What can I do to prevent a stroke?

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Eighty-five to ninety percent of strokes are ischemic (caused by blockage of an artery to the brain) and the remainder is hemorrhagic (caused by a tear in the artery wall that produces bleeding in the brain). TIA's (transient ischemic attacks) are mini ischemic strokes usually caused by tiny emboli that lodge in the brain but dissolve quickly so symptoms clear up within 24 hours.

Symptoms of TIA's and ischemic strokes are similar: problems with speech, unilateral weakness of the extremities, blurred vision, drooping eyelid, tingling/numbness and/or difficulty swallowing. Hemorrhagic strokes usually cause abrupt headaches, nausea/vomiting, neck stiffness, seizures and/or altered states of consciousness.

The consequences and the severity of a stroke depend on where in the brain it occurred and the extent of damage. Therefore, immediate medical treatment is critical in any patient suspected of having a stroke.

To prevent a stroke, risk factors must be minimized. High blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol must be controlled and smoking must be stopped. Additional risk factors include: obesity, carotid stenosis (narrowing of carotid arteries in the neck), arrhythmias (e.g. arterial fibrillation), sedentary lifestyle, age over 55, male gender, Black and Hispanic ethnicity, and maternal or paternal family history of stroke.

Daily aspirin has been shown in studies to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack by 28%. Therefore, talk with your doctor to see if you are a candidate for daily aspirin therapy and do your best to reduce your risk factors.

Neda Bayat, D.O.
Diplomate, American Board of Family Practice
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.