Abstract WP345: Stroke Risk Factors Screening and Education: A Regional Strategy to Address Stroke Prevalence and Mortality in Eastern North Carolina

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry M Congleton ◽  
Cristine W Small ◽  
Susan D Freeman

Background: Eastern North Carolina (ENC) stroke mortality is 12 percent higher than the rest of the state. Often, geographical and sociological barriers prevent people residing in our rural communities from seeking routine health care. Stroke risk factors are known. The purpose of this initiative is to reduce the stroke prevalence and mortality in ENC through community risk factors screening and education. Methods: Medical center volunteers’ staff the screening and volunteer hours are recorded in a community benefit database. Each participant completes a standardized evidenced based assessment. Information collected at each screening includes demographic data, cardiovascular history, knowledge of stroke/transient ischemia signs and symptoms. Clinical metrics obtained are finger stick for random lipid panel and blood glucose, body mass index, hip to waist ratio and carotid bruit screen. Based on the screening results, education, recommendations and referrals are reviewed with every participant. Results: From 2007-2010 the screening volume doubled. In 2011, there was a reduction in screening volume as our system hospitals expanded their community stroke outreach efforts. Approximately 4900 community screenings have been conducted from 2007-2011. Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol respectively are most frequently occurring stroke risks factor found, which is consistent with national trends. Stroke mortality has decreased in the region while transient ischemia attack admissions volume has increased at our certified primary stroke center and regional referral center. Conclusions: In conclusion, primary and secondary prevention through community outreach education, risk factors screening and regional collaboration has made a difference. The region has seen a decrease in stroke prevalence and mortality in ENC. Further reduction is necessary to continue to make an even greater impact. Future directions for the stroke risk factor identification screening is to further integrate community efforts and seeks grant opportunities to establish stroke prevention and management clinics throughout the region.

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn M Aycock ◽  
Kenya D Kirkendoll ◽  
Kisha C Coleman ◽  
Karen C Albright ◽  
Anne W Alexandrov

Background & Purpose: Young to middle aged African Americans (AA) are at greater risk for a first-ever stroke, severe neurologic disability, and stroke-related mortality, than Caucasians of similar age; however, it remains unclear what role a family history of stroke (FHS) plays in promoting adoption of healthier lifestyles in this cohort. The purpose of this study was to explore differences between rural Stroke Belt AA with a FHS (e.g. parent/grandparent/sibling) on modifiable stroke risk factors, knowledge, perceived threat and perceived control of stroke, and exercise behaviors to AA without a FHS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted recruiting AA aged 19-54 from the Black Belt region of Alabama via a mobile health clinic. Participants’ perceptions, knowledge, exercise history/intent, physiologic data, and health history were recorded. Results: Participants (N=66) averaged 43.3+9.4 years, were 71% female, with at least 12 years of school (89%), and unemployed (62%). Common risk factors were insufficient exercise (76%), obesity (59%), hypertension (53%; blood pressure M=145+17.6/88.3+12.9), and cigarette smoking (38%). Participants with a FHS (n=33) did not differ on average number of risk factors compared to those without a FHS (FHS 2.8+1.4 vs. 2.2+1.5; t(64)= 1.73, p=.089), nor did they differ on physiologic data. However, participants with a FHS were more likely to report a history of hypertension (67%) compared to those without a FHS (33%; χ2 =4.93, p <.05). There were no significant differences between groups for knowledge of stroke risk factors, perceived threat and perceived control of stroke, or recent exercise performance, although participants with a FHS (3.4+1.2) had significantly lower future intentions to exercise compared to those without a FHS (3.9+0.8); t(64)=2.45, p<.05). Conclusions: Although FHS is a significant non-modifiable risk factor for stroke and was common in this young to middle-aged AA cohort, FHS did not drive perceived stroke risk, risk factor control, or current/future intentions to exercise. Identification of interventions designed to personalize FHS as a key stroke risk factor, while promoting lifestyle change and self-management, may play an important role in future primary stroke prevention.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramon Corbalan ◽  
Antonio C Pereira Barretto ◽  
Giuseppe Ambrosio ◽  
Wael Al Mahmeed ◽  
Jean-Yves Le Heuzey ◽  
...  

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is commonly associated with heart failure (HF) and this combination is associated with a worse prognosis than either alone. However, it is unclear if these patients receive appropriate antithrombotic therapies and if they have a higher incidence of stroke or systemic embolism (SE). Methods: We compared clinical characteristics, antithrombotic therapies, and outcomes in patients with and without HF in the GARFIELD Registry, an ongoing, international, observational registry of consecutively recruited patients with newly diagnosed non-valvular AF and ≥1 additional stroke risk factor. A total of 12,458 prospective patients were enrolled in 30 countries between March 2010 and January 2013. Results are reported at 1-year follow-up. HF was defined at baseline as New York Heart Association (NYHA) I-II or III-IV. Antithrombotic therapy use and 1-year outcomes in patients with and without HF were analysed. Results: In total, 20% of patients had HF; they were older and had higher CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores compared with patients without HF. A higher proportion of patients with HF received antithrombotic therapies. The incidence of all-cause death was higher in HF patients than non-HF patients. Patients with NYHA class III-IV HF had a higher unadjusted incidence of all-cause death and stroke/SE compared with non-HF patients: 10.5 (95% confidence interval 8.8 to 12.7) vs 2.9 (2.7 to 3.2) per 100 person-years and 1.9 (1.2 to 3.0) vs 1.0 (0.8 to 1.2) per 100 person-years, respectively. Event rates slightly changed after adjustment for stroke risk factors. Conclusion: More AF patients with HF received antithrombotic therapies compared with those without HF. They also showed a higher incidence of all-cause death with increasing HF severity compared with AF patients without HF. After adjustment for stroke risk factors, this association was slightly attenuated.


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Kaddumukasa ◽  
Jane Nakibuuka ◽  
James Kayima ◽  
Elly Katabira ◽  
Carol Blixen ◽  
...  

Background: Stroke is a neurological condition with rapidly increasing burden in many low- and middle-income countries. Africa is particularly hard-hit due to rapid population growth, patterns of industrialization, adoption of harmful western diets, and increased prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension and obesity. Reducing stroke risk factors and teaching people to respond to stroke warning signs can prevent stroke and reduce burden. However, being able to address gaps in knowledge and improving both preventative and early-response care requires a clear understanding of practical and potentially modifiable topics. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in urban Mukono district in central Uganda. Through a systematic sampling method, data were gathered from 440 adult participants who were interviewed about selected aspects of stroke knowledge, attitudes and perception, using a pretested structured questionnaire. Results: Of the 440 study participants enrolled for this study nearly 52% correctly reported that stroke involves the brain, while 57% reported that stroke is preventable. Majority of the participants 75.7% reported stress as a contributing factor. Only 45.7% of the study participants reported hypertension as a risk factor. Only two (0.5%) study participants identified cigarette smoking as a stroke risk factor. Of the eighty six study participants with hypertension only 39.5% knew hypertension as a risk factor and only 10.7% knew three or more stroke risk factors. Conclusion: Stroke knowledge is poor in urban Uganda. Individuals with hypertension had poor knowledge regarding stroke in spite their high risk for stroke. Stress and hypertension are the leading perceived risk factors in our settings. While stress is highly reported as a stroke risk factor in this study hypertension is likely a more amenable and practical intervention target.


2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (10) ◽  
pp. 826-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flemming Skjøth ◽  
Peter Nielsen ◽  
Torben Bjerregaard Larsen ◽  
Gregory Lip

SummaryOral anticoagulation (OAC) to prevent stroke has to be balanced against the potential harm of serious bleeding, especially intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). We determined the net clinical benefit (NCB) balancing effectiveness and safety of no antithrombotic therapy, aspirin and warfarin in AF patients with none or one stroke risk factor. Using Danish registries, we determined NCB using various definitions intrinsic to our cohort (Danish weights at 1 and 5 year follow-up), with risk weights which were derived from the hazard ratio (HR) of death following an event, relative to HR of death after ischaemic stroke. When aspirin was compared to no treatment, NCB was neutral or negative for both risk strata. For warfarin vs no treatment, NCB using Danish weights was neutral where no risk factors were present and using five years follow-up. For one stroke risk factor, NCB was positive for warfarin vs no treatment, for one year and five year follow-up. For warfarin vs aspirin use in patients with no risk factors, NCB was positive with one year follow-up, but neutral with five year follow-up. With one risk factor, NCB was generally positive for warfarin vs aspirin. In conclusion, we show a positive overall advantage (i.e. positive NCB) of effective stroke prevention with OAC, compared to no therapy or aspirin with one additional stroke risk factor, using Danish weights. ‘Low risk’ AF patients with no additional stroke risk factors (i.e. CHA2DS2-VASc 0 in males, 1 in females) do not derive any advantage (neutral or negative NCB) with aspirin, nor with warfarin therapy in the long run.Note: The review process for this manuscript was fully handled by Christian Weber, Editor in Chief.


Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna King ◽  
Clotilde Balucani ◽  
Dimitre Stefanov ◽  
Mary Rosser ◽  
Brian Tark ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Women have higher lifetime risk of stroke than men. Many women rely solely on their Ob/Gyn as their PCP; however, there are no data on women’s perceptions of stroke prevention (SP) care by their Ob/Gyn. OBJECTIVES: to explore (1) women’s perceptions of SP based on their PCP’s specialty; (2) if ethnicity or age influenced women’s selection of PCP specialty; and (3) women’s awareness of stroke prevalence and preferences for which type of PCP address their stroke risk factors. METHODS: We administered surveys to 224 women at Ob/Gyn (n = 132) and PCP (n = 94) clinics in Brooklyn, NY. Surveys consisted of 16 questions on patient demographics, awareness of stroke prevalence, stroke risk factors, specialties of physicians they regularly visit, preferences for SP and SP care received. Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare ordinal variables. Fisher’s exact test was used for categorical variables. RESULTS: We found a difference (p < 0.0001) in the mean age (but not in other demographic variables) of women who only visited an Ob/Gyn (30.0yrs±6.0) compared with those who visited an Ob/Gyn and another PCP (44.2±15.9) and those who visited at least one non-Ob/Gyn PCP (55.7±17.7). Women recalled: BP measurement by Ob/Gyn in 75% vs. 95% by other PCP (p<0.001); cholesterol measurement by Ob/Gyn 24% vs. other PCP 59% (p<0.0001); diabetes screening (p = 0.17) and weight measurement (p = 1.0) were similar. Awareness of stroke prevalence differed (p = 0.04) among women visiting only an Ob/Gyn (mean 0.5±0.7 correct answers), women visiting Ob/Gyn and at least one other PCP (1.0±0.8) and women visiting only a non-Ob/Gyn PCP (1.2±0.8). Women reported a greater preference for addressing SP with their non-Ob/Gyn PCP (73%) vs. their Ob/Gyn (2%) vs. no preference (26%). CONCLUSIONS: Ob/Gyn are perceived to provide less SP care than non-Ob/Gyn PCP. However, most women would prefer to address SP with their non-Ob/Gyn PCP. Women who visit only an Ob/Gyn and no other PCP were younger and less aware of stroke prevalence than women who visited other PCP. This surrogate approach to actual SP care evaluation suggests a need for assessing Ob/Gyn practices in SP.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 532-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Ellis

Racial differences have been observed in stroke-related knowledge and knowledge of specific stroke risk factors and stroke prevention practices. Using data from 134 male stroke survivors, racial differences in overall knowledge, risk factor knowledge, and stroke prevention practices were examined using the Stroke Knowledge Test. Knowledge that diabetes doubles ones risk of stroke was present in 48% of the participants, while knowledge of aspirin in the prevention of stroke by stopping blood clot formation was reported in 83% of the participants. Findings indicate participants were knowledgeable that obesity increased risk of stroke (71%) and high blood pressure was the most important stroke risk factor (70%). Participants indicated knowledge that diet, exercise, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol reduces risk of stroke (86%). In regression models, there were no significant race differences in overall stroke knowledge or the odds of knowledge of information related to stroke risk factors and stroke prevention practices after adjusting for age, education, and marital status. Although stroke-related knowledge did not differ by race, stroke survivors exhibited gaps in stroke knowledge particularly of knowledge of common risk factors. These factors should be considered in approaches to improve stroke-related knowledge in all stroke survivors.


2007 ◽  
Vol 60 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 255-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara Rabi-Zikic ◽  
Marija Zarkov ◽  
Aleksandra Nedic ◽  
Petar Slankamenac ◽  
Zeljko Zivanovic ◽  
...  

Inbtroduction: Recent epidemiological, clinical, neuroimaging and neuropathological studies have reported substantial evidence on the complex interactive relationships between depression and cerebrovascular diseases, especially in older populations, and plausible explanations of the etiopathogenetic mechanisms in both directions have been proposed. Poststroke depression Although there is no general consensus regarding its prevalence, it is widely accepted that major depression after stroke is common and that it should be recognized as a key factor in rehabilitation and outcome following stroke. Vascular depression The "vascular depression" hypothesis presupposes that late-onset depression may often result from vascular damage to frontal-subcortical circuits implicated in mood regulation. This concept has stimulated many researches and the obtained results support the proposed hypothesis. Depression as a stroke risk factor Recent large studies have emphasized the role of depression per se in the development of subsequent stroke. Mechanisms proposed to explain the increased risk of cerebrovascular diseases in depressed patients There are a number of plausible mechanisms that could explain why depression may increase the risk of subsequent cerebrovascular disease, the most important being sympathoadrenal hyperactivity, platelet activation, an increase in inflammatory cytokines and an increased risk of arrhythmias. Conclusion: Thorough clinical examinations determining the conventional stroke risk factors in the population with depression, as well as management of depression as part of the overall measures for the reduction of cerebrovascular risk factors are of utmost importance.


Author(s):  
Sun Young Choi ◽  
Moo Hyun Kim ◽  
Kwang Min Lee ◽  
Young‐Rak Cho ◽  
Jong Sung Park ◽  
...  

Background The CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc score has been validated for stroke risk prediction in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Antithrombotic therapy is not recommended for low‐risk patients with AF (CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc 0 [male] or 1 [female]). We studied a cohort of initially low‐risk patients with AF in relation to their development of incident comorbidities and their treatment on oral anticoagulation therapy. Methods and Results We assessed data from 14 441 low‐risk patients with AF (CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc score of 0 [male] or 1 [female]) using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, in relation to their development of incident stroke risk factors and adverse outcomes. The clinical end point was the occurrence of ischemic stroke, major bleeding, all‐cause death, or the composite outcome (ischemic stroke + major bleeding + all‐cause death). In our cohort, 2615 (29.1%) male and 1650 (30.3%) female patients acquired at least 1 new stroke risk factor during a mean follow‐up of 2.0 years. Among the patients with an increasing CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc score ≥1, male and female patients treated with oral anticoagulants had a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke (male: hazard ratio [HR], 0.62 [95% CI, 0.44–0.82; P =0.003]; female: HR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.47–0.84; P =0.007]), all‐cause death (male: HR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.49–0.88; P =0.009]; female: HR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.63–1.02; P =0.185]), and composite outcomes (male: HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.61–0.95; P =0.042]; female: HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.62–0.96; P =0.045]) than patients not treated with oral anticoagulants. Conclusions Approximately 30% of patients acquired ≥1 stroke risk factor over a 2‐year follow‐up period. Low‐risk patients with AF should be regularly reassessed to adequately identify those with incident stroke risk factors that would merit thromboprophylaxis for the prevention of stroke and the composite outcome.


Vascular ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 497-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maged M Metias ◽  
Naomi Eisenberg ◽  
Michael D Clemente ◽  
Elizabeth M Wooster ◽  
Andrew D Dueck ◽  
...  

Background The level of knowledge of stroke risk factors and stroke symptoms within a population may determine their ability to recognize and ultimately react to a stroke. Independent agencies have addressed this through extensive awareness campaigns. The aim of this study was to determine the change in baseline knowledge of stroke risk factors, symptoms, and source of stroke knowledge in a high-risk Toronto population between 2010 and 2015. Methods Questionnaires were distributed to adults presenting to cardiovascular clinics at the University of Toronto in Toronto, Canada. In 2010 and 2015, a total of 207 and 818 individuals, respectively, participated in the study. Participants were identified as stroke literate if they identified (1) at least one stroke risk factor and (2) at least one stroke symptom. Results A total of 198 (95.6%) and 791 (96.7%) participants, respectively, completed the questionnaire in 2010 and 2015. The most frequently identified risk factors for stroke in 2010 and 2015 were, respectively, smoking (58.1%) and hypertension (49.0%). The most common stroke symptom identified was trouble speaking (56.6%) in 2010 and weakness, numbness or paralysis (67.1%) in 2015. Approximately equal percentages of respondents were able to identify ≥1 risk factor (80.3% vs. 83.1%, p = 0.34) and ≥1 symptom (90.9% vs. 88.7%, p = 0.38). Overall, the proportion of respondents who were able to correctly list ≥1 stroke risk factors and stroke symptoms was similar in both groups.(76.8% vs. 75.5%, p = 0.70). The most commonly reported stroke information resource was television (61.1% vs. 67.6%, p = 0.09). Conclusion Stroke literacy has remained stable in this selected high-risk population despite large investments in public campaigns over recent years. However, the baseline remains high over the study period. Evaluation of previous campaigns and development of targeted advertisements using more commonly used media sources offer opportunities to enhance education.


BMC Medicine ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abolfazl Avan ◽  
Hadi Digaleh ◽  
Mario Di Napoli ◽  
Saverio Stranges ◽  
Reza Behrouz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with stroke incidence and mortality. Distribution of stroke risk factors is changing worldwide; evidence on these trends is crucial to the allocation of resources for prevention strategies to tackle major modifiable risk factors with the highest impact on stroke burden. Methods We extracted data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017. We analysed trends in global and SES-specific age-standardised stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost from 1990 to 2017. We also estimated the age-standardised attributable risk of stroke mortality associated with common risk factors in low-, low-middle-, upper-middle-, and high-income countries. Further, we explored the effect of age and sex on associations of risk factors with stroke mortality from 1990 to 2017. Results Despite a growth in crude number of stroke events from 1990 to 2017, there has been an 11.3% decrease in age-standardised stroke incidence rate worldwide (150.5, 95% uncertainty interval [UI] 140.3–161.8 per 100,000 in 2017). This has been accompanied by an overall 3.1% increase in age-standardised stroke prevalence rate (1300.6, UI 1229.0–1374.7 per 100,000 in 2017) and a 33.4% decrease in age-standardised stroke mortality rate (80.5, UI 78.9–82.6 per 100,000 in 2017) over the same time period. The rising trends in age-standardised stroke prevalence have been observed only in middle-income countries, despite declining trends in age-standardised stroke incidence and mortality in all income categories since 2005. Further, there has been almost a 34% reduction in stroke death rate (67.8, UI 64.1–71.1 per 100,000 in 2017) attributable to modifiable risk factors, more prominently in wealthier countries. Conclusions Almost half of stroke-related deaths are attributable to poor management of modifiable risk factors, and thus potentially preventable. We should appreciate societal barriers in lower-SES groups to design tailored preventive strategies. Despite improvements in general health knowledge, access to healthcare, and preventative strategies, SES is still strongly associated with modifiable risk factors and stroke burden; thus, screening of people from low SES at higher stroke risk is crucial.


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