Stroke prevention screening program

Abstract

Stroke undoubtedly is one of the most devastating events experienced by humans. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the adult population in the United States and the No. 1 cause of disability after 60 years of age. One out of four stroke victims die within 1 month. Many stroke victims would rather die than live without their dignity and quality of life. With the increase in the elderly population and the risk of stroke almost doubling every decade after 55 years of age, it is increasingly important to reduce the incidence of strokes. Stroke prevention screenings are an excellent opportunity to identify and educate persons who have significant stroke risk factors. Guidelines outlined by the National Stroke Association are described clearly in this step-by-step process of a stroke prevention screening. A unique modification of the National Stroke Association guidelines was the use of a carotid artery ultrasound screening to detect persons with significant carotid artery disease. This step in the screening replaced listening for carotid bruits. Seven carotid artery endarterectomies (of 385 participants) have been performed as a result of the screenings. Prevention of strokes through aggressive risk factor reduction cannot be overemphasized.