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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) -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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) -
Alive, able and at home: Stroke unit care offers better outcomes than alternatives
Evidently CochranePeople cared for in stroke units may have a better recovery than those in general hospital wards, even years after their stroke. More research about how stroke units benefit patients will help to improve stroke care. -
Screening for PAD and CVD risk assessment with ankle brachial index in adults: Consumer fact sheet
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) is a test that measures blood pressure at your ankle and arm. There is not enough evidence to know the benefits and harms of ABI in screening for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). An ABI can cause false-positive results. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors for PAD and CVD. -
After stroke: The Cinderella of falls prevention research
Evidently CochraneVitamin D appears to help reduce falls after stroke, as does the medicine alendronate. More research is needed about falls prevention approaches for people who have had a stroke, especially for people in the weeks following a stroke. -
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: 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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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) -
Static splinting after stroke: Are therapists overlooking the evidence?
Evidently CochraneA review found that there is little or no effect of stretching or splinting on joint flexibility. We need more evidence to determine if splinting helps prevent permanent shortening of a joint (contracture). -
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. -
Screening for abnormal heart rhythms: Can we protect more people from stroke?
Evidently CochranePeople with atrial fibrillation have a higher risk of stroke. A recent review found that screening for atrial fibrillation was more effective for finding new cases than routine care. Screening was done at an ECG clinic or by a doctor checking the patient's pulse. -
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. -
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 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. -
How does high blood pressure cause heart disease and stroke?
Heart and Stroke FoundationHigh blood pressure can damage blood vessel walls that then block arteries, causing heart disease. High blood pressure can also burst blood vessels in the brain, causing stroke. -
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. -
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. -
<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. -
Heart disease and stroke: Risk factors you cannot control
Heart and Stroke FoundationThere are risk factors for heart disease that you cannot control. These include your age, gender, family history, ethnicity and prior strokes. -
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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