Heart-Related Disease

STROKE

Definition

The term stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.

Signs of Stroke

       Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

  Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.

  Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

  Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.

  Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Causes and Risk Factors

High blood pressure: defined as a reading of 140/90 or greater, is the leading risk factor for stroke. When blood pushes too forcefully against the walls of the arteries, it can weaken them and eventually lead to stroke.

Atherosclerosis: With this major risk factor for stroke, fatty plaques that build up inside the artery walls will block or narrow the vessels, which can lead to stroke.

High cholesterol: High cholesterol contributes to plaque build-up in arteries, which can block blood flow to the brain and cause stroke.

Smoking or tobacco use: Smoking lowers oxygen levels in the blood, forcing the heart to work harder and enabling blood clots to form more readily. Cigarette smoke can also worsen atherosclerosis. According to the National Stroke Association, smokers have twice the risk of stroke as non-smokers.

Diabetes: People with diabetes face higher risk of stroke because they often have other health problems and stroke risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

Overweight or obesity: Extra weight, along with being sedentary, raises the chances of high blood pressure or diabetes.

Diagnosis

Medical History and Physical Exam:

CT SCAN

Your doctor will ask you or a family member about your risk factors for stroke. Examples of risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, heart disease, and a personal or family history of stroke.

Brain Computed Tomography:
A brain CT scan can show bleeding in the brain or damage to the brain cells from a stroke. The test also can show other brain conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the organs and structures in your body. This test can detect changes in brain tissue and damage to brain cells from a stroke.

Carotid Ultrasound:
Carotid ultrasound is a painless and harmless test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the insides of your carotid arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your brain.

CAROTID ULTRASOUND

Heart Tests:
EKG (Electrocardiogram)
The test shows how fast the heart is beating and its rhythm (steady or irregular). An EKG can help detect heart problems that may have led to a stroke.

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM

PLATELETS

Blood Tests:

A platelet count measures the number of platelets in your blood. Blood platelets are cell fragments that help your blood clot. Abnormal platelet levels may be a sign of a bleeding disorder (not enough clotting) or a thrombotic disorder (too much clotting).

Treatment

(Pharmacological Method)

Anticoagulant medicines:

Anticoagulants such as warfarin prevent blood clots from forming and keep existing blood clots from getting bigger. You may need to take this type of medicine after a stroke if you have atrial fibrillation or another condition that makes you more likely to have another stroke.

Antiplatelet medicines:

Antiplatelet medicines keep platelets in the blood from sticking together.

-Aspirin (for example, Bayer) is most often used to prevent TIAs and strokes.

-Aspirin combined with dipyridamole (Aggrenox) is a safe and effective alternative to aspirin.