Cerebrovascular accident or stroke is a clinical condition which is associated with a rapid development of the loss of the functioning of the brain due to disturbances in blood vessels which are responsible for supplying the brain with blood.
This phenomenon may by hemorrhage or ischemia (reduced blood supply) which is a consequence of embolism or thrombosis. In medicine, a fit, faint or stroke is sometimes known by the name of ictus [cerebri], before performing a definitive analysis or diagnosis.
Stroke is the form of a type of medicinal emergency which can cause permanent complications and damage to our nervous system.
If it not diagnosed quickly for the purpose of providing the essential treatment, even death may happen. It is United States’ as well as Europe’s third largest reason behind deaths and adult disabilities.
Stroke will supposedly be the major reason of death all over the world. The risk factors associated with a stroke are:
• Advanced age.
• Diabetes.
• Hypertension.
• Previous stroke as well as TIA’s.
• Cigarette smoking.
• High cholesterol.
• Migraine.
• Thrombophilia ( thrombosis-like tendency)
• Atrial fibrillation
The biggest reason behind stroke is probably blood pressure and it is one of those risk factors which, if desired, can be positively modified too.
Stroke symptoms usually do not take much time to develop. These symptoms’ development tenure depends upon the damage’s anatomical location. Hence, the severity and nature of these symptoms is found to widely vary.
Diagnosis of the stroke’s anatomical nature by doctors is done depending upon various factors like:
• Neurological examination.
• History.
• Presence of other risk factors.
This diagnosis can be performed even while the stroke’s exact cause is still unknown.
TIA’s are different from strokes in a way that they get completely resolved within a day whereas strokes do not.
This times frame has been arbitrarily selected in the definition provided by WHO. The severity of strokes can be reduced by the early provision of treatments. Due to this, a number of people now prefer other concepts like brain attack as well as acute cerebrovascular syndrome.
These terms have been formed for giving an idea about the stroke symptoms’ urgency.
Methods for stroke treatment are:
• Thrombolysis.
• Supportive care (occupational therapy and physiotherapy).
• Secondary prevention through antiplatelet drugs (dipyridamole and aspirin).
• Statins.
• Control of blood pressure.
Take proper action for preventing the risk factors and leading a healthy life.
Wednesday
Stroke Prevention: Aspirin Therapy
The Heart Association of America recommends using Aspirin for patients having suffered from myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, unstable angina as well as TIA’s.
Clinical trials have shown that aspirin can be helpful in preventing these events (heart attack, blood clots, second strokes, etc.) from recurring. This is called secondary prevention. Aspirin can also be helpful in primary prevention for preventing these events to take place in people belonging to the high-risk category.
You should always consult a physician before beginning with your aspirin therapy sessions. The benefits as well as risks of this therapy vary from one individual to another. If the people who are taking aspirin therapy are required to undergo a dental extraction or surgical procedure, they must remember to inform the dentist or surgeon about their aspirin dosage.
Alcohol and Aspirin:
The Drug and Food administration of the U.S. have clearly given a warning to all the aspirin consuming people that they should stay away from consuming alcohol. Patients suffering from heart diseases must completely discard the intake of alcohol and continue with their aspirin therapy as prescribed by the doctor’s treatment plan which is based on the condition of their heart.
Usage of aspirin should never be stopped without prior consulting with the doctor.
Aspirin Should Be Taken During A Heart Attack Or Stroke:
The most important thing that should be done if you see the warning signs associated with a heart attack is immediately calling on 9-1-1. Don’t take any action prior to making this call. Never resort to taking an aspirin and waiting for the pain to subside.
Calling on 9-1-1 must never be postponed as aspirin will not be treating the heart attack all by itself. Only if the operator attending the 9-1-1 call recommends an aspirin, you should take it.
The operator will ask questions for ensuring whether or not, you are allergic to aspirin. If you are, aspirin consumption can be extremely risky.
Research has shown that early intake of aspirin during heart attacks as well as other treatments provided by the physicians of Emergency Department and EMT’s plays a major role in improving your survival chances.
Aspirin may not always be advised during strokes as not all of them are caused due to blood clots. Rupturing of blood vessels may also cause strokes. If aspirin is taken during this case, the bleeding might infact become even more severe.
Hence, consider all these aspects before using an aspirin.
Clinical trials have shown that aspirin can be helpful in preventing these events (heart attack, blood clots, second strokes, etc.) from recurring. This is called secondary prevention. Aspirin can also be helpful in primary prevention for preventing these events to take place in people belonging to the high-risk category.
You should always consult a physician before beginning with your aspirin therapy sessions. The benefits as well as risks of this therapy vary from one individual to another. If the people who are taking aspirin therapy are required to undergo a dental extraction or surgical procedure, they must remember to inform the dentist or surgeon about their aspirin dosage.
Alcohol and Aspirin:
The Drug and Food administration of the U.S. have clearly given a warning to all the aspirin consuming people that they should stay away from consuming alcohol. Patients suffering from heart diseases must completely discard the intake of alcohol and continue with their aspirin therapy as prescribed by the doctor’s treatment plan which is based on the condition of their heart.
Usage of aspirin should never be stopped without prior consulting with the doctor.
Aspirin Should Be Taken During A Heart Attack Or Stroke:
The most important thing that should be done if you see the warning signs associated with a heart attack is immediately calling on 9-1-1. Don’t take any action prior to making this call. Never resort to taking an aspirin and waiting for the pain to subside.
Calling on 9-1-1 must never be postponed as aspirin will not be treating the heart attack all by itself. Only if the operator attending the 9-1-1 call recommends an aspirin, you should take it.
The operator will ask questions for ensuring whether or not, you are allergic to aspirin. If you are, aspirin consumption can be extremely risky.
Research has shown that early intake of aspirin during heart attacks as well as other treatments provided by the physicians of Emergency Department and EMT’s plays a major role in improving your survival chances.
Aspirin may not always be advised during strokes as not all of them are caused due to blood clots. Rupturing of blood vessels may also cause strokes. If aspirin is taken during this case, the bleeding might infact become even more severe.
Hence, consider all these aspects before using an aspirin.
Stroke Prevention: 80% Preventable
Consider these staggering facts.
1. It has been estimated that this year, almost 750,000 American citizens will suffer a stroke. Out of these, 160,000 will die.
2. 11% of the people having anemia of the sickle cell type have had a stroke before they reached 20.
3. African-Africans have a greater stroke risk, almost twice, as compared to Caucasians. 50% of African-American women may die due to a heart disease or stroke this year.
These facts are quite depressing indeed. But, it has been said by National Stroke Society that 80% of these strokes can be prevented. This association says that we can significantly change this situation and almost 600,000 Americans can save themselves from a stroke.
By taking appropriate steps, we can lessen the stroke risks and reduce the damage caused by it to ourselves as well as our community.
Stroke – What Is It?
The word actually refers to a sort of brain attack which hugely affects our brain. This occurs due to cutting off of the supply of oxygen and blood to our brain cells which damages our brain tissue.
Strokes occur when blood vessels or arteries get blocked by blood clots, or plaque build-up, or fatty deposits. Sickle cells are also responsible for this as they have a tendency of sticking together after attaining the sickle shape.
Rupturing of blood vessels and arteries at weak spots over their wall, may also cause a stroke.
All strokes are different from each other depending upon the brain’s affected area and the length of time for which that area was devoid of oxygen. TIA or mini stroke also causes brief symptoms resembling a stroke for about few minutes or sometimes even 24 hours.
TIA’s are not known to cause any permanent disability or damage but they give serious warning signals regarding a possible stroke in the future. 35% of those people who have experienced a mini stroke have an increased possibility of another stroke. i.e.
• About 5-14% will experience one more stroke within a year.
• In the following five years, 42% men out of this and 24% women out of this will experience one more stroke.
But, steps can be taken for preventing a first time stroke as well as the additional ones too. But still, some risk factors like age, gender (men are more vulnerable), family history, and race (African-Americans, Hispanics, Pacific/Asian islanders have greater risk) cannot be controlled.
Nevertheless, always continue with steps which are required for a healthier living.
1. It has been estimated that this year, almost 750,000 American citizens will suffer a stroke. Out of these, 160,000 will die.
2. 11% of the people having anemia of the sickle cell type have had a stroke before they reached 20.
3. African-Africans have a greater stroke risk, almost twice, as compared to Caucasians. 50% of African-American women may die due to a heart disease or stroke this year.
These facts are quite depressing indeed. But, it has been said by National Stroke Society that 80% of these strokes can be prevented. This association says that we can significantly change this situation and almost 600,000 Americans can save themselves from a stroke.
By taking appropriate steps, we can lessen the stroke risks and reduce the damage caused by it to ourselves as well as our community.
Stroke – What Is It?
The word actually refers to a sort of brain attack which hugely affects our brain. This occurs due to cutting off of the supply of oxygen and blood to our brain cells which damages our brain tissue.
Strokes occur when blood vessels or arteries get blocked by blood clots, or plaque build-up, or fatty deposits. Sickle cells are also responsible for this as they have a tendency of sticking together after attaining the sickle shape.
Rupturing of blood vessels and arteries at weak spots over their wall, may also cause a stroke.
All strokes are different from each other depending upon the brain’s affected area and the length of time for which that area was devoid of oxygen. TIA or mini stroke also causes brief symptoms resembling a stroke for about few minutes or sometimes even 24 hours.
TIA’s are not known to cause any permanent disability or damage but they give serious warning signals regarding a possible stroke in the future. 35% of those people who have experienced a mini stroke have an increased possibility of another stroke. i.e.
• About 5-14% will experience one more stroke within a year.
• In the following five years, 42% men out of this and 24% women out of this will experience one more stroke.
But, steps can be taken for preventing a first time stroke as well as the additional ones too. But still, some risk factors like age, gender (men are more vulnerable), family history, and race (African-Americans, Hispanics, Pacific/Asian islanders have greater risk) cannot be controlled.
Nevertheless, always continue with steps which are required for a healthier living.
Friday
Stroke Prevention: Steps To Take
Have a look at these staggering facts.
• It has been estimated that this year, almost 750,000 American citizens will suffer a stroke. 160,000 out of these will die.
• Caucasians are at a lesser risk, almost half, as compared to African-Africans. 50% of African-American women may die due to a heart disease or stroke this year.
• 11% of the people having anemia of the sickle cell type have had a stroke before they reached 20.
These facts are quite depressing indeed. But, it has been said that 80% of these strokes can be prevented. How?
Read on.
• Visit a qualified medical practitioner for measuring up the 3 important factors related with strokes:
1. Blood pressure.
2. Cholesterol.
3. Blood sugar.
Also, ask the physician to check your circulatory system, particularly carotid arteries, and heart.
• The blood pressure should be properly maintained. If it increases, the stroke risks also increases by 4-6 times. 120/80 is the safe mark. Take action if it goes above this and if it has reached 140/90, its time for some immediate and serious action.
• The cholesterol level should be maintained below 200. Take immediate action if it rises above 240.
• Get yourself checked up for diabetes as it increases the stroke risks and also affects the body’s various organ systems.
• Seriously alter your eating habits for controlling your weight, especially if it exceeds 30 pounds over the average. This does not refer to dieting. Instead, you should plan your diet so that it includes healthy food only, no junk and oily stuff is allowed.
• Americans consume only 50% of required fiber intake. Consumption of fibrous food also helps in lowering cholesterol, reducing obesity and controlling diabetes.
• Drinking good amounts of water is essential for good health. This doesn’t include coffee, coke as well as other artificial beverages as these products may not be necessarily healthy and hence, try avoiding them, if possible.
• Smoking is an extremely nasty habit. It hugely affects our health in a bad way. Lungs, liver, pulmonary arteries, heart and various other systems of the body are all affected by smoking.
Quitting smoking significantly reduces the stroke risk within a couple of years. Women above the age of 30, who smoke as well as consume birth-control tablets having high estrogen, are at a 22 times higher stroke risk as compared to average non-smokers. Hence, they should immediately quit smoking.
Follow these simple tips for averting strokes.
• It has been estimated that this year, almost 750,000 American citizens will suffer a stroke. 160,000 out of these will die.
• Caucasians are at a lesser risk, almost half, as compared to African-Africans. 50% of African-American women may die due to a heart disease or stroke this year.
• 11% of the people having anemia of the sickle cell type have had a stroke before they reached 20.
These facts are quite depressing indeed. But, it has been said that 80% of these strokes can be prevented. How?
Read on.
• Visit a qualified medical practitioner for measuring up the 3 important factors related with strokes:
1. Blood pressure.
2. Cholesterol.
3. Blood sugar.
Also, ask the physician to check your circulatory system, particularly carotid arteries, and heart.
• The blood pressure should be properly maintained. If it increases, the stroke risks also increases by 4-6 times. 120/80 is the safe mark. Take action if it goes above this and if it has reached 140/90, its time for some immediate and serious action.
• The cholesterol level should be maintained below 200. Take immediate action if it rises above 240.
• Get yourself checked up for diabetes as it increases the stroke risks and also affects the body’s various organ systems.
• Seriously alter your eating habits for controlling your weight, especially if it exceeds 30 pounds over the average. This does not refer to dieting. Instead, you should plan your diet so that it includes healthy food only, no junk and oily stuff is allowed.
• Americans consume only 50% of required fiber intake. Consumption of fibrous food also helps in lowering cholesterol, reducing obesity and controlling diabetes.
• Drinking good amounts of water is essential for good health. This doesn’t include coffee, coke as well as other artificial beverages as these products may not be necessarily healthy and hence, try avoiding them, if possible.
• Smoking is an extremely nasty habit. It hugely affects our health in a bad way. Lungs, liver, pulmonary arteries, heart and various other systems of the body are all affected by smoking.
Quitting smoking significantly reduces the stroke risk within a couple of years. Women above the age of 30, who smoke as well as consume birth-control tablets having high estrogen, are at a 22 times higher stroke risk as compared to average non-smokers. Hence, they should immediately quit smoking.
Follow these simple tips for averting strokes.
Thursday
Stroke Prevention: What You Need To Know
A stroke is found to occur due to narrowing of blood vessels, bleeding occurring inside the brain, and blood clots. All these reasons are primarily responsible for blocking the blood flow towards the brain. As the essential nutrients do not get supplied to the brain, the nerve cells of our brain start collapsing away within a span of few minutes.
Consequently, the effects of a stroke can be sensory loss as well as loss of vision, problems with talking and walking, as well as difficulty to think clearly. These stroke effects are often found to be irreversible.
The vulnerability towards a stroke varies from one individual to other. Stroke risk is increased by:
• Chronic health problems such as diabetes and unfavorable blood.
• Smoking cigarettes, drinking excessively or being overweight.
• A stroke history in their family
• African-American ethnic belonging.
If someone has already suffered a stroke in the past or had a transient ischemic stroke (“mini stroke or TIA), he/she is at the highest risk. A stroke is associated with various warning signals like slurred speech, stumbling, clumsiness, blurred vision, and sudden unexplained tingling or numbness of one side of the body.
How to Prevent?
Experts are of the view that a stroke can also be prevented like a heart attack by quitting smoking, exercising, drinking moderately, and seeking medical intervention which is a must for people belonging to the high-risk category.
Recent studies by AHCPR say that for people having conditions such as carotid artery or atrial fibrillation, medical interventions are available for dramatically lowering the risk of suffering a stroke.
Atrial Fibrillation:
The heart’s upper left compartment of people having atrial fibrillation beats unpredictably and rapidly causing difficulties for the chamber’s blood to get emptied.
This leftover blood may form clots which can travel and reach other body parts, including brain, which results in a stroke. Anticoagulants like warfarin and aspirin are used for preventing the formation of these clots but current studies have found that aspirin is inferior to warfarin in this regard.
Warfarin has the potential of preventing 50% of the annual 80,000 strokes caused due to atrial fibrillation. But, its use is associated with:
• Increased bleeding risk. Proper dosage and regular blood pressure monitoring will prevent this.
• Each bleeding complication due to warfarin averts 20 strokes.
• Refer medical professionals for avoiding drugs like anticonvulsants and antibiotics which interfere with anticoagulation.
Hence, have proper knowledge before taking any medication.
Consequently, the effects of a stroke can be sensory loss as well as loss of vision, problems with talking and walking, as well as difficulty to think clearly. These stroke effects are often found to be irreversible.
The vulnerability towards a stroke varies from one individual to other. Stroke risk is increased by:
• Chronic health problems such as diabetes and unfavorable blood.
• Smoking cigarettes, drinking excessively or being overweight.
• A stroke history in their family
• African-American ethnic belonging.
If someone has already suffered a stroke in the past or had a transient ischemic stroke (“mini stroke or TIA), he/she is at the highest risk. A stroke is associated with various warning signals like slurred speech, stumbling, clumsiness, blurred vision, and sudden unexplained tingling or numbness of one side of the body.
How to Prevent?
Experts are of the view that a stroke can also be prevented like a heart attack by quitting smoking, exercising, drinking moderately, and seeking medical intervention which is a must for people belonging to the high-risk category.
Recent studies by AHCPR say that for people having conditions such as carotid artery or atrial fibrillation, medical interventions are available for dramatically lowering the risk of suffering a stroke.
Atrial Fibrillation:
The heart’s upper left compartment of people having atrial fibrillation beats unpredictably and rapidly causing difficulties for the chamber’s blood to get emptied.
This leftover blood may form clots which can travel and reach other body parts, including brain, which results in a stroke. Anticoagulants like warfarin and aspirin are used for preventing the formation of these clots but current studies have found that aspirin is inferior to warfarin in this regard.
Warfarin has the potential of preventing 50% of the annual 80,000 strokes caused due to atrial fibrillation. But, its use is associated with:
• Increased bleeding risk. Proper dosage and regular blood pressure monitoring will prevent this.
• Each bleeding complication due to warfarin averts 20 strokes.
• Refer medical professionals for avoiding drugs like anticonvulsants and antibiotics which interfere with anticoagulation.
Hence, have proper knowledge before taking any medication.
Sunday
The Relevance between Vitamin E and Stroke Prevention
You are getting paranoid each day because as much as you want to believe that you are very much healthy; your body seems to be telling you otherwise. You are already taking it slow and you are gradually quitting on certain vices that you used to enjoy. You love your life and if leading a healthy lifestyle is integral to stroke prevention, then you are willing to do everything to be able to follow such route.
Learning More about Stroke
Before knowing about what you can do to prevent a stroke from happening, it is best that you begin to find out more about this serious medical condition. A stroke can be cause by blood clotting and this can also be due to internal hemorrhage. The first one will limit the blood supply on the brain while the latter will cause leakage of blood.
In the US and in many parts of Europe, this is said to be the leading cause of disability in adults. This is also the number two cause of death of many people from around the world. This kind of condition can happen to just about anyone, no matter what you gender or age is. There are just some people who are at a higher risk of getting this, but you can never be certain that healthy individuals won’t suffer from a stroke. This is the reason why it is essential to find out tips on how you can prevent this from happening while you still can.
When the blood supply on the brain is affected due to stroke, it will not be able to function properly. This may cause half of your body to be paralyzed and you will also find it hard to comprehend and speak out your thoughts. Aside from complications, the condition can cause severe neurological effects and this may also lead to death.
How do you know that you are at a high risk of suffering from stroke? This is one toll that you have to pay for if you are a chain smoker. This can also be due to aging and high blood pressure. You are also prone to this if you have high cholesterol or you have diabetes. If you have already suffered from a stroke before, this doesn’t mean that it will not happen again, so it is best that you do everything that you can to prevent it from happening.
How does Vitamin E Help?
There is a research that was done at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center that found out that the risk if suffering from this condition can be lessened by 50 percent if you regularly take Vitamin E supplement every day.
What is it about this vitamin that helps in the process of stroke prevention? Vitamin E acts as your protection against strokes that are caused by blood clotting. This is also good for your overall health, so the benefits can surpass your original intention.
Aside from Vitamin E, you must make sure that you lead a healthy lifestyle and eat the right foods, especially if you are already at a high risk of acquiring the condition.
Learning More about Stroke
Before knowing about what you can do to prevent a stroke from happening, it is best that you begin to find out more about this serious medical condition. A stroke can be cause by blood clotting and this can also be due to internal hemorrhage. The first one will limit the blood supply on the brain while the latter will cause leakage of blood.
In the US and in many parts of Europe, this is said to be the leading cause of disability in adults. This is also the number two cause of death of many people from around the world. This kind of condition can happen to just about anyone, no matter what you gender or age is. There are just some people who are at a higher risk of getting this, but you can never be certain that healthy individuals won’t suffer from a stroke. This is the reason why it is essential to find out tips on how you can prevent this from happening while you still can.
When the blood supply on the brain is affected due to stroke, it will not be able to function properly. This may cause half of your body to be paralyzed and you will also find it hard to comprehend and speak out your thoughts. Aside from complications, the condition can cause severe neurological effects and this may also lead to death.
How do you know that you are at a high risk of suffering from stroke? This is one toll that you have to pay for if you are a chain smoker. This can also be due to aging and high blood pressure. You are also prone to this if you have high cholesterol or you have diabetes. If you have already suffered from a stroke before, this doesn’t mean that it will not happen again, so it is best that you do everything that you can to prevent it from happening.
How does Vitamin E Help?
There is a research that was done at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center that found out that the risk if suffering from this condition can be lessened by 50 percent if you regularly take Vitamin E supplement every day.
What is it about this vitamin that helps in the process of stroke prevention? Vitamin E acts as your protection against strokes that are caused by blood clotting. This is also good for your overall health, so the benefits can surpass your original intention.
Aside from Vitamin E, you must make sure that you lead a healthy lifestyle and eat the right foods, especially if you are already at a high risk of acquiring the condition.
Friday
Stroke Prevention: Different Kinds Of Strokes
Ischemic Stroke
It is estimated that roughly 80% of strokes, fall under the category of ischemic stroke. It can happen due to the blockage in the large blood vessels on the brain surface or in smaller blood vessels within the brain. The former is normally referred to as large-vessel infarcts while the latter is called small-vessel infarcts.
Some of the other types of ischemic strokes are embolic infarct, lacunar infarct and thrombotic infarct. Around 30% of ischemic stroke instances are due to infarcts of unknown reasons.
Embolic infarct: It occurs when a blood clot formed in any part of the body is carried through the blood where it gets stuck in the blood vessels thereby hindering the blood supply to the brain, which in turn results in the death of brain tissues.
If the blood clot is formed in the heart it is referred to as cardiac embolism, which is responsible for approximately 20-30% of ischemic strokes.
Thrombotic infarct: If an arterial blood clot is formed, blood supply to the brain will be obstructed causing tissue death, which results in Thrombotic infarct. Roughly about 10-15% of cases fall under this type. It has a slow progression and is mainly caused by the deposition of plaque in the arteries, which is known as atherosclerosis.
Lacunar infarct: Is caused when the blockage in the arteries is due to high blood pressure. Approximately 20% cases are of this type.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA): It is a temporary phase which might cause ischemic stroke in some. In a TIA, though an arterial obstruction is formed in the brain, it gets resolved on its own without any permanent tissue death.
But it is seen that 40% of patients with TIA history will suffer a stroke in future and in 10% cases a TIA was always followed by an ischemic stroke.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic strokes occur due to the bleeding caused by the rupture of blood vessels in the brain. As a result of this the oxygen supply to the surrounding tissues are cut off, which in turn results in stroke. It can be life threatening as it severely affects a large portion of the brain.
Intracranial hemorrhages are caused due to the rupture of blood vessels running between the brain and the skull. This is caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI), arteriovenous malformation, aneurysm or due to blood vessel weakness.
Epidural hematoma develops due to blood deposition between the outer membrane and the skull.
Subdural hematoma: develops when blood is deposited between the dura and the middle layer; this condition might worsen due to the shrinkage of brain due to ageing.
Traumatic injuries to the skull might also cause acute subdural hematoma, which can be life threatening.
It is estimated that roughly 80% of strokes, fall under the category of ischemic stroke. It can happen due to the blockage in the large blood vessels on the brain surface or in smaller blood vessels within the brain. The former is normally referred to as large-vessel infarcts while the latter is called small-vessel infarcts.
Some of the other types of ischemic strokes are embolic infarct, lacunar infarct and thrombotic infarct. Around 30% of ischemic stroke instances are due to infarcts of unknown reasons.
Embolic infarct: It occurs when a blood clot formed in any part of the body is carried through the blood where it gets stuck in the blood vessels thereby hindering the blood supply to the brain, which in turn results in the death of brain tissues.
If the blood clot is formed in the heart it is referred to as cardiac embolism, which is responsible for approximately 20-30% of ischemic strokes.
Thrombotic infarct: If an arterial blood clot is formed, blood supply to the brain will be obstructed causing tissue death, which results in Thrombotic infarct. Roughly about 10-15% of cases fall under this type. It has a slow progression and is mainly caused by the deposition of plaque in the arteries, which is known as atherosclerosis.
Lacunar infarct: Is caused when the blockage in the arteries is due to high blood pressure. Approximately 20% cases are of this type.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA): It is a temporary phase which might cause ischemic stroke in some. In a TIA, though an arterial obstruction is formed in the brain, it gets resolved on its own without any permanent tissue death.
But it is seen that 40% of patients with TIA history will suffer a stroke in future and in 10% cases a TIA was always followed by an ischemic stroke.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic strokes occur due to the bleeding caused by the rupture of blood vessels in the brain. As a result of this the oxygen supply to the surrounding tissues are cut off, which in turn results in stroke. It can be life threatening as it severely affects a large portion of the brain.
Intracranial hemorrhages are caused due to the rupture of blood vessels running between the brain and the skull. This is caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI), arteriovenous malformation, aneurysm or due to blood vessel weakness.
Epidural hematoma develops due to blood deposition between the outer membrane and the skull.
Subdural hematoma: develops when blood is deposited between the dura and the middle layer; this condition might worsen due to the shrinkage of brain due to ageing.
Traumatic injuries to the skull might also cause acute subdural hematoma, which can be life threatening.
Thursday
The Importance of Aspirin in Stroke Prevention
As you get older, you must listen to your body for any signs and symptoms of any kinds of diseases. You have to get the necessary help before your condition gets serious. You must also learn what to do in cases that are common, like stroke prevention.
Serious Condition
Stroke is something that can really be serious and can affect all aspects of your life. This condition used to be referred to cerebrovascular accident. It happens when something gets wrong with your system that has affected the blood supply on the brain. This will lead to certain disturbance until your brain loses its function.
There are many reasons why a stroke can occur. For one, ischemia can be the main cause. This will limit the blood flow when there is a blockage that may be due to arterial embolism or thrombosis. This can also be due to blood leakage, also known as hemorrhage.
What will happen to the person once they are hit by this condition? The results vary depending on the areas of the brain that are gravely hit by what has happened. Once certain areas of the brain could no longer function, the sufferer may be unable to move their limbs on one side of their body. This can also result to inability to produce words and difficulty in understanding. If not properly treated, a stroke can lead to other complications and permanent damages on the brains. This can even cause death and this can happen eventually after you are hit with it.
How Aspirin Helps
Continuous studies and research are being conducted around the world to find out more about how aspirin helps in preventing a stroke from happening. Some of the findings conclude that daily intake of 75 to 150 mg of aspirin can help as a long term solution to stroke prevention. This is recommended to patients who are at a high risk of experiencing strokes and heart attacks.
For people who are not at a high risk of getting a stroke, aspirin therapy may not be applicable. Aspirin will provide more benefits to those who are at a high risk of having this medical condition. If you are not sure whether this will cause you more pros than cons, it is recommended that you consult your doctor about the matter.
Once you’ve had a stroke, you have to be advised by your doctor whether or not it is safe to proceed with the aspirin regimen. This is only allowable if blood clots have caused the situation, but if there are ruptured blood vessels, you have to stop taking aspirin immediately. In this kind of situation, the components of an aspirin can actually lead to more severe bleeding.
If you are under this kind of medication and you have to be treated for other diseases or you ought to get dental extraction, the health professional must know beforehand about your practice. You must tell them how often do you take aspirin and in what dosage.
This is only one solution to stroke prevention. There are more steps that you can do to stay healthy and to be able to prevent this kind of medical condition from happening.
Serious Condition
Stroke is something that can really be serious and can affect all aspects of your life. This condition used to be referred to cerebrovascular accident. It happens when something gets wrong with your system that has affected the blood supply on the brain. This will lead to certain disturbance until your brain loses its function.
There are many reasons why a stroke can occur. For one, ischemia can be the main cause. This will limit the blood flow when there is a blockage that may be due to arterial embolism or thrombosis. This can also be due to blood leakage, also known as hemorrhage.
What will happen to the person once they are hit by this condition? The results vary depending on the areas of the brain that are gravely hit by what has happened. Once certain areas of the brain could no longer function, the sufferer may be unable to move their limbs on one side of their body. This can also result to inability to produce words and difficulty in understanding. If not properly treated, a stroke can lead to other complications and permanent damages on the brains. This can even cause death and this can happen eventually after you are hit with it.
How Aspirin Helps
Continuous studies and research are being conducted around the world to find out more about how aspirin helps in preventing a stroke from happening. Some of the findings conclude that daily intake of 75 to 150 mg of aspirin can help as a long term solution to stroke prevention. This is recommended to patients who are at a high risk of experiencing strokes and heart attacks.
For people who are not at a high risk of getting a stroke, aspirin therapy may not be applicable. Aspirin will provide more benefits to those who are at a high risk of having this medical condition. If you are not sure whether this will cause you more pros than cons, it is recommended that you consult your doctor about the matter.
Once you’ve had a stroke, you have to be advised by your doctor whether or not it is safe to proceed with the aspirin regimen. This is only allowable if blood clots have caused the situation, but if there are ruptured blood vessels, you have to stop taking aspirin immediately. In this kind of situation, the components of an aspirin can actually lead to more severe bleeding.
If you are under this kind of medication and you have to be treated for other diseases or you ought to get dental extraction, the health professional must know beforehand about your practice. You must tell them how often do you take aspirin and in what dosage.
This is only one solution to stroke prevention. There are more steps that you can do to stay healthy and to be able to prevent this kind of medical condition from happening.
Sunday
Stroke Prevention: Watch For The Symptoms
Brain attack or stroke is one of the common causes of death and disability in people. When the supply of blood to brain cells is hindered it might result in the irreversible damage of brain cells and the death of brain tissue. Ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke are the most common types.
When there is any obstruction in the blood supplying artery to the brain, there will be a significant drop in the quantity of blood flow, which in turn results in ischemic stroke. On the other hand, if the stroke is caused due to the bleeding from the punctured blood vessels in the brain it is referred to as hemorrhagic stroke.
In the event of ischemic stroke, the lowered blood flow might also cause further damage to the cells of the brain by triggering a chain of events, which is known as ischemic cascade. Timely treatment can reduce the intensity of this process along with cutting down the possibilities of permanent damages.
Brain attacks or strokes are emergency situations that call for urgent medical intervention. The American Stroke Association has discovered many symptoms of a stroke.
However all patients of stroke need not show all these conditions and remember that these warning signals of stroke might not remain forever; as they can appear and disappear at any time. It is advisable that anyone with any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical aid.
Time factor is also crucial in the treatment of strokes. The earlier the treatment the better will be the chances of recovery.
Some of the common notable symptoms of stroke include
• Sudden weakness of the face, arms or legs , typically on one side of the body
• Mental Disorder
• Blurred vision
• Loss of balance or dexterity, trouble in walking steadily
• Splitting headache without any apparent reason
• Difficulty in verbal communication or understanding talk
In the US, stroke is the third major cause of death and the most common cause of disability. It is estimated that every year around 600,000 brain attacks occur out of which, roughly 25% are life threatening. Studies show that stroke is more prevalent in African Americans compared to Caucasians.
Stroke can occur in men and women alike however the mortality rate in women due to stroke is more than in men. Ischemic stroke is more common in aged people over 65 years while younger people are more susceptible to hemorrhagic stroke.
When there is any obstruction in the blood supplying artery to the brain, there will be a significant drop in the quantity of blood flow, which in turn results in ischemic stroke. On the other hand, if the stroke is caused due to the bleeding from the punctured blood vessels in the brain it is referred to as hemorrhagic stroke.
In the event of ischemic stroke, the lowered blood flow might also cause further damage to the cells of the brain by triggering a chain of events, which is known as ischemic cascade. Timely treatment can reduce the intensity of this process along with cutting down the possibilities of permanent damages.
Brain attacks or strokes are emergency situations that call for urgent medical intervention. The American Stroke Association has discovered many symptoms of a stroke.
However all patients of stroke need not show all these conditions and remember that these warning signals of stroke might not remain forever; as they can appear and disappear at any time. It is advisable that anyone with any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical aid.
Time factor is also crucial in the treatment of strokes. The earlier the treatment the better will be the chances of recovery.
Some of the common notable symptoms of stroke include
• Sudden weakness of the face, arms or legs , typically on one side of the body
• Mental Disorder
• Blurred vision
• Loss of balance or dexterity, trouble in walking steadily
• Splitting headache without any apparent reason
• Difficulty in verbal communication or understanding talk
In the US, stroke is the third major cause of death and the most common cause of disability. It is estimated that every year around 600,000 brain attacks occur out of which, roughly 25% are life threatening. Studies show that stroke is more prevalent in African Americans compared to Caucasians.
Stroke can occur in men and women alike however the mortality rate in women due to stroke is more than in men. Ischemic stroke is more common in aged people over 65 years while younger people are more susceptible to hemorrhagic stroke.
Wednesday
Stroke Prevention Tips by Leading a Healthy Lifestyle
It is best that you do everything that you can about stroke prevention while you still haven’t suffered from this medical condition. This used to be referred to as cerebrovascular accident in the medical field. Such term sums up how this can affect your system once you have experienced a stroke attack. As a consequence, your brain may lose its functions.
Preventive Measures
A healthy lifestyle is important in order to prevent a stroke from happening. This may not give 100 percent guarantee, but you will have fewer chances from encountering such if you make it a habit to lead a healthy lifestyle. Here are some of the vital measures that you ought to take in this regard.
First, if you are a chain smoker, you must start staying away from this vice. This can increase your risk from this condition, so you better quit while your health has not yet suffered. It also goes for the other vices that you have, like drinking, especially if you drink too much. To give importance to your health, it is advisable that you only drink during special occasions and try to avoid it as much as you can.
You must also be mindful of your blood pressure because when this gets uncontrollably high, this can lead to stroke that may put your overall state at risk. You have to constantly monitor your blood pressure. There are available kits that you can get to obtain this or you can have it checked at the nearest clinic. It does not matter how you get this done, but the important thing is that you don’t fail to check it out. Whenever it gets higher than normal, you have to do everything that you can to lower your blood pressure. You have to consult your doctor about the medicines that you can take safely and the kinds that will suit your overall health perfectly fine.
It is only apt that you watch what you eat. There are many kinds of diets that you can begin taking as you try to control the risks of suffering from stroke. A healing diet is highly recommended, which is mainly composed of vegetables, raw foods and fruits. It will also help your condition if you are going to take lots of healthy juices.
In order to keep your body fit while decreasing your weight, exercise is the best way to go. This must be done on a regular basis. There are certain exercises that can be beneficial to your heart and on your blood circulation. These include doing yoga and swimming. It will also help if you are going to walk every day and try out other techniques such as jumping and cycling.
If you are suffering from diabetes, you are already at a high risk of suffering from stroke. In this case, you have to do everything to make sure that the condition is controlled and treated properly.
You will not regret your decision to follow the route towards a healthy lifestyle. Your overall health as well as your appearance will benefit from this in the long run.
Preventive Measures
A healthy lifestyle is important in order to prevent a stroke from happening. This may not give 100 percent guarantee, but you will have fewer chances from encountering such if you make it a habit to lead a healthy lifestyle. Here are some of the vital measures that you ought to take in this regard.
First, if you are a chain smoker, you must start staying away from this vice. This can increase your risk from this condition, so you better quit while your health has not yet suffered. It also goes for the other vices that you have, like drinking, especially if you drink too much. To give importance to your health, it is advisable that you only drink during special occasions and try to avoid it as much as you can.
You must also be mindful of your blood pressure because when this gets uncontrollably high, this can lead to stroke that may put your overall state at risk. You have to constantly monitor your blood pressure. There are available kits that you can get to obtain this or you can have it checked at the nearest clinic. It does not matter how you get this done, but the important thing is that you don’t fail to check it out. Whenever it gets higher than normal, you have to do everything that you can to lower your blood pressure. You have to consult your doctor about the medicines that you can take safely and the kinds that will suit your overall health perfectly fine.
It is only apt that you watch what you eat. There are many kinds of diets that you can begin taking as you try to control the risks of suffering from stroke. A healing diet is highly recommended, which is mainly composed of vegetables, raw foods and fruits. It will also help your condition if you are going to take lots of healthy juices.
In order to keep your body fit while decreasing your weight, exercise is the best way to go. This must be done on a regular basis. There are certain exercises that can be beneficial to your heart and on your blood circulation. These include doing yoga and swimming. It will also help if you are going to walk every day and try out other techniques such as jumping and cycling.
If you are suffering from diabetes, you are already at a high risk of suffering from stroke. In this case, you have to do everything to make sure that the condition is controlled and treated properly.
You will not regret your decision to follow the route towards a healthy lifestyle. Your overall health as well as your appearance will benefit from this in the long run.
Friday
Stroke Prevention: Transient Ischemic Attacks
Stroke has been identified as one of the leading causes of death and disability in adults in USA. It stands at the third position in the list for leading cause of deaths in USA.
Strokes have brought about a great transformation in the method ischemic cerebrovascular disease is approached, with the introduction of the new therapeutic inventions. It is possible to avoid a subsequent stroke once the transient ischemic attack has been recognized.
The treatment for the prevention of a stroke depends upon the cerebrovascular localization of transient ischemic attack, the reason for the attack, and other simultaneous medical problems (if any). However, the primary therapeutic approach which is considered for treatment is the modification of the risk factors of a stroke.
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents can also be taken in some cases. Carotid endarterectomy has also been proved to be effective to avoid strokes associated with extracranial carotid artery disease.
Facts or data supporting the problem of strokes
Around 150,000 deaths and 550,000 new strokes occur every year in USA. Ischemic cerebrovascular disease is the main reason for 80 percent of these strokes cases. The rest are generally due to hemorrhagic causes like intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid.
Though many efforts have been made for effective treatment of strokes, still ischemic stroke is one of the major health problems among people. After the blockage of blood flow, any permanent brain injury is the second reason that leads to a complete stroke. In comparison, TIA or transient ischemic attack, which is caused by a small interruption in the blood flow of local cerebral, is a brief focal neurologic deficit.
The TIAs are normally prevalent in 1.6 to 4.1 of the cases, according to their age and gender. Around one third of the patients who have had TIA 2 are likely to have strokes.
Generally 24 hours or more of focal neurologic deficit causes cerebral infarction. A focal neurologic deficit that occurs for less than 24 hours is called TIA3. A TIA in the territory of carotid is for only 7-10 minutes. It case a TIA is diagnosed, it refers to the fact that there is no permanent neurological injury. That is to say, permanent damage can be prevented.
Agents for the treatment
There must be a stroke prevention therapy that should be available for all TIA patients. Ticlopidine or Ticlid, aspirin, warfarin and clopidogrel or Plavix are the agents that are appropriate for the treatment.
When the doctor is prescribing a treatment to the patient, special emphasis should be given to the use of any TIA agent at an earlier stage, and then only a suitable treatment should be suggested.
Strokes have brought about a great transformation in the method ischemic cerebrovascular disease is approached, with the introduction of the new therapeutic inventions. It is possible to avoid a subsequent stroke once the transient ischemic attack has been recognized.
The treatment for the prevention of a stroke depends upon the cerebrovascular localization of transient ischemic attack, the reason for the attack, and other simultaneous medical problems (if any). However, the primary therapeutic approach which is considered for treatment is the modification of the risk factors of a stroke.
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents can also be taken in some cases. Carotid endarterectomy has also been proved to be effective to avoid strokes associated with extracranial carotid artery disease.
Facts or data supporting the problem of strokes
Around 150,000 deaths and 550,000 new strokes occur every year in USA. Ischemic cerebrovascular disease is the main reason for 80 percent of these strokes cases. The rest are generally due to hemorrhagic causes like intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid.
Though many efforts have been made for effective treatment of strokes, still ischemic stroke is one of the major health problems among people. After the blockage of blood flow, any permanent brain injury is the second reason that leads to a complete stroke. In comparison, TIA or transient ischemic attack, which is caused by a small interruption in the blood flow of local cerebral, is a brief focal neurologic deficit.
The TIAs are normally prevalent in 1.6 to 4.1 of the cases, according to their age and gender. Around one third of the patients who have had TIA 2 are likely to have strokes.
Generally 24 hours or more of focal neurologic deficit causes cerebral infarction. A focal neurologic deficit that occurs for less than 24 hours is called TIA3. A TIA in the territory of carotid is for only 7-10 minutes. It case a TIA is diagnosed, it refers to the fact that there is no permanent neurological injury. That is to say, permanent damage can be prevented.
Agents for the treatment
There must be a stroke prevention therapy that should be available for all TIA patients. Ticlopidine or Ticlid, aspirin, warfarin and clopidogrel or Plavix are the agents that are appropriate for the treatment.
When the doctor is prescribing a treatment to the patient, special emphasis should be given to the use of any TIA agent at an earlier stage, and then only a suitable treatment should be suggested.
Tuesday
Stroke Prevention Ideas through the Use of Fish Oil
With so many advertised stroke prevention products and services, you are now torn about which ones to try. Before you buy any of these, you must first begin with the steps that you can do on your own. This means that you have to lead a healthy lifestyle by eating right and by exercising on a regular basis. There are also many kinds of supplements that can help in improving your condition. Before you begin taking anything, it is vital that you consult a health professional to get proper recommendation.
Fish Oil Supplement
What is the relevance between stroke prevention and fish oil supplement? On a study that was issued by the Journal of the American Medical Association that was released in 2001, it was stated that essential components that can be found in fish oil can be as effective as taking aspirin. Both measures work by reducing your risk of thrombotic stroke. The good thing about fish oil is that this does not have any side effects like the ones that can be felt when undergoing a daily aspirin therapy.
The benefits of taking fish oil supplements are limited to thrombotic stroke and these do not include stroke that is caused by hemorrhage. Fish oil contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and fatty fish that are beneficial in reducing the risk of stroke.
More Findings about Fish Oil
More studies are being conducted about the matter and this result to more scientific evidence about the benefits of omega-3 fish oil. This has also been recommended by the American Heart Association or AHA in the prevention of stroke occurrence as well as heart disease. According to AHA, these fatty acids can bring in many benefits on healthy individuals as well as those who are at a high risk of stroke.
Who are the people who are at a high risk of suffering from stroke? These include those who have had a stroke before and those who have high blood pressure, diabetes and hypertension. This is also likely to happen to people with many vices such as drinking and smoking. AHA states that the omega-3 in these fatty acids help in making the blood thinner. When this occurs, blood clotting can be prevented, but this must not be given to those who are already taking blood thinners and those who are undergoing aspirin therapy.
You can check the internet to find out about fish oils that are reasonably priced. Once you have seen the types that interest you, you must first consult with your doctor if it is okay to take these. You may also want to ask them first for their opinion to make the process of finding the right supplement easier on your part.
With the help of this kind of supplement, you can simply go on with your healthy habits and routine. All these can help in preventing the occurrence of stroke. These can also be beneficial for your health in general. It will be easier to manage your health once you have started with a good routine and you have taken the right medications and supplements that can help you in the process.
Fish Oil Supplement
What is the relevance between stroke prevention and fish oil supplement? On a study that was issued by the Journal of the American Medical Association that was released in 2001, it was stated that essential components that can be found in fish oil can be as effective as taking aspirin. Both measures work by reducing your risk of thrombotic stroke. The good thing about fish oil is that this does not have any side effects like the ones that can be felt when undergoing a daily aspirin therapy.
The benefits of taking fish oil supplements are limited to thrombotic stroke and these do not include stroke that is caused by hemorrhage. Fish oil contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and fatty fish that are beneficial in reducing the risk of stroke.
More Findings about Fish Oil
More studies are being conducted about the matter and this result to more scientific evidence about the benefits of omega-3 fish oil. This has also been recommended by the American Heart Association or AHA in the prevention of stroke occurrence as well as heart disease. According to AHA, these fatty acids can bring in many benefits on healthy individuals as well as those who are at a high risk of stroke.
Who are the people who are at a high risk of suffering from stroke? These include those who have had a stroke before and those who have high blood pressure, diabetes and hypertension. This is also likely to happen to people with many vices such as drinking and smoking. AHA states that the omega-3 in these fatty acids help in making the blood thinner. When this occurs, blood clotting can be prevented, but this must not be given to those who are already taking blood thinners and those who are undergoing aspirin therapy.
You can check the internet to find out about fish oils that are reasonably priced. Once you have seen the types that interest you, you must first consult with your doctor if it is okay to take these. You may also want to ask them first for their opinion to make the process of finding the right supplement easier on your part.
With the help of this kind of supplement, you can simply go on with your healthy habits and routine. All these can help in preventing the occurrence of stroke. These can also be beneficial for your health in general. It will be easier to manage your health once you have started with a good routine and you have taken the right medications and supplements that can help you in the process.
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