Week 7 - Secondary Prevention of Stroke and Implications for Physiotherapy

Question 1

What are the non-modifiable risk factors for stroke?

Answer 1

• Age
• Gender
• Ethnicity
• Family history
• Previous stroke or TIA
• Socio-economic status

Question 2

What are the modifiable risk factors for stroke?

Answer 2

• Hypertension
• Hyperlipidemia (cholesterol)
• Obesity
• Sleep apnoea
• Depression
• Atrial fibrillation
• Diabetes
• TIA

Question 3

What are some behavioural risk factors for stroke?

Answer 3

• Excessive alcohol
• Smoking
• Unhealthy diet
• Lack of physical activity

Question 4

What is the difference between primary and secondary prevention of stroke?

Answer 4

Primary stroke prevention is for people who have never had a stroke, while secondary stroke prevention is for people who have already had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Question 5

Why does smoking increase stroke risk?

Answer 5

It inflames and irritates the blood vessel walls (constricts wall). Less oxygen is being transported around the body which leads to increased stress on blood vessels

Question 6

How much physical activity should an adult do?

Answer 6

2.5 to 5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity OR 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous intensity physical activity (jogging, aerobics, fast cycling, soccer)

Include muscle strengthening activities as part of daily physical activity on at least 2 days each week (push ups, pull ups, squats, lunges, lifting weights)

Question 7

How much physical activity should those over 65 do?

Answer 7

Recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity