Ischemia is a process that is highly prevalent in cerebrovascular accidents. Ischemia refers to the inadequate level of blood supply to the brain (Hubert & VanMeter, 2018). The lack of blood in the brain tissue causes its infarction. The stroke process is also known as the tissue necrosis caused by ischemia, which, in turn, is a result of the obstruction of the cerebral blood vessel. According to Hubert and VanMeter (2018), around 700000 strokes occur in the United States annually. Therefore, although a stroke is not the only condition associated with ischemia, it is one of its most prevalent consequences in healthcare statistics.
Ischemia and stroke are commonly co-morbid with each other as one is often the cause of the other. Considering the similar factors between the two processes, elderly people are at a higher risk to obtain the conditions (Hubbert & VanMeter, 2018). With age, people become less mobile and, therefore, do not exercise as actively as in the past. Furthermore, smoking is another potential influence on stroke diseases. Using tobacco has a long-term effect on one’s health, which is why its consequences often become noticeable late in individuals’ lives.
Understanding the correlation between ischemia and cerebrovascular accidents is key to learning about the patient’s health patterns. Considering the common risk factors and similar internal processes of the conditions, people who have at least once experienced diseases associated with ischemia are, therefore, more likely to experience strokes in their lifetimes. Similarly, those patients who successfully recovered from an ischemic stroke should be cautious about their habits because the likelihood of them experiencing similar conditions again is higher due to the influence of the risk factors (Hubert & VanMeter, 2018). The understanding of such correlations between these body processes is critical in minimizing the risks of recurrent diseases, which can be achieved by adjusting the patient’s lifestyle and acquiring healthier habits.
Reference
Hubert, R. J., & VanMeter, K. (2018). Gould’s pathophysiology for the health professions (6th ed.). Elsevier.