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Stroke
According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, remarkable progress has been made tackling cardiovascular disease in Canada over the past 60 years, with death rates declining by more than 75 percent. Research advances have played a key role in fighting acute ischaemic stroke. Our resources provide evidence-based information about stroke symptoms, treatment and recovery.
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Interventions for preventing falls in people after stroke
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2013) -
Speech and language therapy for aphasia following stroke
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2012) -
Telerehabilitation approaches are equally as effective as conventional rehabilitation for stroke patients
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases (2015) -
Walking training helps to improve walking ability and possibly self-care after stroke
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine (2014) -
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After a stroke: Does fitness training improve health and mobility?
Informed Health OnlineFitness training after a stroke can improve physical fitness and mobility, but can require a lot of effort and motivation. Examples of fitness training include Nordic walking, treadmills, or exercise bikes. -
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Stroke Prevention: Should I Have a Carotid Artery Procedure?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people who have had a mild (or moderate) stroke or one or more TIAs in the past 6 months and narrowing in your carotid artery decide on whether or not to have a carotid artery procedure by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Stroke Prevention: Should I Have a Carotid Artery Procedure?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people who have had a mild (or moderate) stroke or one or more TIAs in the past 6 months and narrowing in your carotid artery decide on whether or not to have a carotid artery procedure by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. -
Statins: Should I Take Them to Prevent a Heart Attack or Stroke?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people considering taking medicines called statins to lower their risk of heart attack and stroke by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. It also includes alternative treatment options to taking statins such as trying to lower risk with lifestyle changes. -
Statins: Should I Take Them to Prevent a Heart Attack or Stroke?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps people considering taking medicines called statins to lower their risk of heart attack and stroke by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options. It also includes alternative treatment options to taking statins such as trying to lower risk with lifestyle changes. -
Behavioral counseling to promote a healthful diet and physical activity for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults with cardiovascular risk factors: consumer fact sheet on final USPSTF recommendation
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)If you are overweight or obese and have high risk for heart disease or stroke, talk to your doctor about behavioral counseling to help improve your diet and increase physical activity. -
Screening for carotid artery stenosis final recommendation fact sheet
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)Carotid artery stenosis is more common among older men and can lead to a stroke. Healthy adults without symptoms do not need to be screened for carotid artery stenosis. -
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Carotid endarterectomy for TIA and stroke
Health Link B.C.Carotid endarterectomy surgery aims to reduce risk of stroke for people who have already had one. Ask your doctor if the benefits of this surgery outweigh the risks. Risks include: stroke, heart attack, breathing problems, high blood pressure, infection and nerve injury. -
Sorry, what did you say? Living with dysarthria (unclear speech) after stroke
Evidently CochraneAfter suffering a stroke, your speech may be unclear depending on which part of your brain was damaged. Better quality research is needed to learn more about how this condition affects people who are recovering from a stroke. This resource includes a personal story from Annette. -
Women with diabetes: Double the heart risk
Berkeley WellnessWomen with diabetes have double the heart disease risk as men with the disease. Women with diabetes should take care to avoid heart health risks like obesity, high cholesterol and physical inactivity. -
Population-level interventions in government jurisdictions for dietary sodium reduction (Review)
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2016) -
Self management programmes for quality of life in people with stroke.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016) -
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Transient ischemic attack
UpToDate - patient informationThis resource describes the symptoms and risk factors of transient ischemic attack (TIA) caused by lack of blood in an area of the brain. TIA increases your risk for stroke and can be treated with medication to stop blood clotting, or surgery. Lifestyle changes can reduce your risk. -
Mobile health interventions can improve medication adherence and physical activity in patients with cardiovascular disease
European Journal of Preventative Cardiology (2015) -
The health benefits of chocolate, redux
Evidence-based LivingPeople who regularly eat small amounts of chocolate (less than 100 grams each day) have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. -
Direct admission to specialist stroke centres has no clear benefit over initial treatment at a local hospital
Journal of Health Services Research & Policy (2015) -
Nurse-led clinics can lower the risk of death and myocardial infarction, and increase medication adherence in patients with cardiovascular diseases
Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing (2015) -
Helping stroke survivors get back on their feet
Evidently CochraneA recent review found that no specific type of physical rehabilitation for stroke was more effective than any other. The authors did state that beginning interventions soon after stroke seemed to be more effective than waiting until later, but more research is needed. -
Aspirin reduces risk of death, heart disease or cancer, with some increase in the risk of stroke or major bleeding
Health Technol Assess (2013) -
(a) In patients with atrial fibrillation, 2 tools are best for predicting risk for stroke; a third tool is best for predicting risk for bleeding
AHRQ Comparative Effectiveness Reviews (2013) -
Statins reduce mortality, cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke in people with no history of cardiovascular disease
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2013) -
In people with chronic kidney disease, antiplatelet drugs reduce heart attacks but increase bleeding
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2013) -
For people with atrial fibrillation, new “blood thinners” (factor Xa inhibitors) reduce strokes and clots more than warfarin
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2013) -
Stroke rehabilitation: What to expect as you recover
Mayo ClinicThere are many approaches to stroke rehabilitation. Your rehabilitation plan will depend on the part of your body or type of ability affected by your stroke. This web page lists many different types of stroke rehabilitation therapies. -
Stroke
Informed Health OnlineCommon signs of stroke include sudden weakness, numbness, speech problems, feeling dizzy, and severe headache. If you think you or somebody else might be having a stroke you should call for an ambulance right away. -
Exercising to prevent a stroke
Health Link B.C.Strokes can cause weakness, joint pain, and trouble walking. Stroke rehabilitation programs can help you continue to live as independently as possible after a stroke. They will help you learn to adjust to physical and mental changes. -
Can secondhand smoke increase your risk of having a heart attack?
Mayo ClinicBreathing secondhand smoke increases your risk of heart attack or stroke. Encourage smokers to quit or smoke outside, especially if you have heart disease or have had a heart attack. -
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Hemorrhagic stroke treatment
UpToDate - patient informationA stroke can damage the brain. A surgical procedure may be recommended to prevent or stop bleeding or reduce the pressure inside the skull. It is important to get medical help right away to limit complications. Details in this resource. -
Stroke treatment
Mayo ClinicTreatment for a stroke depends on whether it is an ischemic or a hemorrhagic stroke. An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot and treated with clot-busting medication. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in your brain and treated with a surgical procedure. After a stroke, your doctor will usually recommend rehabilitation to help speed your recovery. -
Stroke rehabilitation
Health Link B.C.Rehabilitation after stroke can help you relearn any skills lost as a result of the stroke. It is important to start rehabilitation as soon as possible after a stroke. This resource provides details about rehabilitation, including frequently asked questions. -
Stroke: topic overview
Health Link B.C.Symptoms of stroke can include sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or vision changes. Also watch for difficulty speaking, confusion, or severe headache. Call 911 right away if you have any of these symptoms. -
Precision nutrition: LDL cholesterol and heart disease
GB HealthWatchHigh cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease or stroke. Maintain a healthy diet, reduce your intake of fatty foods, quit smoking and exercise regularly to reduce your cholesterol levels. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, speak to your doctor about the possibility of genetic testing to see if you have an abnormal gene that increases your risk. -
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Can intracranial stents help prevent strokes?
Informed Health OnlineIntracranial stents are designed to keep the blood vessels open and prevent strokes. Stents can actually increase the risk of stroke for people who have had a stroke. The most common way to prevent stroke is to use medication. -
Stroke
Patient.co.ukLearn the signs of stroke in this video. Call an ambulance if you or someone you know shows these signs. Stop smoking, treat high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, lose weight if needed, be active, eat healthy and only drink alcohol in moderation to decrease your risk. -
Stroke symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient informationSigns of a stroke include: sudden weakness in the face, sudden weakness in one or both arms, and difficulty speaking. Call 911 immediately if you notice these symptoms. Treatment depends on the type of stroke and quickness of response. -
Ischemic stroke treatment (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information"Clot busters" (thrombolytic drugs) and aspirin are often used for early treatment of ischemic stroke. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) are seldom recommended. Longer term treatment after a stoke includes eating well and preventing clots, infections, bleeding ulcers and falls. -
Self-management support interventions improve patient quality of life and reduce use of hospital care for patients with long-term respiratory and cardiovascular conditions
Health Services and Delivery Research (2014) -
Occupational therapy for stroke: What is it and how can it help?
Evidently CochraneOccupational therapy can help people recover better and be more independent after a stroke. More research is needed on the specific benefits of occupational therapy. -
More evidence on exercise
Evidence-based LivingIf you have heart disease or have had a stroke, strongly consider exercise as part of your treatment process. Evidence has shown exercise is just as effective as drug treatments for treating heart disease and prediabetes and more effective after a stroke. -
Does chiropractic care for neck pain increase stroke risk?
Institute for Work & HealthA single study found that visiting the chiropractor does not increase your risk of a type of stroke called vertebrobasilar artery stroke. -
What should I eat?: Cholesterol
Harvard School of Public HealthThe mix of fats and carbohydrates in your diet determines your blood cholesterol level. High blood cholesterol can increase your risk for heart attack or stroke. -
Stroke: Should I Move My Loved One Into Long-Term Care?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps individuals with a loved one who has had a stroke decide on whether to care for the loved one at home or move them into a long-term care home by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. -
Stroke: Should I Move My Loved One Into Long-Term Care?
OHRIThis patient decision aid helps individuals with a loved one who has had a stroke decide on whether to care for the loved one at home or move them into a long-term care home by comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of both options. -
Stroke prevention
Heart and Stroke FoundationManaging your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes can help to lower your risk of stroke. Eating healthy, exercising, reducing stress, not smoking and limiting alcohol can also help. -
Ischemic stroke
Heart and Stroke FoundationIschemic strokes interrupt blood flow to the brain. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) interrupts blood flow to the brain temporarily. You are at an increased risk for a full stroke if you have had a TIA. -
Hemorrhagic stroke
Heart and Stroke FoundationHemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain. They may occur because of high blood pressure and problems with the blood vessels in the brain. -
Why atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) matters
American Heart AssociationIf you have atrial fibrillation, you are at risk for stroke and other heart problems. Work your doctor to decide if you need treatment and eat a healthy diet. -
Why metabolic syndrome matters
American Heart AssociationIf you have metabolic syndrome, you are at higher risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart attack and other heart problems. Reduce risks by staying at a healthy weight, eating healthy and exercising. -
Why getting quick stroke treatment is important
American Heart AssociationCall an emergency service immediately if you think you are having a stroke. If you get treated right away, you are less likely to have long term effects. -
Post-stroke rehabilitation
American Heart AssociationMake rehabilitation part of your recovery from stroke. A rehabilitation specialist will make a program based on your needs, which may include physical therapy and other services. -
Treatment and prevention of atrial fibrillation
American Heart AssociationAtrial fibrillation increases your risk of stroke, heart failure and blood clots. Medications can lower your heart rate and improve your symptoms but will not 'cure' atrial fibrillation. -
<30 Days challenge
Heart and Stroke FoundationUse this Mobile App to guide you in breaking bad habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle in 30 days or less. -
Women and stroke: Knowing saves lives
Healthy WomenThe onset of stroke requires immediate action in order to minimize damage. This fact sheet provides information on warning signs, risk factors and life after stroke. If you see someone or recognize yourself having a stroke, call 911 immediately. -
Mirror therapy for stroke rehabilitation: Tricking the brain into believing what it sees
Mirror therapy shows promise in helping stroke survivors recover limb movement and resume activities of daily living. -
Walking: An age-old strategy to boost your health
As you get older, getting from one place to another can be a challenge. To put you on the road to better health, invest in a sturdy pair of shoes and use the power of your own two feet to get you to where you need to be. -
Recovering from a brain injury? Video games can help!
They say time flies when you’re having fun. So the key to encouraging people to do their rehabilitation exercises is to make sure they’re enjoyable. Are technology-based games the solution? -
Regaining language skills after a stroke: Will speech therapy help?
Recovering from a stroke often includes recovering language and communications skills. Speech language therapy can help. -
Nurse-led clinics offer support for people with heart disease
Nurse-led clinics can help patients with cardiovascular diseases manage their medications and make and maintain lifestyles changes, benefiting long-term health and survival compared to usual care. -
News 'flash' for women: the latest findings on hormone therapy for menopause & heart disease
For years hormone therapy was the “go to” for relieving symptoms of menopause; it was also believed to protect against age-related diseases. Recent evidence sheds a clearer light on how hormone therapy impacts heart health. -
Stroke centre or local hospital? In an emergency just call 911!
Specialized, designated stroke centres help reduce death and disability due to stroke. However, in an emergency, is it worth bypassing closer local hospitals to take stroke victims to a designated centre?
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