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These studies suggest that heart disease and stroke are closely related, sharing common risk factors and causes, and that addressing cardiovascular health and social determinants is crucial for prevention and management.
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Stroke and heart disease are leading causes of death and disability worldwide, particularly in Western countries. Both conditions share common risk factors and often coexist, complicating diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts .
Both stroke and heart disease are primarily driven by atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. Common risk factors include smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes . These risk factors contribute to the development of various cardiovascular conditions, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease, which can lead to both heart attacks and strokes .
Heart disease can directly cause stroke through mechanisms such as cardioembolism, where blood clots formed in the heart travel to the brain, leading to an ischemic stroke. This is often seen in conditions like atrial fibrillation, acute myocardial infarction, and cardiomyopathy . Additionally, severe heart failure can result in reduced cerebral perfusion, causing a hemodynamic stroke .
The presence of heart disease in stroke patients can significantly delay the initiation of rehabilitation and complicate the overall care process. Cardiac comorbidities may inhibit participation in therapeutic exercise programs, limit functional outcomes, and contribute to early mortality. This underscores the importance of comprehensive cardiovascular assessment and management in stroke patients to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.
Both stroke and heart disease impose substantial economic burdens due to the high costs associated with medical procedures, long-term care, and loss of productivity. Effective management of these conditions requires coordinated efforts to improve quality of care and implement evidence-based strategies to mitigate risk factors .
Stroke and heart disease are intricately linked through shared risk factors and direct pathophysiological mechanisms. Understanding their interrelation is crucial for effective prevention, management, and rehabilitation. Comprehensive cardiovascular health monitoring and targeted interventions are essential to reduce the burden of these debilitating conditions.
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