
In March 2019, the death of actor Luke Perry at age 52 from an ischemic stroke – caused by a blocked blood vessel to the brain – brought to light the sobering truth that strokes do occur in younger people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 7 (14 percent) of patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke every year are younger adults. Age is an important factor for all of us: CDC reports that risk for stroke increases starting at 55, and nearly doubles every decade thereafter.
Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) provides unparalleled stroke diagnosis, treatment and prevention services. In 2012, Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest was the first hospital in Pennsylvania to be certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, where you receive the highest level of stroke care. LVH–Muhlenberg, LVH–Hecktown Oaks, LVH–Hazleton, LVH–Schuylkill and LVH–Pocono are all certified Primary Stroke Centers, offering special procedures to rapidly diagnose and treat stroke.