Risk factors for cerebrovascular accidents

Sample Solution

Risk Factors for Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA)

Non-modifiable risk factors:

• Age
• Sex (men are at higher risk than women)
• Race/ethnicity (African Americans and Hispanics are at higher risk than Caucasians)
• Family history of CVA

Full Answer Section

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Atrial fibrillation
• Carotid artery stenosis
• Sleep apnea

Why these risk factors increase the risk of CVA:

• High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the brain, making them more likely to rupture or become blocked.
• High cholesterol can form plaque in the arteries, which can narrow or block the blood vessels in the brain.
• Diabetes can damage the blood vessels throughout the body, including in the brain.
• Smoking damages the blood vessels and makes them more likely to clot.
• Obesity is associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which are all risk factors for CVA.
• Physical inactivity increases the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the heart. These blood clots can travel to the brain and cause a CVA.
• Carotid artery stenosis is a narrowing of the carotid arteries, which are the main arteries that supply blood to the brain. This narrowing can reduce the blood flow to the brain and increase the risk of CVA.
• Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes people to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. This can reduce the oxygen supply to the brain and increase the risk of CVA.

Cultures at Higher Risk of CVA

African Americans and Hispanics are at higher risk of CVA than Caucasians. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including higher rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.

0 to 4+ Scale for Scoring Deep Tendon Reflexes

Deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) are tested by striking a tendon with a reflex hammer. The muscle that is attached to the tendon should contract in response to the strike. The DTRs are scored on a scale of 0 to 4+ as follows:

• 0: No response
• 1+: Hypoactive response (decreased response)
• 2+: Normal response
• 3+: Hyperactive response (increased response)
• 4+: Clonus (rhythmic muscle contractions)

Findings in a Patient with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that is caused by diabetes. It can affect the nerves in the hands and feet, but it can also affect nerves in other parts of the body.

Symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy can include:

• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• Pain in the hands and feet
• Weakness in the hands and feet
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Difficulty healing sores and cuts

In severe cases, diabetic peripheral neuropathy can lead to amputation of the toes or feet.

Personal Experience with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

I have seen many patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in my practice. It is a very common complication of diabetes. I have seen patients with a wide range of symptoms, from mild numbness and tingling to severe pain and loss of function.

I have also seen the devastating effects of amputation in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It is important for patients with diabetes to monitor their feet regularly and to see a doctor if they experience any symptoms of neuropathy.

Conclusion

Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are a major cause of death and disability worldwide. There are a number of risk factors for CVA, both modifiable and non-modifiable. It is important to be aware of these risk factors and to take steps to reduce your risk of CVA.

If you have diabetic peripheral neuropathy, it is important to monitor your feet regularly and to see a doctor if you experience any symptoms of worsening neuropathy.