Stroke is also referred to as a brain attack, occurs when there is a blockage of blood circulation in the brain. Decreased blood flow which results to the lack of oxygen in the brain causes the brain cells to die. There are two types of strokes. Stroke is caused by the restriction of blood vessels in the brain and stroke caused by known as ischemic stroke that is the most common(Moser, 2006, p. 6). This type of stroke is, as a result, of a clot in the vessel that leads to a blockage in blood flow or the narrowing of the artery leading in the brain known as stenosis. The other sort of stroke is caused by bleeding into the brain or the spaces around the brain known as hemorrhagic stroke(Fournier et al., 2011, p.12). Heart disease patients have high risk factors of getting strokes. Common heart disorders such as valve defects, artery, and irregular heart beat and the enlargement of heart chambers are some of the disorders’ that may factor the risks of patients getting a stroke. Atrial fibrillation that is rampant among the older generation is responsible for one in every four strokes among the people beyond age 80(Fournier et al., 2011, p.19). Age also is to be taken into account also as the risk of stroke doubles in each decade after the age of 55. That is why the nursing care among the elderly should be taken seriously to prevent them from getting strokes. Age is one of the factors that augment the likelihood of getting stroke that cannot be modified by medical treatment, but can be maintained to try and prevent the prevalence of stroke (Moser, 2006, 7.).
The topic prevention of stroke to patients with heart diseases among the elderly is a critical one and should be approached to minimize the high number of strokes in them. Because the heart disease itself is a challenge among the elderly for them getting a stroke would be depressing, and they would suffer even more. The elderly are more prone to strokes, but the physical, social and psychological consequences are even sterner for them to bear. This is even more rampant among men and the African Americans (Fournier et al., 2011, p.14). Elderly patients are more likely to die from a stroke and their long term recovery from a stroke is not favorable. Nurses should be able to point out and educate the elderly on symptoms that they should look out for in order to prevent them from strokes. The research carried out to detect the influence of advanced age on stroke. The research was focused on the very elderly of years 90 and above (Dowswell, Lawler, Young, Forster, & Hearn, 2006, p 6. ). The majority had symptoms of atrial fibrillation, but no one had been under warfarin before the stroke. The death rate among the patients was very high in particular the AF patients (Dowswell, Lawler, Young, Forster, & Hearn, 2006, p.3). Medical practitioners are often reluctant to apply recommendations to AF patients because hemorrhagic effects of long-term use of warfarin. Warfarin has evidenced to reduce the rate of stroke making it compulsory in patients at risk in any age (Dowswell, Lawler, Young, Forster, & Hearn, 2006, p. 2). Neurologists have to make a Special effort since they underuse anticoagulation compared to cardiologist.
The findings can be implemented in nursing in a number of ways. Nurses should be available and ready to educate heart disease patients starting from what exercise to undertake. This is to make sure that the food that they consume does not affect their heart and later lead to an increased risk of getting stroke. Nurses should regularly educate the elderly and the caretakers on effects of stroke and what they may undergo so that they can be prepared inn case such a situation happens(Moser, 2006, 8.). Setting up of trauma care centers to respond to heart attacks, and stroke emergencies will go a long way in managing events reported cases given ample time. This trauma centers will be able to respond to emergency cases and asses a case improving the life quality of the victims and would be victims (Fournier et al., 2011, p. 19). These centers will also work out as networking centre for the victims coordinated by the nurses. This enables the patients to create links with other victims. This helps them psychologically since they able to share their experiences and what would be the causes of their stroke cases.
The nurses should also be able to evaluate and point out symptoms that would make the elderly prone to heart diseases. This makes sure that they able to detect early signs and able to advise the would-be victims accordingly and in a timely manner. Offering training and technical support to caregivers of the elderly by nurses is also another way in which nurses can be of help in preventing strokes. The nurses will advise them on how best to take care of heart disease patients which in turn decreases the high risk associated with them of getting a stroke.
In conclusion, taking care of the elderly with heart diseases to prevent stroke is a noble course which should be integrated to nursing. Nurses should be able to understand the causes and risks associated with this and act on them. It s very clear that the elderly are prone and more likely exposed to stroke, and they should be taken care of well in consideration of the roles they play in the society. Nurses should be on the forefront in educating the society in the risks associated with stroke and how to react in case of distress.
References
Dowswell, G., Lawler, J., Young, J., Forster, A., & Hearn, J. (2006). A qualitative study of specialist nurse support for stroke patients and care-givers at home. Clinical Rehabilitation.
Fournier, A. A., Boutitie, F. F., Oprisiu, R. R., Mazouz, H., Andrejak, M. M., Achard, J. M., & Boissel, J. P. (2011). Stroke prevention in patients without coronary heart disease: A link with antihypertensive treatment effect on angiotensin and sympathetic systems ?American
Moser, D. K. (2006). Reducing Delay in Seeking Treatment by Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome and Stroke: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Stroke Council. Circulation.
