ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Stroke is the most feared complication of cardiovascular disease and occurs with an incidence of approximately 780,000 cases per year in the United States (1). Brain ischemia is the most common cause, occurring in almost 90% of cases. Stroke is the third most common cause of mortality and a leading cause of disability and accounts for approximately $60 billion in annual costs. The impact of stroke on a patient and family cannot be overemphasized because it brings with it the threat of loss of independence and irreparable loss of function. Accordingly, because of these issues, attempts at stroke prevention have received considerable emphasis.
