consumption of a diet rich fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products; regular physical activity and limited alcohol consumption. - Outcomes: The degree of risk reduction was directly related to the amount of decrease in patient blood pressure. the American Heart Association that I have reviewed, the information is extensive in nature and much of it is not relevant to what I am attempting to research. Kim, J., Lee, S., & Kim, J. (2013). Effects of a web-based stroke education program on recurrence prevention behaviors among stroke patients: a pilot study. Health Education Research, 28(3), 488-501. doi:10.1093/her/cyt044 LOE: II The aims of this study were to assess the effects of such interventions among stroke patients and their primary caregivers and to evaluate the feasibility of a web-based stroke education pro- gram. - Design: RCT - Sampling method: Patients who had a clinical diagnosis of ischemic stroke within 12 months post-stroke and their primary caregivers. The participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. - Sample Size: 36 - Interventions: Web- based program for education on methods to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke. The interventions were tested by performing initial blood tests, and comparing them to chemistry throughout the study. - Outcomes: 50% of participants reported positive changes in exercise, shifting from irregular to regular. No statistical data was related to The use of the internet as a method of education is a feasible way of doing so. Though there were mentioned challenges, these are ones that can be overcome. A program such as this has the potential to increase patient quality of life. Strengths: The and article provides a look at information that I have not seen in much previous research. This being so, it opens up the possibilities of using technology in order to provide direct information to patients so that they may decrease the risk of recurrent stroke. Weaknesses: The study included a very small sample size; therefore the findings may not accurately depict a larger group of those who are effected by strokes.
interventions were part of this study. The study was aimed at determining likelihood of death and the cause of death in specific time frames post stroke. - Outcomes measured: The outcomes showed the risk of recurrent stroke, MI, vascular death or all cause death. These results were shown in intervals of 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and 4 years. evidence of increased risk for recurrent stroke and all cause death post initial stroke, but did not discuss any interventions made after the initial stroke. Lawrence, M., Fraser, H., Woods, C., & McCall, J. (2011). Secondary prevention of stroke and transient ischemic attack. Nursing Standard, 26(9), 41-46 LOE: Level V The purpose is to provide a review summary for application to practice to determine if certain behavioral changes can assist in prevention of stroke or TIA. - Design: Integrative review - Sampling method: This article reviews evidence related to lifestyle changes and their influence on reducing secondary stroke. There was not a sample group for this article. - Sample size: This article reviews evidence related to lifestyle changes and their influence on reducing secondary stroke. There was not a sample group for this article. - description of interventions (if any): The article reviewed lifestyle changes including diet, obesity, alcohol usage, physical Review of relevant findings are related to each specific lifestyle change. - Tobacco use: Smoking doubles the risk of ischemic stroke. The risk of stroke is related proportionally to the number of cigarettes the individual smokes daily. Five years after smoking cessation, the risk of stroke returns to that of a nonsmoker. - Diet: The overall risk of stroke is closely related to the amount of fat a person consumes. Reducing salt intake can also decrease the risk of a stroke. - Obesity: Although there are no specific research studies to show that obesity is a risk Strengths: The information for this article was gathered by individuals who were highly educated in research and strokes. There did not appear to be any bias in the article. There are several different lifestyle changes and modifications that when made can decrease the risk of a second stroke. The article provides specific information related to each lifestyle changes and how it influences stroke risk. Weaknesses: The fact that this article was an integrated review