Case Study- Stroke- Samuel Dexter

1. Define the terms ischemia and infarction.

These two terms work together in that, generally infarctions do not occur without the presence of ischemia.

According to WebMD, Ischemia is the result of when a heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen. When a shortage of blood or oxygen is present in the cardiovascular system patients will experience this. It is generally caused by the narrowing or blockage of at least one coronary artery.

Does anyone know what Silent Ischemia is?

Ischemia-Topic Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2015, from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ischemia-topic-overview

According to Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, an infarction is a localized area of decay and deathin a tissue resulting from anoxia. It is caused by aninterruption in the blood supply to thearea. Some infarcts are pale and white because of the lack of circulation while othersresemble a red, swollen bruise because of hemorrhage and anaccumulation of blood in the area.

infarct. (n.d.) Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. (2009). Retrieved November 11 2015 from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/infarct

2. List the risk factors that predispose an individual to suffer a stroke. What are the five warning signs that indicate an individual is having a stroke? Which of the risk factors and warning signs did Mr. Dexter possess based on the clinical history?

A person can be predisposed to suffering a stroke based on numerous factors that are both controllable, and not controlled. The factors that contribute to high risk of stroke that can be more controlled can be divided into Behavior and Conditions. The behaviors include: unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco usage. Conditions include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, sickle cell disease, and prior stroke history. Some factors that individuals cannot control is age, sex, genetics, and ethnicity. As we age, every ten years...