Stroke
The causes, risk factors and prevention of stroke.
© Megan Drummond
Jan 22, 2007
Stroke affects more than 700,000 people each year. Despite medical advances, stroke remains the third leading cause of death and the number one cause of adult disability
What Is A Stroke?
A stroke is, literally, a "brain attack." A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel (moves blood through the body) breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain.
Strokes can be classified into to main categories: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked and impairs blood flow to the brain. Brain cells and tissue begin to die from lack of oxygen and nutrients within minutes of the blockage occurring. About 80% of strokes fall into this category.
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery supplying the brain ruptures and bleeds into the brain. Brain cells and tissues do not receive oxygen and nutrients when a rupture occurs. Irritation and swelling of the surrounding tissues can also occur due to pressure build up. About 20% of strokes fit into this category.
Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes are each broken down into two categories. For more on these categories, visit the Ohio State University Medical Center.
Risk Factors
Anyone can have a stroke. Man or woman, old or young. There are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of having a stroke.
Some of these can’t be changed:
- Age (over 55)
- Sex (male)
- Ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanics, Asian/Pacific Islanders are at greater risk)
- Family history
Others can be changed. These include:
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
- Poor diet
- Obesity
- Smoking
How Can I Prevent A Stroke?
Eighty percent of all strokes are preventable. To help reduce your risks of having a stroke, there are some things you can do. You can start by exercising regularly, reducing your blood pressure and cholesterol, improve your nutrition and quit smoking. For more steps you can take to help reduce your risk of stroke, visit the National Stroke Association.
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Stroke in
Disabilities is owned by
Megan Drummond. Permission to republish
Stroke must be granted by the author in writing.
Comments
Jan 25, 2007 4:06 PM
Jill Browne
:
Megan, I think there is reputable advice out there about what to do right away if you think you are having a stroke - or if someone with you is. Do you have a link for that?
Also, it is common for a person who is having a stroke to be in denial about it? I've heard that in casual conversation & would like to know if it's true.
Thanks for any light you can shed.
Jan 28, 2007 11:23 AM
Megan Drummond
:
Hi Jill,
I don't have an answer for ypi right now, as I am still computerless and sing yet another borrowed machine. Just wanted to let yo know that your post isn't being ignored and I'll get that information as soon as I can.
Megan
Jan 29, 2007 7:08 PM
Jill Browne
:
Don't worry Megan - being computerless is a major pain. I hope you get your own machine back where it belongs.
I am not in a hurry for an answer but it will be interesting to know.
If you want to put it into an article instead of this discussion, go right ahead - I know where to look ;-)
Jun 12, 2007 10:46 PM
redback
:
I've only just chanced on the article that triggered this discussion. Maybe, like Elvis, you've left the building. :)
The way I see it, the natures of <b>immediate</b> causes of death are pretty restrictive so I'm not surprised if 'stroke' makes it to the top 3. Heart failure is another one. The <b>primary</b> cause of death needs examination.
<i>"Also, it is common for a person who is having a stroke to be in denial about it?"</i>
Here's a link to a person's testimony:
http://www.mydr.com.au/default.asp?article=3144
I suspect confusion is a common symptom so insight, not denial is the issue to ponder. And I have to wonder with your question...which bystander are they denying it too? There is a condition called anasognosia which is loosely, selective insight. This is not about having a stroke but what they make of their surroundings...and relates to brain damage. 'Denial' is a deliberate act.
Apart from increasing awareness per articles like that here...we all really need to ensure our first aid skills remain current. The first few hours are critical.
<i>"Every stroke is different. The symptoms and effects vary according to the type of stroke, the part of the brain affected and the size of the damaged area. For some people the effects are severe, for some mild. Usually the symptoms come on suddenly but they may come on during sleep."</i>
http://www.brainaustralia.org.au/stroke/what_is_a_stroke_
The Brain Foundation's quality Aussie website above answers the question posed in the topic.
