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain (called a hemorrhagic stroke). Treatment options depend on the type of stroke.

Risk factors for stroke include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and other cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation, or AFib (a heart rhythm disorder) and family history.

To learn more about lowering risk for stroke, visit www.stroke.org 

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas -based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About the American Stroke Association

The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public’s health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

For Media Inquiries: (214) 706-4855

Karen Springs, karen.springs@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: (800) AHA-USA1 (242-8721)  heart.org