Heart Attack and Stroke Survivors’ Care Needs May Be Much Greater Than Experts Thought

A University of Michigan-led review of national records published in the journal Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, reports that quality of life following survival of a stroke or heart attack decreases notably due to gradual loss of function and resulting depression. The study reviewed national medical records from throughout 2010, forming patterns regarding heart attack and stroke survivors with emphasis on recovery rate, level of independence and caretaker presence. Over a period of 10 years following initial affliction, survivors of stroke displayed functional limitations with approximately 3.5 to 4.5 daily tasks while heart attack survivors gained 1.5 to 3.5 new limitations. “We found that over time, survivors had increasing difficulty performing everyday tasks like walking, bathing, shopping and managing money and that these struggles got progressively worse every year following a heart attack or stroke,” explained the author. Survivors were calculated as having a 20% greater chance of developing depressive symptoms for each limitation gained. Researchers anticipate a 25% increase in the number of stroke and heart attack survivors over the next two decades owing to improved medical care. However, researchers also predict a decline in the supply of active caregivers based on current age and family demographics. To learn more about this study, click here.