Pretest: Read these questions and try to answer them to the best of your ability. Then at the end the same questions will be asked with the correct answers to test if you have gained more knowledge about strokes and stroke prevention. Don't worry if you don't know the answer.
- Which of the following is a risk factor for a stroke? A) Low sodium diet B) Moderate exercise C) Low blood pressure D) Tobacco use
- Which of the following is NOT a sign of stroke? A) trouble speaking B) loose/relaxed muscles C) drooping on one side of the fece D) headache/dizziness
- What does FAST stand for regarding strokes? A) Feet, Asymmetry, Stance, Time to call 911 B) Face drooping, Arm weakness, Spastic movements, Tired C) Face Drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911
- Which of the following is true about stroke prevention? A) You should use extra salt during meals B) You should quit smoking C) You should avoid blood pressure medications D) There is nothing you can do to prevent a stroke
- True or False: Age is the most important risk factor for stroke. A) True B) False
Why is it important to know about strokes?
"Each year, approximately 1.5 million US adults have a heart attack or stroke, resulting in approximately 30 deaths every hour and, for nonfatal events, often leading to long-term disability."
Why is it important to take action now?
"In 2011, the US Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with nonprofit and private organizations, launched Million Hearts, an initiative focused on implementing clinical and community-level evidence-based strategies to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors and prevent a total of 1 million heart attacks and strokes during the 5-year period 2012-2016."
What are the risk factors for strokes?
"Age is the single most important risk factor for stroke. For each successive 10 years after age 55, the stroke rate more than doubles in both men and women. However, stroke is not an inevitable consequence of aging. By identifying and modifying risk factors in older people, nurses can partner with other providers to reduce the incidence, morbidity, and mortality associated with stroke in older adults."
- Current tobacco product smoking (including cigarette, cigar, or pipe use)
- Alcohol, Caffeine, Drug use
- Ingesting more than 3,594 mg of sodium a day
- High low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure, previous stroke, or personal history of A. Fib
- Obesity
- High levels of stress
- Age – For every 10 years you live, your risk of having a Stroke increases
- Gender – Men have 2 times greater risk for Stroke than women. However, more women die of Stroke
- Race – African Americans have 2 times greater risk of Stroke than other races. Hispanics and Asians have the greatest risk for Stroke from burst blood vessels
- Family History – Your risk of a Stroke is greater when heart attack, Stroke, or TIA runs in your family
What can you do to decrease your risk of stroke?
"Control of hypertension, resolution of dyslipidemia, management of diabetes mellitus, anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation, promotion of exercise and healthy diet, and cessation of cigarette smoking are of particular importance in older adults. Recognition of stroke symptoms, access to emergency evaluation and treatments, and participation in comprehensive rehabilitation may determine stroke outcomes in aging."
- Blood pressure medications, stress management, a healthy diet low in sodium and lipids, atrial fibrillation and diabetes management as prescribed if appropriate, exercise, and cessation of smoking are all steps that you can take and discuss with your health care provider.
You can save your life or another's!
What are the signs of stroke?
What to do if you suspect yourself or someone else of having a stroke?
Act FAST: look for facial drooping, determine if arm weakness is present, assess if speech is impaired, and call 911! All of these steps should be done quickly to determine if a stroke is occurring and to help get medical attention as soon as possible to decrease the risk of more severe outcomes or death
What are some community resources?
There are many community resources and programs dedicated to stroke prevention and care. Many of these resources can be found by clicking the button below or going to: https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/evaluation_resources.htm
Post Test: Use the content provided to answer these questions again and test your new knowledge!
- Which of the following is a risk factor for a stroke? A) Low sodium diet B) Moderate exercise C) Low blood pressure D) Tobacco use
- Which of the following is NOT a sign of stroke? A) trouble speaking B) loose/relaxed muscles C) drooping on one side of the fece D) numbness or tingling in limbs
- What does FAST stand for regarding strokes? A) Feet, Asymmetry, Stance, Time to call 911 B) Face drooping, Arm weakness, Spastic movements, Tired C) Face Drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911
- Which of the following is true about stroke prevention? A) You should use extra salt during meals B) You should quit smoking C) You should avoid blood pressure medications D) There is nothing you can do to prevent a stroke
- True or False: Age is the most important risk factor for stroke. A) True B) False
Answers: 1. D) Tobacco use 2. B) loose/relaxed muscles 3. C) Face Drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911 4. B) You should quit smoking 5. A) True
References:
Ritchey, M. D., P.T., Wall, H. K., M.P.H., Gillespie, C., M.S., George, M. G., M.D., & Jamal, A., M.B.B.S. (2014). Million hearts: Prevalence of leading cardiovascular disease risk factors - united states, 2005-2012. (). Atlanta: U.S. Center for Disease Control. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.proxy.libraries.uc.edu/docview/1535124371?accountid=2909
Michael, K. M., & Shaughnessy, M. (2006). Stroke Prevention and Management in Older Adults. The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing,21. doi:10.1097/00005082-200609001-00006. Retrieved from http://uc.summon.serialssolutions.com/search?q=stroke+prevention+older+adults&x=0&y=0#!/search?ho=t&l=en&q=stroke%20prevention%20older%20adults&x=0&y=0
The CDC. (2017, March 01). Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. Retrieved March 07, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/index.htm
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