Medical-Fitness Technician
Certification Course
Part B: Exercise & Patho-Physiology (LM:11-24)
Certification Course
Part B: Exercise & Patho-Physiology (LM:11-24)
Learning Module 16:
Exercise & Strokes
Exercise & Strokes
Study the Learning Module with the Video and take the Quiz.
Learning Objectives
- Know the definition and prevalence of strokes.
- Understand how heart attack and stroke have a common pathology (same disease process).
- Understand the relationship between exercise and strokes.
There are 2 different types of stroke:
Definition: An ischemic stroke (aka: cerebral infarction) occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced by a blood clot or atherosclerosis. This prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen. The affected brain cells begin to die within minutes.
Note: The same disease process of atherosclerosis that causes heart attack, also causes stroke (brain attack). Reducing the risk factors of atherosclerosis by therapeutic lifestyle change to prevent heart attack, also prevents stroke. (See LM15)
- Ischemic Stroke (most common) is caused by a blocked artery in or to the brain due to blood clots or atherosclerosis.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke is caused by leaking or bursting of a blood vessel in the brain causing increased intracranial pressure and interruption of blood flow.
Definition: An ischemic stroke (aka: cerebral infarction) occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced by a blood clot or atherosclerosis. This prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen. The affected brain cells begin to die within minutes.
Note: The same disease process of atherosclerosis that causes heart attack, also causes stroke (brain attack). Reducing the risk factors of atherosclerosis by therapeutic lifestyle change to prevent heart attack, also prevents stroke. (See LM15)
Complications of Stroke: A stroke by definition has lasting affects:
Prevalence of Stroke:
- Paralysis: Loss of muscle movement. Usually affects one side of the body.
- Trouble Talking or Swallowing.
- Trouble with Language, including speaking or understanding speech, reading or writing.
- Memory Loss or Trouble Thinking.
- Emotional Problems (anxiety, depression).
- Pain and/or Numbness.
- Behavior and/or Personality Changes (withdrawn, aggressive)
- Note: A temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain where stroke symptoms completely resolve within minutes to hours is called a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA).
Prevalence of Stroke:
- 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes (blood flow to the brain is blocked).
- Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S has a stroke (equal to the incidence of heart attacks).
- Every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies from a stroke.
- 1 in 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease is due to stroke.
- Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke.
- 75% of strokes are first strokes. 25% of strokes are repeat strokes (second, third, etc.)
- Strokes cost the U.S. nearly $56.5 billion in 2019.
- Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability.
- Stroke reduces mobility in over 50% of stroke survivors age 65 and older.
Relationship between Exercise & Stroke
Conclusion: Exercise with moderate fitness prevents stroke and reduces the severity of stroke.