Emerge into the future of Stroke and Vascular Disease Prophylaxis
Current Approaches| The Future | Research | IP | Analysis | Policy
Emerge into the future of Stroke and Vascular Disease Prophylaxis
Current Approaches| The Future | Research | IP | Analysis | Policy
Stroke is currently the third leading cause of death in the US, with approximately 700,000 - 1,000,000 recurrent strokes occurring each year. Stroke causes several physical and emotional problems and is currently the leading cause of disability in the US, and accounts for approximately 10% of deaths world wide.
The objective from this web site is to provide the following educational information to the viewer:
What is a stroke?
What are the two types of stroke?
What are the risk factors for strokes?
What is the epidemiology of strokes in the US (why do we care)?
What are the current treatment approaches?
What does the future hold for stroke patients based upon current treatment approaches?
What is nanotechnology? What is nanomedicine? What is a nanobot?
How can nanomedicine, using nanobots, treat and cure, not only strokes but vascular and hard-to-treat diseases in general?
Who is who in the field of nanomedicine (current researchers, conferences)?
What are the opportunities and obstacles facing this revolutionary technology?
And finally, at the end of the presentation, we will examine and attempt to answer one humongous question:
Is there a genuine desire from all parties (i.e. governments, pharmaceutical companies & physicians) to cure diseases and prolong people's lives?
Stroke - Types & Epidemiology
As indicated above, stroke is currently the third leading cause of death in the US, with approximately 700,000 - 1,000,000 recurrent strokes occurring each year. Stroke causes several physical and emotional problems and is currently the leading cause of disability in the US, and accounts for approximately 10% of deaths world wide.
Stroke is divided into two types: Ischemic (Atherosclerotic & Embolic) and Hemorrhagic.
Ischemic Strokes typically occur when a thrombus, or a clot, forms and interrupts the normal blood flow to a specific site or an organ, which causes ischemia (oxygen deprivation) to that organ or site. Clots form in response to rupture of vulnerable plaque. Continuous ischemia may lead to permanent neurological damage and cell death.
Click for a clip explaining how strokes occur.
The human brain - Anatomy and effects of stroke per location
Cardio-embolic strokes occur when the patient suffers from a heart condition called Atrial Fibrillation. Clots usually form in the heart due to irregular heart beat, where they block the normal blood flow. These clots may then travel with the normal blood flow into the carotids, then deeper into the brain, where they could block vessels and cause Ischemic strokes.
The effects of stroke, as indicated earlier, can be rather severe. About 85% of all strokes are ischemic and 15% are hemorrhagic, however almost 80% of deaths are attributed to hemorrhagic strokes. There is currently no effective treatment for hemorrhagic strokes, except prayer and information on how to deal with life after a stroke.
Mortality data for the US - 2003:
Total number of deaths: 2,448,288
Death rate: 841.9 deaths per 100,000 population
Life expectancy: 77.5 years
Mortality rate in WNY (per county) and NY State:
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