Stroke

When the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, a stroke occurs. Within a few minutes, brain cells begin to die.

Stroke is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment could mean the difference between life and death. Early treatment can also minimize damage to the brain and potential disability.

The carotid artery supplies blood to the brain and face. When it becomes narrowed by a build-up of fat (plaque), blood flow to the brain is reduced. Reduced blood flow and clots which form may both lead to a stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA).

"Early control of high blood pressure may drastically reduce the number of individuals who die each year from hypertension-related illnesses, according to the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VII)."

American Heart Association. Statistics You Need to Know. Dallas, Tex: American Heart Association; 2005
This substantiates the claim that more than half of all Americans with chronic diseases don’t follow their physician’s medication and lifestyle guidance. Heart disease and stroke can often be prevented, but these diseases remain the number 1 and number 3 killers of Americans, and the demand for treatments continues to grow. From 1979 to 2002, the number of cardiovascular operations and procedures increased 470%. The failure of patients to follow medical advice unquestionably contributes to this problem.

Treatment for depression can shorten the rehabilitation process, lead to more rapid recovery and resumption of routine, and save health care costs (e.g., eliminate nursing home expenses).

Stroke can occur in all age groups and can happen even to fetuses still in the womb; but three-fourths of strokes occur in people 65 years of age and over, making stroke a leading cause of disability in older persons. Of the 600,000 American men and women who experience a first or recurrent stroke each year, an estimated 10 to 27 percent experience major depression. An additional 15 to 40 percent experience some symptoms of depression within 2 months following a stroke.

National air quality maps and a summary by AirNow tell you whether the air in your area is good, unhealthy, unhealthy for sensitive people, hazardous, etc. Ozone and particulate levels are given for specific cities.

According to an article by HeartCenterOnline, "Being overweight and obese has long been associated with an increased risk of heart disease. " Being overweight as a teen leads to an increased risk of disease later in life.

Physical effects, communication and swallowing, and behavioral effects after a stroke are discussed in this article as an aid to recovery and care.

Involuntary contraction of muscles can cause stiffness and tightness because of the brain injury caused by the stroke. Balance can also be affected causing serious falls. Central pain syndrome (thalamic pain) can also result.