scholarly journals Lifestyle Modification for Secondary Stroke Prevention

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan R. Bailey

Of nearly 800 000 strokes that occur annually, 23% are recurrent events. Risk for disability and mortality is higher following a recurrent stroke than following a first-time stroke, which makes secondary stroke prevention a priority. Many risk factors for stroke are modifiable and amenable to improvement through lifestyle modification. Lifestyle modification can be difficult for people with stroke, however, in part because of stroke-related physical and cognitive deficits. Despite these challenges, risk factor management through lifestyle modification is important. This article reviews the multiple cardiovascular and metabolic benefits associated with the modification of several lifestyle behaviors: diet, physical activity, smoking cessation, and alcohol consumption. Health behavior theories and existing lifestyle intervention programs are also reviewed to identify important behavioral and cognitive skills that can be used to facilitate modification of health behaviors, and practical skills and suggestions for health care providers are provided.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mridula Bandyopadhyay

Abstract Background South Asian women are at a high risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus than other women in Australia. Gestational diabetes affects up to 14–19% of all pregnancies among South Asian, South East Asian, and Arabic populations placing women at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although, gestational diabetes resolves after childbirth, women with gestational diabetes are up to seven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes within five to ten years of the index pregnancy. Increasingly, South Asian women are being diagnosed with gestational diabetes in Australia. Therefore, we aimed to gain a better understanding of the lived experiences of South Asian women and their experiences of self-management and their health care providers’ perspectives of treatment strategies. Methods Using an ethnographic qualitative research methodology, semi-structured one-on-one, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 21 health care providers involved in gestational diabetes management and treatment from the three largest tertiary level maternity hospitals in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 South Asian women post diagnosis between 24–28 weeks gestation in pregnancy. Results Health care providers had challenges in providing care to South Asian women. The main challenge was to get women to self-manage their blood glucose levels with lifestyle modification. Whilst, women felt self-management information provided were inadequate and inappropriate to their needs. Women felt ‘losing control over their pregnancy’, because of being preoccupied with diet and exercise to control their blood glucose level. Conclusions The gestational diabetes clinical practice at the study hospitals were unable to meet consumer expectations. Health care providers need to be familiar of diverse patient cultures, rather than applying the current ‘one size fits all’ approach that failed to engage and meet the needs of immigrant and ethnic women. Future enabling strategies should aim to co-design and develop low Glycaemic Index diet plans of staple South Asian foods and lifestyle modification messages.


Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Xian ◽  
Haolin Xu ◽  
Deepak L Bhatt ◽  
Gregg C Fonarow ◽  
Eric E Smith ◽  
...  

Introduction: Aspirin is one of the most commonly used medications for cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention. Many older patients who present with a first or recurrent stroke are already on aspirin monotherapy, yet little evidence is available to guide antithrombotic strategies for these patients. Method: Using data from the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Registry, we described discharge antithrombotic treatment pattern among Medicare beneficiaries without atrial fibrillation who were discharged alive for acute ischemic stroke from 1734 hospitals in the United States between October 2012 and December 2017. Results: Of 261,634 ischemic stroke survivors, 100,016 (38.2%) were on prior aspirin monotherapy (median age 78 years; 53% women; 79.4% initial stroke and 20.6% recurrent stroke). The most common discharge antithrombotics (Figure) were 81 mg aspirin monotherapy (20.9%), 325 mg aspirin monotherapy (18.2%), clopidogrel monotherapy (17.8%), and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) of 81 mg aspirin and clopidogrel (17.1%). Combined, aspirin monotherapy, clopidogrel monotherapy, and DAPT accounted for 86.8% of discharge antithrombotics. The rest of 13.2% were discharged on either aspirin/dipyridamole, warfarin or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants with or without antiplatelet, or no antithrombotics at all. Among patients with documented stroke etiology (TOAST criteria), 81 mg aspirin monotherapy (21.2-24.0%) was the most commonly prescribed antithrombotic for secondary stroke prevention. The only exception was those with large-artery atherosclerosis, in which, 25.3% received DAPT of 81 mg aspirin and clopidogrel at discharge. Conclusion: Substantial variations exist in discharge antithrombotic therapy for secondary stroke prevention in ischemic stroke with prior aspirin failure. Future research is needed to identify best management strategies to care for this complex but common clinical scenario.


2019 ◽  
Vol 132 (4) ◽  
pp. 489-497.e1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Grabovac ◽  
Lee Smith ◽  
Sinisa Stefanac ◽  
Sandra Haider ◽  
Chao Cao ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  

After having a stroke the main challenges are reducing the risk of recurrent stroke, improving impaired brain function, quality of life, independence in activities of daily living and reintegration into the community. [1] Lesion-induced impairment of brain function also has, besides its effects on e.g. motor, sensory, visual and speech function, an influence on e.g. cognition and mood, all of which are determinants of post-stroke physical activity. The evidence for a benefit of physical activity in secondary stroke prevention is increasing and treatment strategies aimed at factors which are limiting physical activity are more and more recognized.


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽  
Aristeidis H Katsanos ◽  
Angeliki Filippatou ◽  
Efstathios Manios ◽  
Spyridon Deftereos ◽  
...  

Background & Purpose: Current recommendations do not specifically address the optimal blood pressure (BP) cut-off for secondary stroke prevention in patients with previous cerebrovascular events. We conducted a systematic review and meta-regression analysis on the association of BP reduction with recurrent stroke and cardiovascular events using data from randomized-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of secondary stroke prevention. Methods: For all reported events during each eligible study period we calculated the corresponding risk ratios (RRs) to express the comparison of event occurrence risk between patients randomized to antihypertensive treatment and those randomized to placebo. Based on the reported BP values, we performed univariate meta-regression analyses according to achieved BP values under the random-effects model (Method of Moments) for those outcome events reported in ≥10 total subgroups of included RCTs. Results: In pairwise meta-analyses of 14 RCTs comprising 42,736 patients antihypertensive treatment lowered the risk for recurrent stroke (RR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.62-0.87, p<0.001), disabling or fatal stroke (RR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.59-0.85, p<0.001) and cardiovascular death (RR=0.85, 95%CI: 0.75-0.96, p=0.010). In meta-regression analyses systolic BP reduction was linearly related to lower risk of recurrent stroke (p=0.049; Figure A), myocardial infarction (p=0.024), death from any cause (p=0.001) and cardiovascular death (p<0.001). Similarly, diastolic BP reduction was linearly related to a lower risk of recurrent stroke (p=0.026; Figure B) and all-cause mortality (p=0.009). Funnel plot inspection and Egger’s statistical test revealed no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion: The extent of BP reduction is linearly associated with the magnitude of risk reduction in recurrent cerebro- and cardio-vascular events. Strict and aggressive BP control appears to be essential for effective secondary stroke prevention.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 4805-4805
Author(s):  
Eve S Puffer ◽  
Melanie J Bonner ◽  
Courtney D Thornburg

Abstract Abstract 4805 Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and a primary overt stroke are at high risk of recurrent (secondary) stroke. Chronic blood transfusion (CBT) dramatically reduces but does not eliminate this high risk, and results in transfusion-related hemosiderosis. We previously reported the use of hydroxyurea/phlebotomy as an alternative to CBT to reduce the risk of secondary stroke and improve management of iron overload (Ware et al. J Pediatr 2004). This study examines the caregiver and child experience with secondary stroke prevention. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with primary caregivers and children/adolescents (age > 5 years) recruited from the Duke Pediatric Sickle Cell Program. The interviewer (E.P.) asked about perceptions of risk of recurrent stroke and iron overload with and without therapy and facilitators and barriers of therapy. Interviews were coded and analyzed independently by two investigators (E.P and C.T.). The sample included 14 youth (10 males) with a median age of 12.5 years (range 3–17). All primary caregivers were female. Twelve children had a history of overt stroke and 2 had a history of silent stroke. All children had experience with CBT and 9 were receiving CBT at the time of the interview. Eleven children had experience taking hydroxyurea and 5 were taking hydroxyurea at the time of the interview. All caregivers agreed that their child was at risk of recurrent stroke, identified benefit of current treatment and reported high motivation to adhere to treatment protocols. They noted significant impact that stroke had on school functioning, attention, personality, participation in sports and overall quality of life. Caregiver-reported barriers to CBT and hydroxyurea fell into three main categories: (1) missed work and school and related consequences; (2) unexpected resource-related challenges; and (3) inconvenience of clinic appointments, all of which contributed to burden on the family and sometimes missed clinic appointments and treatments. There were higher levels of concern expressed by caregivers of children on CBT related to the higher frequency and longer length of medical appointments compared with those taking hydroxyurea. The primary child-reported barrier was dislike of needles or shots (although this decreased with age as expected); those taking hydroxyurea also noted that they sometimes forgot to take the medication if they were busy with other activities or fell asleep. Caregiver-reported facilitators of CBT and hydroxyurea included: (1) understanding importance of stroke prevention and connection to consistent treatment; (2) ancillary benefits of treatments in addition to stroke prevention; (3) link between treatment and long-term benefits. Caregivers were able to overcome treatment barriers via the following: (1) logistical supports including appointment and medication reminders; (2) shared responsibility with other family members including the child; (3) trust in medical staff; and (4) faith. Although children disliked needles and shots, many enjoyed the clinic visits due to fun activities in the clinic setting and rewards. In addition, iron overload was a significant concern for caregivers. For those with children on CBT, knowledge of the risks of iron overload motivated adherence with oral iron chelation. Automatic refills facilitated adherence with chelation therapy, but the taste of the medication was a major barrier to adequate iron chelation. Caregivers of children taking hydroxyurea noted the benefit of avoiding iron overload. Of those who had undergone phlebotomy, in-home phlebotomy was noted as a facilitator, though requirement for IV contributed to negative perception. In summary, as clinicians review options for secondary stroke prevention with families, they should discuss family perceptions and individual barriers and facilitators which may impact adherence with therapy and long-term outcome. Future research should also investigate whether these family perceptions predict actual adherence to protocols and treatment outcomes. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Hydroxyurea for secondary stroke prevention in sickle cell disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-60
Author(s):  
Yuesong Pan ◽  
Zixiao Li ◽  
Jiejie Li ◽  
Aoming Jin ◽  
Jinxi Lin ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose Despite administration of evidence-based therapies, residual risk of stroke recurrence persists. This study aimed to evaluate the residual risk of recurrent stroke in acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) with adherence to guideline-based secondary stroke prevention and identify the risk factors of the residual risk.Methods Patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA within 7 hours were enrolled from 169 hospitals in Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III) in China. Adherence to guideline-based secondary stroke prevention was defined as persistently receiving all of the five secondary prevention medications (antithrombotic, antidiabetic and antihypertensive agents, statin and anticoagulants) during hospitalization, at discharge, at 3, 6, and 12 months if eligible. The primary outcome was a new stroke at 12 months.Results Among 9,022 included patients (median age 63.0 years and 31.7% female), 3,146 (34.9%) were identified as adherence to guideline-based secondary prevention. Of all, 864 (9.6%) patients had recurrent stroke at 12 months, and the residual risk in patients with adherence to guidelinebased secondary prevention was 8.3%. Compared with those without adherence, patients with adherence to guideline-based secondary prevention had lower rate of recurrent stroke (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.74 to 0.99; P=0.04) at 12 months. Female, history of stroke, interleukin-6 ≥5.63 ng/L, and relevant intracranial artery stenosis were independent risk factors of the residual risk.Conclusions There was still a substantial residual risk of 12-month recurrent stroke even in patients with persistent adherence to guideline-based secondary stroke prevention. Future research should focus on efforts to reduce the residual risk.


Author(s):  
Teresia Mbogori

Background: Hypertension is one of the main modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Pharmacological and lifestyle modification approaches are used in the treatment and management of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to identify lifestyle modification advice provided to the general population and to those diagnosed with hypertension by health care providers (HCP) in Kenya.Methods: A secondary data analysis of cross-sectional data collected among 4500 Kenyans participating in the 2015 Kenya stepwise approach to surveillance study was conducted. Questions related to the consumption of salt, sugar, fat, fruits and vegetables as well as physical activity and weight management were evaluated.Results: Among all the participants, only 12.5%, 20.7%, 12.2%, 10.7%, 10.3% and 11.6% were advised to either reduce salt intake, eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables, reduce fat intake, reduce intake of sugary beverages, lose or maintain weight and start or do more physical activity respectively.  Of those diagnosed with HTN, 37% were advised to increase intake fruits and vegetables, 37%, 27% and 25% were advised to reduce, salt, fat and sugary beverages intake respectively, 21% and 22% were advised to start or do more physical activity and maintain a healthy body weight or lose weight respectively.Conclusions: Majority of Kenyans had not received dietary modification advice from HCP despite this being a policy recommendation in Kenya. Policy makers need to work closely with HCP to develop appropriate policy implementation strategies. 


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