Stroke secondary to cardiogenic embolism Health Article

Complications

• Problems due to loss of mobility (joint contractures, pressure sores)
• Permanent loss of movement or sensation of a part of the body
• Bone fractures
• Muscle spasticity
• Permanent loss of brain functions
• Reduced communication or social interaction
• Reduced ability to function or care for self
• Early death
• Side effects of medications
• Breathing in food or fluids into the lungs (aspiration)
• Malnutrition

Calling your health care provider

Stroke is a medical emergency. Immediately go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (911 in the United States) if signs of a stroke occur.

Prevention

Atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias should be treated to prevent clot formation. TIA (transient ischemic attack) should be treated.

Aspirin therapy (81mg a day or 100mg every other day) is now recommended for stroke prevention in women under 65 as long as the benefits outweigh the risks. It should be considered for women over age 65 only if their blood pressure is controlled and the benefit is greater than the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and brain hemorrhage.

References

Mosca L, Banka CL, Benjamin EJ, et al. Evidence-Based Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women: 2007 Update. Circulation. 2007; Published online before print February 19, 2007.

Thom T, Haase N, Rosamond W, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics--2006 update: a report from the American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Circulation. 2006 Feb 14;113(6):e85-151. Epub 2006 Jan 11.

Ferro JM. Cardioembolic stroke: an update. Lancet Neurol. 2003 Mar;2(3):177-88.