HealthDay reported this week that people who are 65+, and who have had a stroke, surgery on a heart valve or have known heart disease, have a higher stroke risk after heart surgery.
Researchers have looked at more than 100,000 patients who had heart surgery in Ontario. They noted that the above factors could increase the stroke risk right after and for up to two years after surgery on the heart.
Researchers also noted that patients who have a higher CHADS2 score, which is a tool used to determine stroke risk, have a higher risk of stroke with or without AFib, or atrial fibrillation.
According to the author of the clinical study, Dr. Richard Whitlock, from McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, rates of stroke and death without AFib was 5.8 percent for patients who had a CHADS2 score of 0-1. This compared with 14.8% who had a higher score.
In a patient group with a history of AFib, the stroke rate or at after two years was 9.3% for those who had a CHADS2 score of 0-1, compared with 19.9% with people who had a higher score.
Researchers also found that stroke is a serious complication after heart surgery. This study provides doctors and researchers with a better understanding of the risk of stroke in people who have had heart surgery.
The study found there is an association between these factors and stroke risk, but it was not designed to definitively prover if these factors are responsible directly for strokes that occur after heart surgery.
Grooming Aids Make Life Easier for Stroke Patients
People who have had a stroke may experience long term weakness in one or both hands. This can make it more complicated to care for yourself in the bathroom. With the help of Wright Stuff bathroom aids, you can improve your independence and keep up with your bathroom routine.
One of our more popular items is our Suction Base Nail Clippers, which are perfect for people who have a limited pinching ability with their hands. They are secured to a plastic base with suction cups so they are secure when you are using them.
Another bathroom task that is more difficult with weak hands is flossing the teeth. If you lack the strength and dexterity in your hands to floss, this could mean that you will stop doing it. This is not good for your teeth, so we recommend the Floss Aid Dental Floss Holder, which makes it easier to hold the dental floss so you can get your teeth clean.
