Strokes

Stroke is the third leading cause of death, behind heart disease and cancer. Each year, about 700,000 people suffer a stroke. About 500,000 of these are first attacks, and 200,000 are recurrent attacks. Strokes killed 275,000 people in 2002 and accounted for about one of almost 15 deaths in the United States. At all ages, 40,000 more women than men have a stroke. 28% of people who suffer stroke in a given year are under the age of 65. Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States. (Washington University in St.Louis School of Medicine, 1997-2003)

A stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is suddenly interrupted. In brain tissue, ischemia, a reduction of blood flow, leads to an ischemic cascade that can damage or kill brain cells. Death of brain tissue can lead to loss of the function controlled by that issue. The first, called an ischemic stroke, is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel or artery in the brain. About 80 percent of all strokes are ischemic. The second, known as a hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by a blood vessel in the brain that breaks and bleeds into the brain. About 20 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic. (Wikipedia, 2005)

In transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), one or more symptoms occur suddenly, last a few minutes, and then subside. These “ministrokes” also require immediate medical attention to reduce the risk for damage to brain tissue and to evaluate the risk for stroke.(Health Communities, 1998-2005) Paralysis on one side of the body (hemi paresis) and speech problems may occur as a result of ischemic cascade. Complications that may occur within 72 hours of stroke include the following: cerebral swelling (edema), increased intracranial pressure (ICP), intracerebral hemorrhage, and seizures. Complications that may develop gradually as a result of immobility including the following: bed sores, blood clots, fibrosis of connective tissue resulting in decreased mobility, malnutrition, pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTI; if a catheter is required).(Health Communities, 1998-2005)

The most important treatable conditions linked to stroke are high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, heart disease, diabetes, and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).

High blood pressure

∙ Treat it

∙ Eat a balanced diet

∙ Maintain