Association of Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Health-Related Behaviors in Stroke Patients

Abstract

Brain stroke continues to be a leading cause of mortality and disability in both developed and developing countries, with higher healthcare costs due to the long-term care and rehabilitation that it incurs. The purpose of the current study was to assess the association between brain stroke patients’ health-related behaviors and their risk for cardiovascular disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from March to August 2022 in the Vlora district regional hospital in Albania. The study included 150 out of 170 participants who met the necessary criteria, achieving an 88% response rate. Measurement tools included the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Scale (FRS) and the Lifestyle Health Promotion Profile II (HPLP II). Results: The patients’ average age was 65.9 ± 9.04 years. Over 65% of the stroke patients suffer from diabetes, and 47% from hypertension. About 31% of them have a high risk of hyperlipidemia (mean TC = 179 ± 28.5). About 32% of the brain stroke patients manifested unhealthy behaviors, while 84% of them had a high risk of cardiovascular disease (FRS = 19.5 ± 0.53). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk was statistically associated with stress management behaviors (p = 0.008; OR = 0.20; CI = 95%). This risk was highest in the over-70 age group as well as in men. Conclusion: Brain stroke patients had a high probability of developing CVD. For better health among stroke patients, new evidence-based behavior change approaches must be introduced into preventative and management programs.

Effect of physical activity on coronary heart disease risk factors among firefighters: a scoping review protocol

“…These atherosclerotic plaques in coronary arteries are associated with unhealthy eating habits and poor lifestyle behaviour 30. The interplay between lifestyle habits, medical risk factors and physical fitness indicates that firefighters are subjected to severe physical exertion 31–33. Such sympathetic drive increases shear stress on coronary arteries making firefighters more susceptible to acute cardiac events because the cardiovascular system is stressed 34–36.…”

“…30 The interplay between lifestyle habits, medical risk factors and physical fitness indicates that firefighters are subjected to severe physical exertion. [31][32][33] Such sympathetic drive increases shear stress on coronary arteries making firefighters more susceptible to acute cardiac events because the cardiovascular system is stressed. [34][35][36] Hazardous tactical operations as such, in the presence of endothelial dysfunction and plaque build-up can cause myocardial ischaemia, infarction and mortality.…”

Association between daily screen time and risk of stroke among middle-aged and elderly people: research based on China health and nutrition survey

“…From 1990 to 2016, the absolute number of people who died or became disabled from stroke nearly tripled ( 3 ). Current studies have found a variety of risk factors for stroke, like hypertension ( 4 ), diabetes ( 5 ), hyperlipidemia ( 6 ), unhealthy lifestyle ( 7 ), and family history of stroke ( 8 ). Contemporary people spend nearly two-thirds of their leisure time on screen-based sedentary activities ( 9 ) and lifestyle were modifiable ( 10 , 11 ).…”