A study out of the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University points to the fact that stroke can do ongoing damage to the cardiovascular system. Rather than being a one time event that is treated and forgotten about, a stroke has a lasting effect within the body. The composition of blood vessels within the body can change after a stroke, making the interior surface of these seem sticky.
The science behind this is a bit more complex. Exosomes are activated in the body after a stroke and these nanoparticles become “sticky” as a response to the stroke. They can accumulate in blood vessels and effectively reduce the size of the blood vessels as a result of their accumulation. Not only can this exacerbate the negative impact of a stroke, it can lead to further medical issues weeks or even months in the future.
Popular medical advice claims that if a stroke is treated in the first two hours after it begins, the damage that it does will be much less severe. And while this is true, it does not mean that no damage will happen in the future. Because of the nature of a stroke, the “stickiness” can increase the risk of another cardiac event or stroke unless something is done to minimize their negative impact.
In their research, the scientists behind this investigation likened the aftereffects of a stroke to a freeway pileup. Once one car crashes, it is easier for the cars behind it to do the same. Once one blood platelet gets stuck, it is easier for the blood flowing behind it to do the same. This can lead to a second stroke or another cardiac event. It is the reason why those who have suffered from one stroke in the past are very likely to suffer another.
Stroke recovery can be made difficult by changes within blood vessels.
However, it is important to note that the likelihood of this happening can be drastically reduced by following doctors’ instructions carefully.
When an elderly loved one suffers from a stroke, it is a sudden and life changing event. It’s important to have a team on your side that can help. This might take the shape of senior care, but not necessarily. Sometimes, just having an expert on your side that can help steer you to the right resources, give advice, and help ease the burden.
For many, senior care is a helpful option. If you’re looking for help in this area, feel free to reach out to us. One of our professionally trained caregivers can help you walk through the ins and outs of caring for an elderly loved one who has previously suffered from a stroke. This consultation session is completely free and you’re under no obligation to use our in-home care services. If you do decide that this care is the right option, we’d love to talk more about how we can help your family’s unique set of circumstances. At the very least, you will walk away feeling a bit more empowered and knowledgeable when it comes to helping the people that you love.
Leave a Reply