Strokes and Prevention
Strokes and Prevention
Megan Berger
Written and Oral Communications
Kaplan Career Institute
CMP 199K
Mrs. Matherson
March 7, 2014 “Stroke is the number four cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the United States” (American Heart Association, 2012). A stroke or “brain attack” transpires when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel ruptures, interfering with blood flow to an area of the brain (National Stroke Association, 2014). When something like this happens, brain cells begin to expire and brain impairment occurs (NSA, 2014). There are three different types of strokes, a variety of risk factors associated with them, yet in most cases a stroke can be prevented. In knowing these things, one will not only be able to help oneself in preventing a stroke, one may also be able to help someone else.
An ischemic stroke, a hemorrhagic stroke, and a transient ischemic attack are the three types of strokes (AHA, 2012). An ischemic stroke can be either an embolic or thrombotic stroke which occurs when a small blood clot forms and travels to the brain or when blood flow is damaged because of a blockage to one or more arteries delivering blood to the brain (AHA, 2012). The reason for this type of obstruction is the growth of fatty deposits coating the vessel walls which is called atherosclerosis (AHA, 2012). A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by the breakage of a blood vessel in the brain (AHA, 2012). High blood pressure over an extended period of time as well as cerebral aneurysms can cause hemorrhages (NSA, 2014). A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a “mini stroke”, is caused by a temporary blood clot (NSA, 2014). TIA symptoms occur quickly and usually only last a minute (NSA, 2014). While TIAs usually do not cause lasting brain damage, they are a serious indication of an impending stroke and should not be overlooked (NSA, 2014). Knowing the risk factors associated with strokes
Megan Berger
Written and Oral Communications
Kaplan Career Institute
CMP 199K
Mrs. Matherson
March 7, 2014 “Stroke is the number four cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the United States” (American Heart Association, 2012). A stroke or “brain attack” transpires when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel ruptures, interfering with blood flow to an area of the brain (National Stroke Association, 2014). When something like this happens, brain cells begin to expire and brain impairment occurs (NSA, 2014). There are three different types of strokes, a variety of risk factors associated with them, yet in most cases a stroke can be prevented. In knowing these things, one will not only be able to help oneself in preventing a stroke, one may also be able to help someone else.
An ischemic stroke, a hemorrhagic stroke, and a transient ischemic attack are the three types of strokes (AHA, 2012). An ischemic stroke can be either an embolic or thrombotic stroke which occurs when a small blood clot forms and travels to the brain or when blood flow is damaged because of a blockage to one or more arteries delivering blood to the brain (AHA, 2012). The reason for this type of obstruction is the growth of fatty deposits coating the vessel walls which is called atherosclerosis (AHA, 2012). A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by the breakage of a blood vessel in the brain (AHA, 2012). High blood pressure over an extended period of time as well as cerebral aneurysms can cause hemorrhages (NSA, 2014). A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a “mini stroke”, is caused by a temporary blood clot (NSA, 2014). TIA symptoms occur quickly and usually only last a minute (NSA, 2014). While TIAs usually do not cause lasting brain damage, they are a serious indication of an impending stroke and should not be overlooked (NSA, 2014). Knowing the risk factors associated with strokes