Cerebrovascular Accident: Report Analysis and Impact

This report examines Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA), also known as strokes, focusing on their causes, impact, and implications for the Canadian healthcare system. It begins by defining CVA as the result of impaired blood circulation to the brain, leading to cellular damage. The report delves into the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, explaining how plaque formation restricts blood flow and can lead to cerebral arterial weakening and strokes. It then explores the impact on the Canadian healthcare system, highlighting the high mortality rate and significant emotional, social, and financial burdens associated with CVA. The report also addresses the long-term impairments experienced by stroke survivors, the need for rehabilitative services, and the associated healthcare costs. Additionally, the report references several studies and publications to support the information presented. Overall, the report provides a comprehensive overview of CVA, covering its causes, effects, and importance within the context of healthcare.

Running head: CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT
CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT
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Introduction
A cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also known prevalently as ‘stroke’ implies the death
and destruction of cerebral cells as result of impaired circulation of blood to the bran and the
resultant hindrance to the flow of nutrients and oxygen essential for cerebral and sensory
functioning (Alshami et al., 2018).
Description
Atherosclerosis is associated with prolonged deposition of fatty streaks followed by
inflammation induced LDL oxidation and fibrous calcium plaque formation. Such plaque
formation restricts blood circulation and induces endothelial thrombus accumulation. When
broken loose, such deposits can lodge themselves across cerebral arteries causing circulatory
restrictions and atherosclerotic endothelial hardening which further pave the way for arterial
swelling and aneurysm. In time, this swollen section can burse in the brain resulting in cerebral
arterial weakening, cerebral hemorrhage and a stroke (Aiyagari & Gorelick, 2016).
Impact on Canadian Healthcare System
CVA accounts for approximately 6% or the third strongest contributor of mortality in
Canada, of which infants and the elderly demonstrate the highest risk. CVA instills considerable
emotional, social and financial impacts across both families as well as the overall Canadian
health system. Stroke survival is associated with long term impairments in basic sensory
functioning like swallowing, movement, vision and cognitive functioning, which in turn, require
lifelong participation in rehabilitative and assistive services. Not only do these impair social
engagement and daily life functioning but also pave the way for heavy medical expenditures for
the family and the national healthcare system. It has been estimated that approximately 40%

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stroke survivors need to live with specialized services, 10% will be in need of interventions from
a long term facility and 25% of survivors will have to live with minor impairments requiring
lifelong assistance (Chong, Hrynchak & Steenbakkers, 2015).

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References
Aiyagari, V., & Gorelick, P. B. (Eds.). (2016). Hypertension and stroke: Pathophysiology and
management. Humana Press.
Alshami, A., Romero, C., Avila, A., & Varon, J. (2018). Management of Acute Hypertension in
Cerebrovascular Accidents. Ann Hypertens. 2018; 1 (1), 1002.
Chong, S., Hrynchak, P., & Steenbakkers, M. (2015). Bilateral inferior altitudinal defects
secondary to stroke: a case series. Canadian Journal of Optometry, 77(3), 23-23.