Stroke - a New Disease of Civilisation and Lifelong Impairment?
Stroke is an acute disease of the blood supply to the brain with different forms, with brain infarction the most common subtype. It is the second to third most frequent cause of death in adults around the world and the most frequent cause of permanent disability and need for care.
The incidence and prevalence of stroke correlate highly with age and to a certain extent with gender. Worldwide studies also proved a strong socioeconomic component: poorer and less educated individuals are affected more and earlier in life.
Primary and secondary prevention are dominated by the main risk factors: high blood pressure, high blood fats, type 2 diabetes and atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF). The lifestyle-associated risk is even more pronounced when coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption or psychosocial stress.
Specific medication to inhibit coagulation is additionally important in secondary prevention. In addition to age, the Iong-term outlook is determined by well-preserved or restored cognitive and motor functions in activities of daily living (ADL), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), low risk of falls, good nutritional condition, and (sustained) good mental health. Stroke is thus a disease affected by lifestyle that can lead to lifelong disability.
