Stroke Education : A Preventable Death

Strokes are caused by a block in the blood supply to the brain which causes a decrease in oxygen and delivery of other important supplies which facilitate proper functioning. Fifteen million cases are reported worldwide annually, although not all of these cases are mortalities, the large prevalence of strokes ranks it as the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. (Figueroa) Because of the time sensitivity associated with the lack of resources to the brain, strokes are considered a medical emergency and early recognition of symptoms can help decrease the amount of damage caused . Although strokes do not always cause death, strokes most often leave the individual with some physical and cognitive impairment.

The health issue that this artifact discusses is the significance of knowing and recognizing the warning signs of a stroke. The American Heart Association has made it their mission to provide unlimited health information and research in the hopes of eliminating cardiovascular diseases as well as helping society in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “Stroke is the number 5 cause of death and a leading cause of

4. Define the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of stroke and subsequent stroke

Strokes are caused by pathophysiological changes. The two major mechanisms of stroke consist of ischemia and haemorrhage. Ischemia is when there is no oxygen or not, merely enough oxygen to fuel the tissue level in the body. Haemorrhage in the brain, causing strokes can be due to non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage (Shah, MD, n.d.) (see appendix 1). This essay will further discuss the implications of strokes on a cellular, organ and system level. Explain the clinical presentation of the signs and symptoms of strokes and how the condition will be managed by a paramedic.

The objective of the present study was to assess the extent of stroke knowledge, specifically regarding the risk factors and warning signs of stroke. Thus, it is important to be well understood about stroke, the risk factors and the warning signs. Furthermore, this review will discuss in details about the two risk factors, stress and obesity that are significant among the studied population. This is followed by the review on the state of stroke knowledge and its importance from the previous studies among varied populations.

Lastly, Ischaemic stroke is fatal in one third of cases, making it the third most common cause of death in developed counties (Nedeltchev & Mattle 2014, pp. 124-129). Among the survivors of stroke, at least half are permanently disabled, making stroke a major cause of long-term physical, cognitive, emotional, and social disability (Redfern, Mckevitt & Wolfe 2006, pp. 123-141). However, there has been a reduction in stroke deaths over the last ten years due to an increase in public awareness through programs and education around reducing risk factors for stroke (AIHW 2013). These programs targeted specific causes, such as; smoking,

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Each year more than 795,000 Americans suffer from a stroke, which means that every forty seconds someone has stroke (Liebman, 2012). Although a stroke can occur at any age, strokes are frequently seen in the older adult demographics. An increase with age doubles the risk for a stroke each decade after 55 (Grysiewicz, 2008). The percentage of stroke survivors to almost fully recover from a stroke is only 10 percent; in contrast, 40 percent of stroke survivors will face moderate to severe impairment which will entail distinctive care (Perlmutter and Colman, 2005). When all strokes are analyzed according to demography of class system, approximately 60% of strokes occur in low or middle income countries (Silverman and Rymer, 2009).

Stroke, or brain attack, is the number four killer of adults in the world. In the United States, 160,000 deaths occur each year. From 1999 to 2009, the death rate from stroke gradually lowered as improvements to medicine and testing developed. Yet, 800,000 Americans continue to have strokes and survive the event. Worldwide, about 15 million experience stroke with 6 million who die and 5 million who become permanently disabled. (Robinson, Richard & Odle, Teresa G. & Frey, Rebecca J. & Odle, Teresa G. , 2011) The statistics in America are better for surviving a stroke because of rapid response and better interpretation of symptoms. Nevertheless, surviving a stroke often brings on dilapidating effects; which means a change in lifestyle and lifelong rehabilitation through physical therapy.

A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of chronic disease, improve overall health, and help reach and maintain a healthy weight. Physical activity helps get the body moving which can help prevent a stroke. Recent studies have shown that people who exercise five or more times a week have a reduced stroke risk. Smoking doubles the risk of a stroke compared to a non-smoker due to increasing clot formation, thickens blood and increases the amount of plaque build-up in the arteries. It has also been proven that Alcohol increases blood pressure and the risk of a stroke. Limiting the amount of alcohol consumed and smoking can in the long term prevent a stroke from

Stroke is known as, “the death of nerve cells caused by an interruption of blood flow to a region of the brain,” (Goodenough, 138). When a section of the brain is shut off, neurons cannot receive enough oxygen and glucose that they need and die. The seriousness of the stroke depends on where the interruption of blood flow took place. The destruction of neurons in certain regions of the brain can cause the, “abilities controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle control are lost,” (National Stroke Association). There

The history of stroke began with Hippocrates, the father of medicine, who was the first one to recognized stroke more than 2,400 years ago. Back then they used to refer as apoplexy a Greek terms, which means “struck down by violent” because at that time they did not have an explanation for it .Century later, in mid-1600’s Jacob Wepfer discovered that something disrupted the blood supply in the brain of people who died from apoplexy. In some cases, the vvartery were blocked. In others, there had been massive bleeding into the brain tissue. After that there was no more progression in the history until 1928. Medical science continues to make advances concerning the causes, symptoms. There is a large amount of information available jon causes, prevention methods, risks and treatment of stroke.

Stroke is the second most common cause of death and disability worldwide[1]. One of the

“Stroke is leading cause of death and the major cause of adult neurological disability. In the USA, 795 000 stroke occur every year.” (name ) The proportion rises most strongly with age, therefore with the

Stroke is seen as a major health concern and this is due to the fact that every year, as many as 110,000 individuals suffers from strokes making it a key issue. (NHS 2014)

I. Final review: Strokes can be prevented if you know how to identify them and know what you can do to prevent them