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PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND ETIOLOGY
Causes
The primary pathophysiology of stoke is an
underlying heart or blood vessel disease. The secondary
manifestations in the brain are the result of one or more
of these underlying diseases or risk factors. The primary
pathologies include hypertension, atherosclerosis-->
coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia, heart disease, and
hyperlipidemia. The two types of stroke that result from
these disease states are ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
Non-reducable Risk
Factors
- The possibilities of a stroke occurring increases with
age. For every decade (10 years) over the age of 55, the
possibility of a stroke occurring doubles. A patient that
is 75 years of age has four times the risk of having a
stroke compared to someone who is 55 years old. Of all
strokes that occur in people, approximately 65% occur
in those who are over the age of 65.
- Those who have had a stroke or TIA are more likely
to have another stroke or transient ischemic attack. Approximately
60% of strokes occur in patients who have had a previous
TIA.
- Strokes generally occur more often in males than females,
until the age of 55; after age 55 the risk is the same
for both men and women.
- The occurrence of stroke is higher in the African-American,
Hispanic, and Asian-Pacific Islander population than in
other ethnical backgrounds.
- Patients who have immediate family members (mother,
father, or sibling) that have had a stroke or TIA are
at greater risk for having a stroke or TIA than those
who do not have a family history with these events.
- People who have diabetes are also at greater risk of
stroke that those without diabetes.
Reducable Risk
Factors
- Lower your high blood pressure. Hypertension (high blood
pressure) is the number one most treatable risk factor
for stroke. You can help prevent a TIA or stroke considerably
by working to lower your blood pressure.
- Lowering cholesterol levels may decrease the risk of
stroke. By working to lower your cholesterol, you can
help prevent a TIA or stroke.
- Stop smoking. If you stop smoking, you can decrease
your risk for stroke to that of a non-smoker within two
to five years. This can significantly reduce your
- Management of heart disease and diabetes may also help
to decrease your risk of stroke.
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Stroke Education
