Patients with aphasia struggle with language disorders including both oral and written communication problems. Also, clinical depression is found to be common among many stroke victims. [NINDS] Stroke Prevention

Given the high stakes involving both mortality and morbidity, stroke prevention is considered a very vital health care policy. Prevention strategies are usually targeted on controlling the important 'first tier risk factors' which were mentioned earlier. First and foremost among these is to control hypertension. Based on evidence-based practices, the American Heart association recommends that antihypertensive treatment including the use of diuretics and class 1 ACEI drugs be standardized for all patients to prevent recurrent strokes as well as to serve as a proactive intervention against other cardiovascular complications. Since diabetes is considered a high risk factor for stroke, clinical practice also recommends that glucose levels for all diabetic patients with ischemic stroke be maintained near-normoglycemic levels. The AHA guidelines also recommend that BP levels of diabetic patients be more rigorously monitored and controlled with appropriate class 2 hypertensive drugs. Cholesterol level management is also considered crucial in stroke prevention interventions. For patients with high lipid levels, the regimen includes treatment with appropriate satin agents. Since smoking is clearly accepted as one of the high risk factors for stroke, smoking cessation is high on the list of physician recommendations for prevention of stroke and other cardio vascular complications. Besides general counseling, physicians may also recommend smoking cessation medications. Last but not least is the stress...

Regular walking and other controlled exercises are integral in managing hypertension, improving circulation and the overall cardiovascular functioning of the body. [Ralph L. Sacco et.al (2006)]
Conclusion

As the familiar saying goes 'prevention is better than cure' and this is certainly so for stroke. Prevention of stroke, both primary and secondary, is very important as it involves high mortality and morbidity. Timely rehabilitative therapy is critical for restoring lost motor functions and in regaining or relearning other bodily and mental functions. Understanding these effects of stroke are important for Family members and caregivers involved in the rehabilitation programs. In fact, prevention of stroke involves an integrated approach that involves controlling hypertension, glucose levels, preventing obesity, smoking cessation and last but not least maintaining an active lifestyle with regular exercises.

Bibliography

1) Washington University, (2010) 'Stroke Information for Patients and Families: U.S. Statistics: ', retrieved Aug 2nd 2010, from, http://www.strokecenter.org/patients/stats.htm

2) Larry B. Goldstein, (2009), 'A Primer on Stroke Prevention and Treatment', Pub by American Heart Association.

3) NINDS, 'Post Stroke Rehabilitation Factsheet', retrieved Aug 2nd 2010, from, http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/poststrokerehab.htm

4) Ralph L. Sacco, MD, MS, @ Robert Adams MD et.al (2006), 'Guidelines for Prevention of Stroke in Patients with Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack', Stroke. 37:577, available online at, http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/37/2/577