AHA/ASA Scientific Statement for Post-Stroke Care: Mitchell S.V. Elkind, MD, MS, MPhil

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The president of the American Heart Association spoke on the newly published scientific statement and its implications for the clinical stroke treating community.

“I think of this statement as really being a tool to help the primary care community in their care of stroke patients.”

Mitchell S.V. Elkind, MD, MS, MPhil, spoke with NeurologyLive regarding the new scientific statement from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHS/ASA), which outlines goal-directed and patient-centered care for poststroke management in adults. Entitled “Primary Care of Adult Patients After Stroke,” the statement calls specific attention to the role of the primary care provider in the post-stroke phase.

According to Elkind, who is president of the American Heart Association, the guidelines are a useful tool for the primary care community, as they are generally more involved with patient care than neurologists following a stroke. Primary care physicians can play a pivotal role in educating patients, as well as controlling risk factors and associated complications such as depression or other mental health issues.

Additionally, Elkind said, the statement offers guidance for this specific community to care for poststroke adults, many of whom have other chronic medical problems, namely high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, which are normally addressed by primary care physicians. These providers may also have a general understanding of a patient’s medical history, familial history, and social/employment situations, making them uniquely equipped to provide sufficient care following a stroke.