Research Paper: Stroke

Jamie

HLTH 1020

July 2, 2017

Salt Lake Community College

 There are several health risks that run in my family that I considered writing this paper

on; however, there is one that has been on my mind the most. My mother had a stroke about five

years ago. Although it was a minor stroke, it was a very scary and troubling experience. She has

had to try and adapt to changes both physical and mental while also trying to adjust her lifestyle

to prevent yet another episode. I have also attempted to live a healthier lifestyle as a result and

incorporate what I have learned into my diet and exercise. I would like to learn more about

strokes, the causes, the risks, and tips for prevention not only for myself, but to learn more for

my mother and the rest of my family as well.

A stroke is an attack on the brain that occurs when blood flow is cut off to an area of the

brain and cells lose oxygen and die. Stroke is a disease. It affects the arteries leading to and

within the brain. When a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either

blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the

blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die (Strokeassociation.Org). There are several

different types of stroke including Ischemic (clots), Hemorrhagic (bleeds), and TIA (transient

ischemic attack).

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs due to a

blockage within a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain and accounts for 87 percent of all

stroke cases (Strokeassociation.Org). Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood vessels burst or

rupture. Aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations are the two types of blood vessels that

usually cause hemorrhagic stroke but the most common cause of hemorrhagic stroke is high

blood pressure or hypertension (Strokeassociation.Org). TIA (transient ischemic attack) is a

minor stroke caused by a temporary clot that may dislodge or dissolve on its own. TIA;
however, needs to be taken seriously as it is often termed as a warning stroke, prior to an

actual, full blown stroke occurring (Stroke.Org).

Strokes are the 5th leading cause of death among people in the United States. About

795,000 people have a stroke within the United States every year. About 600,000 of those are

people who have suffered their first attacks while the remaining are those that suffer reoccurring

attacks. Strokes occur every 40 seconds with someone dying of stroke within the United States

every 4 minutes. It is also the highest cause of serious long-term disability in the United States.

The chance of a person having a stroke increases with a family history of stroke; however, up to

80 percent of strokes are preventable (Stroke.Org).

Stroke symptoms can come on suddenly and without warning. Symptoms of a stroke

include slurred speech, odd sounding speech or difficulty remembering the right words or

understanding speech. Confusion, dizziness, numbness, tingling, weakness, or paralysis in the

face, arms, legs or on one side of the body. Difficulty seeing, vision loss, blurred, blackened, or

double vison. Sudden, severe, or unusual headache which may include vomiting. Being

unsteady or having trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination. It is important to take note

of the time in which symptoms occur. The timing and duration of the symptoms can help doctors

determine the next and best course of action. Do not ignore or wait for symptoms to go away.

Seek medical assistance immediately.

It is also important to use and remember the FAST approach to recognize the signs and

symptoms of a stroke. F is for face. Is there a droop in the persons face or an uneven smile? A

is for arms. Is there weakness in the persons arm? Can they raise them both or does one drift

down? S is for speech. Is it difficult for the person to repeat something simple or is their speech

slurred? T is for time. Act fast if there are any of these signs, call 911 immediately
(Mayoclinic.org). It is important to seek medical help quickly even if symptoms appear to go

away or slow down. There is a chance for higher brain damage and disability with every second

that a stroke is left untreated. Getting medical treatment within three hours of the first

symptoms of a stroke can make the difference between recovery and a lifelong disability

(Health.harvard.edu).

The most common risk factors of stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, obesity,

poor diet, lack of physical activity, diabetes, stress, clotting disorders, and cardiovascular disease.

Smoking puts people at a greater risk of stroke as it can cause blood clots to form and plaque to

buildup in arteries; however, the leading cause of stroke is high blood pressure. A poor diet, lack

of physical activity, and obesity can cause, develop, and increase the chance of high blood

pressure.

Hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure. Among North Americans, an

estimated one in five adults has hypertension. Over the age of 65, the number rises to one in

every two adults. Only about half of cases are being treated (Wardlaw p. 320). There are two

numbers used to express blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is the higher of the two

numbers and it measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is pumping and contracting.

The optimal blood pressure number for systolic is 120 or less.

The second number used is diastolic blood pressure. This number represents the pressure

in the artery when the heart is relaxed. The optimal blood pressure number for diastolic is 80 or

less. High numbers in both systolic and diastolic are strong indications and predictions of

disease (Wardlaw pg. 320). Monitor blood pressure on a regular basis and be sure to share any

changes or concerns regarding blood pressure with a physician.

 Other risk factors for stroke include high cholesterol. Cholesterol can block the arteries

of normal blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke. It is important to also keep other health

issues treated and under control such as diabetes. Having high blood sugar damages blood

vessels over time, making clots more likely to form inside them (Health.harvard.edu). Alcohol

use and binge drinking are a risk factor as too much alcohol can increase blood pressure. Certain

medications including oral contraceptives with estrogen content can increase a persons risk of

stroke. Smoking combined with the use of oral contraceptives greatly increases a persons

chance of stroke. Higher levels of stress, hostility and depression are associated with

significantly increased risk of stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack) in middle-age and older

adults (Newsroom.heart.org).

Women are at a higher risk of stroke during pregnancy as their blood pressure and the

pressure on their hearts increases. Recent research shows that women who suffer from

migraines with aura (visual disturbances such as flashing dots or blind spots) can be up to 10

times more likely to suffer a stroke, depending on other risk factors (Strokeassociation.org).

Overall, men are at a higher risk of stroke than women though women are more likely to die

from strokes than men and usually have strokes at an older age. People 55 years and older are at

the highest risk of stroke; however, strokes can occur at any age (Mayoclinic.org,

Strokeassociation.org). Risk factors are cumulative. Reducing even one risk can greatly lower

your chances of having a stroke (Strokeassociation.org).

More than 7 million people in the United States are stroke survivors. Stroke affects

people differently. A stroke can sometimes cause temporary or permanent disabilities,

depending on how long the brain lacks blood flow and which part was affected

(Mayoclinic.org). Complications of a stroke include: paralysis, memory loss, pain and trouble
talking or swallowing. There are also emotional problems including depression, feelings of

anxiety, helplessness, frustration, confusion, and changes in behavior. Experiencing a stroke can

be traumatic and emotional resources or support may be required. A person may become

paralyzed on one side of your body, have difficulty thinking, writing, reading, and speaking.

People who have suffered from strokes may need assistance with daily tasks, or speech, physical

and rehabilitation therapy may be required to help with activities affected by paralysis

(Mayoclinic.org).

Some of the best steps a person can take to help prevent having a stroke include talking to

a doctor about risks and different options for managing that risk as well as developing and

maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy

weight, exercise regularly, and lower cholesterol. Control and monitor any other preexisting

conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Try to eat a diet rich in fruits and

vegetables. Attempt to reduce stress. Some of the ways that people can reduce stress includes

exercising, yoga, meditation, taking a break, and practicing deep breathing exercises. It may also

help to pick up a hobby such as gardening or reaching out to someone for assistance or just to

talk. Attempt to maintain a healthy weight with a goal body mass index (BMI) of 25 or less.

Increase activities including things such as playing golf or bowling. Use a program to track

calories and nutrition. Try to stay within the recommended calories for weight loss depending on

current activity level and BMI. Obesity raises the odds of having a stroke as well as other weight

related health issues including diabetes.

Exercise is a great way to reduce the risk of stroke as well as the risk of many other

health related problems and diseases. It is recommended that people attempt to get at least 30

minutes of physical activity every day. If a person does not have 30 consecutive minutes to
exercise they should break it up into 10 to 15-minute intervals. Exercise can also be achieved

through little changes such as parking further away from a destination to walk more or taking the

stairs instead of an elevator. Exercising can be easier with a partner. Start a friend fitness club,

take a dog for a walk, or walk around the neighborhood after breakfast or dinner with a family

member or spouse. Besides the many reported benefits or regular physical activity, it is very

possible that regular, brisk walking, jogging, or running or any kind of aerobic exercise has an

additional effect of keeping blood vessels young and abundant in the brain, heart, and lower legs

(Newsheart.org).

People who have high blood pressure should maintain a healthy diet and attempt to

reduce sodium intake. Other studies also show a reduction in stroke risk among people who

consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and vitamin C. Overall, a diet low in salt and rich in

low-fat and fat-free dairy products, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and some nuts can

substantially reduce hypertension and stroke risk in many people, especially those with

hypertension (Wardlaw pg. 321). Avoid high-cholesterol foods like burgers and cheese. Make

a goal to eat 4 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily and fish 2 to 3 times a week. Prep food

and prepare weekly meals in advance to incorporate healthy eating options and avoid last minute

trips to fast food restaurants.

Having education about the health risks that run in your family is important. Learning

about the risk factors and tips for prevention can help stop or reduce the cycle of occurrence and

provide support to those in your family who are already going through a difficult health

experience. I believe I have learned a lot from this assignment. I have not only learned more

information about stroke for my mother, and the rest of my family, but also for myself. A quote I

came across not too long ago stuck with me. Time and health are two precious assets that we
dont recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted Denis Waitley. Living and

maintaining a healthy lifestyle will not only help prevent stroke but it will help prevent many

other diseases and can lead to a longer, happier, and healthier life. You cant reverse the years

or change your family history, but there are many other stroke risk factors that you can control-

provided you are aware of them. Knowledge is power (Health.harvard.edu). There is no better

time to start than now.

 Works Cited

American Heart Association. www.news.heart.org. Regular exercise may lessen stroke severity.

The American Heart Association Inc. 2017. Web. 1 July 2017.

American Stroke Association. http://www.strokeassociation.org. Stroke Risks. American Heart

Association, Inc. 2017. Web. 1 July 2017.

Eat Right. http://www.eatright.org. Combating High Blood Pressure. Academy of Nutrition and

Dietetics. 2017. Web. 1 July 2017.

Harvard Health Publications. Harvard Medical School. http://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-

health/8-things-you-can-do-to-prevent-a-stroke. 7 things you can do to prevent a stroke. 2017.

Web. 1 July 2017.

Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/home. Stroke. Mayo Foundation

for Medical Education and Research, n.d. 2017. Web. 1 July 2017.

National Stroke Association. http://www.stroke.org. Hope After Stroke. 2017. Web. 1 July

2017.

Wardlaw, Gordon M., Anne M. Smith, and Angela L. Collene. Contemporary Nutrition: A

Functional Approach. Fourth ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015. Print.