beyond this window of opportunity typically
includes ANTICOAGULATION THERAPY for ischemic
stroke to prevent further clots from forming and
supportive measures to maintain cardiovascular
stability. Most people who experience strokes have
hypertension, so subsequent treatment includes
measures to bring blood pressure under control
through medications and lifestyle changes.
People who receive thrombolytic therapy often
have no residual effects from their strokes and can
return to their regular activities within a few
weeks. People who experience permanent disabil-
ity as a result of stroke may require inpatient or
outpatient rehabilitation. The level of recovery
depends on the extent of damage. Many people
with serious disabilities are able to learn methods
for adapting to their limitations, allowing them to
return to some activities and perhaps independent
living. About 70 percent of people who experience
strokes are able to return to functional indepen-
dence and often many of their regular activities,
within three to six months.
Risk Factors and Preventive MeasuresThe key risk factors for stroke are hypertension
and atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular conditions
involving clot formation present a high risk for
stroke. These include DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS(DVT),
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION, CAROTID STENOSIS, and VALVULAR
HEART DISEASE. DIABETES also raises the risk for
stroke. Other risk factors are those for all forms of
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE(CVD): smoking, physical
inactivity, and diet high in saturated fats and
excessive calories. Stroke also becomes more likely
with advancing age.
The most effective preventive measure is main-
taining a healthy blood pressure. All adults over
age 50 should have annual blood pressure checks,
with more frequent checks when blood pressure is
elevated or risk factors for hypertension are pres-
ent. Efforts to maintain good cardiovascular
health, such as daily physical exercise and WEIGHT
LOSS AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT, help lower the risk
for subsequent stroke as well as for other forms of
cardiovascular disease.
See alsoCALORIE; CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE PREVEN-
TION; COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND DYSFUNCTION;
ENDARTERECTOMY; HEALTH RISK FACTORS; RISK FACTORS
FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE; SPEECH DISORDERS; SWAL-
LOWING DISORDERS; TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK(TIA).sudden cardiac death Unexpected, fatal CARDIAC
ARREST (cessation of cardiac activity). Typically
there are no warning signs of impending cardio-
vascular crisis. Electrical dysfunction is the most
frequent cause of sudden cardiac death. In young
people, ARRHYTHMIAdisorders such as LONG QT SYN-
DROME (LQTS) or WOLFF-PARKINSON-WHITE SYN-
DROME, or hereditary HEART conditions such as
hypertrophic CARDIOMYOPATHY, are often to blame.
Some health experts believe ELECTROCARDIOGRAM
(ECG) should be a part of the athletic physical
examination, as intense physical exertion can trig-
ger electrical dysfunctions that result in death.
In people age 50 and older sudden cardiac
death typically results from arrhythmia disorders,
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE
(IHD) that is a consequence of CORONARY ARTERY
DISEASE(CAD), and HEART FAILURE. Most people who
experience sudden cardiac death were unaware
they had CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE(CVD) or had been
undergoing successful treatment to manage a par-
ticular cardiovascular condition such as HYPERTEN-
SION. Because the event that causes cardiovascular
collapse is generally catastrophic, resuscitative
efforts tend to be unsuccessful.
See also CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR);
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE PREVENTION; HEALTH RISK FAC-
TORS; MARFAN SYNDROME; TORSADE DE POINTES.syncope The temporary loss of CONSCIOUSNESS
and posture, commonly called fainting. Syncope is
common and can arise from numerous causes
ranging from standing too long, which allows
BLOODto pool in the legs, to ARRHYTHMIAand TRAN-
SIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK(TIA), which interrupt the
flow of blood to the BRAIN. About 10 percent of
syncope episodes are the result of cardiovascular
events such as arrhythmias, MYOCARDIAL INFARC-
TION, MICROINFARCTION, HYPOTENSION, and TIA.Any episode of syncope in a person
who has a history of HEART ATTACK,
STROKE, ARRHYTHMIA, or other known
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (CVD) requires
immediate medical evaluation.108 The Cardiovascular System