Stroke Sense

One of the common slip-ups among patients is the misinterpretation of stroke as heart attack. Though both disorders belong to cardiovascular disease category and some of the reasons for their occurrence can be explained on identical pathology,yet they are different with regards to the organ of involvement and consequent disability to the patient. While heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction) is the death of heart muscle from sudden blockage of a coronary artery by a blood clot,stroke is a disease that affects the blood vessels of the brain.

WHAT’S A STROKE?
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that brings blood to the brain either bursts (hemorrhagic stroke) or is clogged most commonly by a blood clot (ischemic stroke). Stroke is thus a brain attack and it occurs at an equal rate in men and women,but women are more likely to die due to it. Ischemic stroke occurs more commonly in people over age 65 and hemorrhagic stroke is more common in younger people.
Stroke leads to deprivation of effective blood supply and consequent death of the brain tissue being supplied by the culprit blood vessel. This causes temporary or permanent disability of the body part whose effective functioning is lost due to death of the brain tissue. The devastating effects of a severe stroke are often permanent because dead brain cells cannot be replaced. Stroke may cause instantaneous demise or leave severe residual disability. But in most cases people do get better. The effects of a stroke are greatest immediately after the event. After that there could be a gradual recovery,the extent of which depends upon the amount of brain injury and success of rehabilitation process.

SURVIVING STROKE
Sadly,every year 15 million people worldwide suffer from a stroke,of which 5.5 million die and another five million are left permanently disabled,placing a huge burden on family and society. New research finds that one out of 12 people who have a stroke are likely to have another stroke,and one out of four are likely to die within one year. Surprisingly and perceptibly the preventive approach of this deadly cardiovascular disease is much the same as that of heart attack. Taking care of risk factors such as high blood pressure,diabetes,cholesterol abnormalities along with cessation of smoking,maintaining optimal body weight and regular physical activity is the key to success. It is prudent to seek review from your physician at regular intervals. For those who already have suffered due to this disease,rehabilitation is an important part of recovery. The effects of stroke may mean that patients must change,relearn,or redefine their lifestyle. Stroke rehabilitation is designed to help patients return to independent living. It does not reverse the effects of a stroke,but the goals are to build inner strength,capability,and confidence of the patient so he can continue his useful functional existence despite the disabilities due to stroke.

The writer is an interventional senior consultant cardiologist at INSCOL hospital,Chandigarh and Fortis Hospital,Mohali.