What are the risk factors for a stroke? Part Two

By Paula Camposano-Robinson
(This is the second in a series about women and stroke.)

Last week, I outlined many of the symptoms that you should look for if you think someone is having a stroke (especially women) and the two major types of stroke.

In review, the most common type, ischemia, is caused by a blood clot or narrowing of a blood vessel (artery) leading to the brain.

In the second major kind of stroke, hemorrhagic, a broken blood vessel causes bleeding into the brain. This break in the vessel also stops oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain cells and may spill over into the brain.

In either case, you should never ignore the signs of a stroke. Call 911, even if the symptoms do not last that long.

The effects of a stroke vary from person to person, based on the location of the stroke, its severity and type.

Because the brain is divided into three main areas, it depends on the region in which the stroke occurred. The effects are very diverse, based on the exact location and type of stroke.

Specific impairments include movement, speech, vision, swallowing, language, regulation of emotions, thinking and reasoning, self-care ability, sensory impairment and right- and or left-sided weakness or paralysis. The list is extensive based on the location.

Diagnosis/screening

The physician will diagnose a stroke, based on your symptoms, medical history and specialized tests such as a CT or CAT scan. This procedure uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology that produces cross-sectional images or slices.
CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays and are used to detect abnormalities and also to identify the location or type of stroke. CT scans visualize both horizontal and vertical cross sections of any body part, including bones muscles, fat and organs.

MRIs can also be a diagnostic tool. A combination of large magnets, radio frequencies and a computer produce detailed images. These magnetic fields are able to detect small changes in the brain tissue and help to locate and diagnose a stroke.

Unlike the first two diagnostic tools, computed angiography is a nuclear brain scan in which radioactive compounds are injected into a vein in the arm, and a dedicated machine creates a map showing the compounds into various parts of the head.

The rationale for this test is to detect areas of decreased blood flow and/ or tissue damage.

Several other tests are available to evaluate the brain's electrical activity and blood flows. They include electroencephalogram (EEG); Doppler sonography, which records sounds created by blood flow as it passes through a partially blocked artery, and cerebral blood flow tests.

Risk factors

Although studies have shown that women take 46 percent longer than men to get to the emergency room after stroke symptoms begin, nearly 20 percent of women report that they do not know any of the risk factors; consequently, more women than men die from strokes, according to the National Stroke Association.

Many risk factors for stroke can be changed, treated or medically managed while some relate to hereditary or natural processes that cannot be changed, such as age, race, diabetes, history of prior stroke and/or family history of stroke.

The greatest risks are:

* High blood pressure. Keep it controlled;

* Diabetes. It is treatable but increases the risk for stroke;

* Heart disease is known to be the major cause of death among stroke survivors;

* Smoking;

* High blood cholesterol and lipids;

* Lack of physical activity and exercise;

* Obesity;

* Excessive alcohol use, more than two drinks per day is known to increase blood pressure. And binge drinking has been known to lead to strokes

* Cardiac diseases especially abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation, one of the most powerful yet treatable precursors of stroke.

To reduce your risk for stroke see your physician to help you control those factors that are treatable because studies suggest that up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable.

Next week, I will review some of the treatments and what you can expect, once diagnosed.

Paula Camposano-Robinson, R.N., is a 30-year Marco Island resident sharing her professional training and work experience in the health industry with her readers. This is an information-only column and not intended to replace medical advice from a physician. E-mail Probinson@sanitasole.net.

Paula Camposano-Robinson RN
Triad Healthcare Services, LLC
SANITASOLE
A caring place for adult daytime living and continuing health
probinson@sanitasole.net

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