Stroke Prevention

1. Stroke Prevention A Guide for Caregivers Stroke Association of Southern California

2. PART I: Stroke Basics PART II: Preventing Recurrent Strokes PART III: Prevention is for Caregivers, Too Stroke Association of Southern California

3. Part I:Stroke Basics Stroke Association of Southern California

4. The Not-So-Good News • People who have had one stroke are, in most cases, at an increased risk for recurrent strokes • The stroke rate in the U.S. -- after declining for decades -- appears to be on the rise again Stroke Association of Southern California

5. The Good News • Experts say that over 70% of strokes could be prevented • There are simple steps that you and your family can take to lower the risks for stroke Stroke Association of Southern California

6. What Is A Stroke? • A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted or diminished. There are two basic types of stroke: • Ischemic - A blockage in a blood vessel • Hemorrhagic - A “bleed” Stroke Association of Southern California

7. Ischemic Hypertension (High blood pressure) Atherosclerosis (Build-up of fat deposits in artery) Heart and/or blood conditions that contribute to clotting Hemorrhagic Aneurysm (A bulging on the outer wall of an artery that bursts) AVM - Arteriovenous Malformation (A “tangle” of small blood vessels in the brain) What Causes A Stroke? Stroke Association of Southern California

8. Atherosclerosis Stroke Association of Southern California

9. Aneurysm Stroke Association of Southern California

10. AVM - Arteriovenous Malformation Stroke Association of Southern California

11. Part II:Preventing Recurrent Strokes Stroke Association of Southern California

12. Preventing Recurrent Strokes • Work with your Physician • Use Medications as Prescribed • Follow a Healthy Diet • Exercise Regularly • Quit Smoking • Manage Your Weight and Stress • Know the Warning Signs of Stroke Stroke Association of Southern California

13. 1. Work With Your Physician • Medication management is extremely important for stroke prevention • Proper treatment of related conditions (hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, etc.) helps prevent stroke • Surgery can sometimes lower risk Stroke Association of Southern California

14. 2. Medications • Antiplatelets a. Aspirin -- cheap & effective b. Ticlid c. Plavix • Anticoagulants a. Warfarin b. Heparin Stroke Association of Southern California

15. 2. Medications (continued) • Cholesterol Lowering Agents a. Statins b. Natural Substances • Antidiabetic Agents a. Insulin b. Oral Hypoglycemic drugs c. Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors d. Thiazolidinediones Stroke Association of Southern California

16. 2. Medications (continued) Antihypertensives • Diuretics • Angiotensin System Antagonists • Calcium Channel Blockers • Sympatholytics • Beta Blockers • Vasodilators Stroke Association of Southern California

17. 3. Diet The most stroke resistant diet: • Low Fat (particularly in saturated fat) • Low Sodium • High Intake of Fruits and Vegetables (5-6 servings daily) Stroke Association of Southern California

18. 3. Diet (continued) • High in Omega 3 fats • Smaller Portions (4 oz. or less) of Meats • High Fiber Intake Stroke Association of Southern California

19. Benefits Helps control blood pressure Helps relieve stress Helps body “burn” fats and lower obesity risk Reduces risk of cardio- vascular disease [Stroke survivors should consult doctor before beginning program] 4. Exercise Stroke Association of Southern California

20. 4. Exercise (continued) Other Benefits for Stroke Survivors • Promotes rehabilitation • Lessens depression • Raises energy level • Lessens risk of falling Stroke Association of Southern California

21. 5. Quit Smoking The health costs of smoking: • Contributes to atherosclerosis • Raises blood pressure • Reduces oxygen supply to the brain • Makes blood thicker and more likely to clot • Raises risks for stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and emphysema

22. 6. Manage Weight & Stress • Recent studies have proved that “extra weight” means extra stroke risk. Trim pounds and risk at the same time! • Unrelieved stress is hard on all the body systems. By practicing stress reduction techniques, you help prevent many diseases.

23. 7. Know the Stroke Warning Signs! • Sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body • Loss of speech, trouble talking or trouble understanding speech • Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in only one eye • Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls • Sudden severe headache with no apparent cause IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!

24. Part III:Stroke Prevention for Caregivers Stroke Association of Southern California

25. Stroke Prevention for Caregivers These same rules apply for everyone! • Get regular checkups • Work with your physician to treat any conditions that increase stroke risk • Eat a healthy stroke-resistant diet • Exercise regularly • If you smoke, stop • Practice stress reduction techniques • Allow time for yourself to see friends & enjoy life! Stroke Association of Southern California

26. Stroke Prevention for Caregivers • Unrelieved stress damages health • Depression is a stroke risk factor • If you don’t take good care of yourself, you can’t take good care of others • Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of wisdom!

27. The Stroke Association of Southern California has a telephone HelpLine that can help you find the resources your family needs for “living with stroke”. Call (310) 575-1699 The Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center provides many services for family caregivers, and is the lead agency for EduCare, a consortium of over 20 agencies helping caregivers. (800) 540-4442 / (213) 740-8711 Where To Go For Help

28. ThisPresentation was made possible with funding from the Los Angeles County Area Agency on Aging.