Preventing a Second Stroke: Hospice Care Considerations

About 25% of individuals who have had a stroke encounter a subsequent stroke, a troubling statistic given the widespread impact strokes have on daily life. This prompts many survivors to seek ways to prevent a recurrence. Fortunately, there are proven strategies to lower the risk of a second stroke, as highlighted in this article, based on research-backed practices. 

Are you or a loved one concerned about the risk of a second stroke? Understanding the factors that contribute to stroke occurrence and taking preventive measures can immensely reduce the chances of another ischemic stroke. Here’s a comprehensive guide on preventing a second stroke, including the role of hospice care in post-stroke management. 

What Causes a Stroke? 

Before diving into prevention strategies, it’s essential to understand the root causes of strokes. Strokes arise when the blood supply to part of your brain is reduced or interrupted, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This may occur because of a blood clot blocking an artery (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel that results in bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).

This can happen due to a different condition, including:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Cardiac abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation
• genetics and family medical history

Stroke Symptoms

When the brain doesn’t receive enough blood carrying vital nutrients and oxygen, its cells start dying within moments. Immediate medical intervention is crucial for slowing down the nerve and brain tissue deterioration in stroke patients. The American Heart Association outlines the noticeable symptoms of a stroke as follows:

• Drooping facial muscles, where one side of the face sags or feels numb, hinder the ability to smile properly.
• Arm weakness is a prominent sign as the affected person struggles to raise both arms, causing one to drift downward when attempting.
• Slurred speech or difficulty speaking due to partial loss of control over lips and tongue movements.
• Blood clots impede nerve functions.

Recognizing these symptoms, it is vital to contact 911 to summon healthcare professionals to your location. The American Heart Association uses the acronym “FAST” for easy symptom recall. Individuals who smoke or have a family history of obesity and heart disease face an increased stroke risk.

How to Prevent a Second Stroke

The American Stroke Association underscores the importance of establishing healthy habits to minimize the likelihood of another stroke for survivors. There are numerous methods to enhance your well-being and deter a second stroke, ranging from enhancing your dietary habits to engaging in self-care practices. It’s crucial to recognize that developing new routines requires patience and regularity. You can considerably enhance your quality of life by incrementally enhancing your health habits. To initiate this process, here are useful approaches you can take to lower the chances of experiencing a subsequent stroke: 

1. Know Your Stroke Risk Factors

Consult your physician to determine if you exhibit any common risk factors for stroke.

As per the CDC, these risk factors encompass:

• A history of stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heart conditions or atherosclerosis
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sickle cell disease
• Smoking habits

Although genetic predisposition and family medical history contribute to stroke vulnerability, addressing and improving other factors can lower your risk. For instance, smoking elevates stroke risk by 2-4 times, making cessation support crucial for a life-altering change. Being aware of your risk factors empowers you to take preventive measures against a subsequent stroke. 

2. Monitor Your Blood Pressure

Controlling high blood pressure stands out as one of the most manageable stroke risk factors. If you’re dealing with high blood pressure, it’s crucial to regularly check it and follow your doctor’s prescribed medications diligently. Ensuring you have a continuous supply of your blood pressure medication is vital, as missing even a single dose increases your stroke risk significantly. In addition to medication adherence and blood pressure monitoring, enhancing your diet and engaging in regular physical activity are effective strategies for managing high blood pressure.

3. Practice Daily Exercises

Did you know that consistent moderate physical activity can slash your stroke risk by more than 20%? This underscores the importance of integrating regular exercise into any stroke prevention regimen. This could involve activities like brisk walking, cycling, water aerobics, or engaging in yard work. The American Heart Association advises aiming for 150 minutes of tempered exercise per week to optimize cardiovascular health.

However, post-stroke mobility challenges may hinder regular exercise routines. In such cases, seek out exercises that raise your heart rate, such as pushing a wheelchair briskly, performing rapid seated arm movements, or using an assistive device while walking.

Additionally, collaborate closely with your physical and occupational therapists, who can design a personalized home exercise program tailored to your unique needs. Consistent participation in a daily rehabilitation regimen can aid in the recovery of motor skills impacted by stroke.

4. Improve your Nutrition

Food plays a significant role in influencing various stroke risk factors. For instance, your diet can impact factors like high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and elevated blood pressure. Eating foods that are rich in saturated fats, cholesterol, or sodium can heighten the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular issues.

To reduce the likelihood of a second stroke, consider substituting these unhealthy foods with more nutritious options that support stroke recovery. Opt for foods that are abundant in essential vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, as they can enhance cardiovascular well-being and boost energy levels. Such foods include leafy greens, blueberries, salmon, flaxseeds, and lean proteins.

5. Manage Stress with Self-Care

Enduring chronic stress is widely recognized for its adverse impacts on cardiovascular health, cognitive functions, and overall bodily systems. Consequently, heightened stress levels post-stroke can serve as a catalyst for cardiovascular events like a stroke. Hence, managing stress becomes a crucial aspect of preventing a second stroke.

Stroke recovery often comes with significant stressors such as health uncertainties, alterations in independence or living arrangements, and financial challenges. Although eliminating some stressors may prove challenging, adopting stress-relieving practices can help alleviate the physical and emotional burdens associated with post-stroke stress.

Effective stress reduction techniques encompass meditation, breathing exercises, and regular physical activity. Furthermore, establishing healthy sleep routines and seeking guidance from a qualified psychologist are valuable strategies for stress mitigation. Should the stress become overwhelming, leading to feelings of depression or anxiety, consulting with a healthcare professional about potential medication options is advisable.

6. Consider Preventive Surgeries

The likelihood of experiencing a second stroke escalates in individuals with aneurysms, which are characterized by a bulging in an artery caused by weakness in its wall. This vulnerability heightens the chances of artery rupture, leading to a hemorrhagic stroke.

In efforts to mitigate the risk of recurrent stroke, your physician might propose surgical interventions if you have a known aneurysm. Two main types of aneurysm management surgeries are aneurysm clipping and endovascular coiling. Both procedures aim to prevent aneurysm rupture and lower the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. It’s important to note that these surgeries are invasive, so it’s crucial to thoroughly discuss their potential benefits and risks with your doctor.

The Role of Hospice Care 

For individuals who have experienced a stroke and are facing challenges in daily life, hospice care can provide invaluable support. Hospice focuses on enhancing quality of life by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It may involve pain management, assistance with activities of daily living, emotional counseling, and caregiver support. 

By combining medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and hospice’s supportive care, you can take proactive steps toward preventing a second stroke and promoting overall well-being.

The Cozy Care hospice professionals are licensed and equipped with expertise in pain management and symptom relief. We are adept at averting the progression of severe complications following a stroke. We diligently monitor patients for indications such as aspiration pneumonia, abnormal muscle contractions, brain tissue damage-related spasms, and other distressing symptoms that may lead to agitation and restlessness. Additionally, we administer medications to facilitate breathing and swallowing and utilize physical therapy tailored to expedite recovery in areas of the brain impacted by the stroke.

Please contact Cozy Care Hospice to learn more about how hospice can help stroke patients and their families navigate this challenging journey.