What are the risk factors for cerebrovascular accidents
QUESTION
What are the risk factors for cerebrovascular accidents and why are they so?
What cultures are most vulnerable, and why?
Describe the 0 to 4+ scoring scale for deep tendon reflexes.
What would you expect to find in a diabetic patient with peripheral neuropathy?
Please elaborate on any experiences you have had.
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What are the risk factors for cerebrovascular accidents
ANSWER
Who is at risk of having a stroke?
A stroke can happen to anyone at any age. However, if you have certain risk factors, your chances of having a stroke increase. Some stroke risk factors can be changed or managed, while others cannot.
Risk factors for stroke that can be altered, treated, or managed medically include:
Blood pressure is high. Blood vessels (arteries) that supply blood to the brain can be damaged by blood pressure of 140/90 or higher.
Cardiovascular disease Heart disease is the second leading cause of stroke and the leading cause of death among stroke survivors. Many of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke are the same.
Diabetes. People with diabetes are more likely to have a stroke than those who do not have diabetes.
Smoking. Smoking nearly doubles your risk of having an ischemic stroke.
Pills for birth control (oral contraceptives)
The Origins of TIAs (transient ischemic attacks). Mini-strokes are another term for TIAs. They exhibit the same symptoms as stroke, but the symptoms are transient. If you’ve had one or more TIAs, you’re nearly ten times more likely to have a stroke than someone your age and gender who hasn’t had a TIA.
Red blood cell count is elevated. A significant increase in the number of red blood cells thickens the blood and increases the likelihood of clots. This increases the likelihood of having a stroke.
High levels of cholesterol and lipids in the blood. High cholesterol levels can contribute to artery thickening or hardening (atherosclerosis) caused by plaque buildup. Plaque is a buildup of fatty acids, cholesterol, and calcium. Plaque accumulation on the inside of the artery walls can reduce blood flow to the brain. A stroke occurs when the brain’s blood supply is cut off.
Lack of physical activity
Obesity
Excessive alcohol consumption. More than two alcoholic beverages per day raises blood pressure. Binge drinking can result in a stroke.
Drugs that are illegal. IV (intravenous) drug abuse increases the risk of stroke due to blood clots (cerebral embolisms). Cocaine and other drugs have been linked to strokes, heart attacks, and a variety of other cardiovascular issues.
Atypical heart rhythm. Some types of heart disease can increase your chances of having a stroke. The most powerful and treatable heart risk factor for stroke is an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation).
Heart structural abnormalities Long-term (chronic) heart damage can be caused by damaged heart valves (valvular heart disease). This can increase your risk of stroke over time.
Unchangeable stroke risk factors include:
Getting older. After the age of 55, your chances of having a stroke more than double.
Race. African Americans are much more likely than whites to die or be disabled as a result of a stroke. This is due in part to the African-American population’s higher prevalence of hypertension.
Gender. Stroke occurs more frequently in men, but stroke kills more women than men.
Previous stroke history You are more likely to have a second stroke if you have already had one.
Genetics or heredity. People who have a family history of stroke are more likely to have one.
Other risk factors are:
Where you reside. Strokes are more common in the southeastern United States than in other regions. This could be due to differences in lifestyle, race, smoking habits, and diet.
Climate, season, and temperature Stroke deaths are more common in extreme temperatures.
Factors of social and economic importance Strokes appear to be more common in low-income people, according to some evidence.