Strokes are possible for anyone at any time, but most people don’t need to worry about them until they get older and develop conditions that may increase their risk of a stroke. Knowledge of the possible risk of stroke due to the current health condition of your elderly loved one is important for managing their care. The stroke recovery road ahead of your loved one and you may be long, but with support from a stroke care at home provider, it won’t be impossible to travel.
Some common medical conditions can increase your loved one’s risk of having a stroke, especially if your loved one also engages in lifestyle behaviors that increase their risk. Understanding that these conditions will increase your loved one’s risk can help provide an incentive to manage their health condition, and this can be supported with the help of stroke care at home services.
Health Conditions That Lead to an Increased Risk of Stroke
Diabetes
Diabetes increases a person’s risk of having a stroke because of the sugars that build up in the bloodstream and prevent oxygen from getting to where it needs to go within the body, including the brain. Diabetes often leads to high blood pressure, which is the leading condition that increases the risk of stroke.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke. A person is diagnosed with high blood pressure when the pressure in their arteries is too high, as it moves blood around their body. This condition doesn’t create any symptoms, but regular doctor visits can easily check it to make sure your loved one’s blood pressure is normal.
High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is naturally waxy. The liver creates enough for the body, but often the foods a person eats cause the body to have too much cholesterol, and it begins to build up in the arteries, including the ones to the brain. Too much build-up can lead to the narrowing of the arteries and an increased risk of a stroke.
Obesity
Obesity occurs when a person has too much body fat. Obesity often creates higher “bad” cholesterol and triglyceride levels and lowers those important “good” cholesterol levels. Obesity is also often accompanied by other health conditions, which also increase the risk of stroke, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
Heart Disease
Some heart conditions, like heart valve defects, irregular heartbeat, and enlarged heart chambers, can increase the risk that blood clots may break loose and cause a stroke. Another common heart condition, coronary artery disease, can increase stroke risk due to the plaque that builds up in the arteries and blocks the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
Getting Help for Stroke Care at Home
If your loved one has a stroke because of his current health conditions, his recovery may take longer and have some additional complications as you work with him to manage his recovery from the stroke as well as his other health conditions.
It can become quite overwhelming for caregivers to help their loved ones through the recovery process. Getting some help for stroke care at home can help relieve you of some of the many items on your plate. A provider who understands how to help with stroke care at home can be a great asset to you and your family, offering support and assistance throughout the process.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Stroke Care at Home Services in Weston, MA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Care Resolutions, Inc. today at (508) 906-5572
CARE Resolutions, Inc. provides quality 24-Hour Home Care for seniors and families in Walpole, Dover, Wellesley, Framingham, Norfolk, Quincy, Weston, Medfield, Boston, Sherborn, MA, and surrounding areas.
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