Canadian stroke best practice recommendations: Secondary prevention of stroke, sixth edition practice guidelines,

Theodore Wein1,2, M Patrice Lindsay3, Robert Côté1,2

  • 11 McGill University, Canada.

Insights

This updated guideline offers evidence-based strategies for preventing recurrent ischemic stroke by managing vascular risk factors. It emphasizes a systems approach and interprofessional teams for equitable stroke care.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Secondary stroke prevention is crucial for reducing recurrence and improving patient outcomes.
  • Managing modifiable vascular risk factors is key to preventing ischemic stroke.
  • Existing guidelines require regular updates to incorporate new evidence and best practices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide clinicians with current, evidence-based recommendations for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke.
  • To guide the identification and management of modifiable vascular risk factors to prevent stroke recurrence.
  • To update and disseminate the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations for clinicians.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and synthesis of the latest scientific evidence.
  • Development of consensus-based recommendations by expert panels.
  • Inclusion of diagnostic testing, lifestyle modifications, and pharmacotherapy guidance.

Main Results:

  • The 2017 update includes new recommendations on cervical artery dissection and patent foramen ovale management.
  • Core elements for secondary stroke prevention services and performance measures are introduced.
  • Recommendations cover hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapies, and carotid artery disease.

Conclusions:

  • The updated recommendations promote a systems approach to stroke care, involving interprofessional teams.
  • Emphasis is placed on overcoming geographic barriers to ensure equitable access to stroke prevention services.
  • Implementation resources and performance measures are provided to support the adoption and effectiveness of the guidelines.

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management01:23

Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
479
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
313
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
738
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
380
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
460
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
388