RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR STROKE IN THE ELDERLY: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Stroke is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality among the elderly population. The objective of this study was to analyze risk factors and stroke prevention strategies in the elderly, focusing on hypertension control, medication use, lifestyle changes, and treatment adherence. To this end, an integrative literature review was conducted, analyzing articles published in the last five years. The databases used were PubMed and the Virtual Health Library (VHL), and the inclusion criteria included open-access clinical studies, with an emphasis on clinical trials. In total, 14 articles were selected for analysis. Adherence to treatment and hypertension control were crucial factors in reducing the risk of stroke recurrence. In addition, lifestyle interventions, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity, have been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of stroke. The presence of comorbidities, such as atrial fibrillation and silent infarctions, was also identified as an important risk factor that requires continuous monitoring. In short, stroke prevention in the elderly requires a multifaceted approach, considering biological, behavioral and social risk factors, in addition to personalized treatment strategies.