TIA: Take this warning seriously Sometimes the signs and symptoms of a stroke go away almost as swiftly as they arrive. But that doesn’t mean the danger has passed. Brief stroke symptoms can be caused by a TIA—short for transient ischemic attack. Like a regular stroke, a TIA happens when the brain’s blood supply is blocked by a clot. A TIA usually lasts only for a few minutes—the blockage dissolves on its own. As a result, a TIA doesn’t cause permanent brain damage or disability. However, a TIA is a warning. It means you’re at risk for a full-blown stroke. The good news? After a TIA, treatment can help prevent future strokes. So if you think you may have had a TIA in the past, tell your doctor. And remember this, should you ever experience the signs and symptoms of a stroke: Don’t wait for them to pass. Call 911 right away. There’s no way to know whether you’re having a TIA or a stroke—and the latter could kill or paralyze you if you don’t get immediate help. The signs and symptoms of both stroke and TIA come on suddenly and include: ● Trouble talking or understanding others. ● A severe, unexplained headache. ● Trouble seeing in one or both eyes. ● Numbness or weakness on one side of the body. ● Dizziness. Sources: American Stroke Association; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 5 ways to lower your risk of stroke This may seem obvious, but it’s true: No one wants to have a stroke. It’s the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major cause of adult disability. That’s why taking steps to prevent a stroke is so important. A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is cut off. This causes brain cells to die. Keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy is very important if you want to lower your risk of a stroke. (Many heart diseases, such as atrial fibrillation, increase your risk of having a stroke.) Some things are out of your control when it comes to avoiding a stroke, such as your age or family history of stroke. But the good news is that there are at least five ways to help lower your chance of having a stroke: 1. Eat a healthy diet. Fill your plate with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Also choose foods high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fat and cholesterol. Avoid excess salt. 2. Watch your weight. Too many pounds raise your risk of a stroke. Aim to keep your body mass index (BMI) in a healthy range. Your doctor can tell you how much you should weigh. 3. Exercise on a regular basis. Exercising is one of the best ways to protect against a stroke. It lowers your cholesterol and blood pressure levels and helps you maintain a healthy weight. 4. If you smoke, it’s time to quit. Smoking increases the risk for stroke in numerous ways. Your doctor can help you quit. 5. Manage your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke. Following tips one through four above can help keep your blood pressure under control. So can taking medicine to lower your pressure, if needed. Know the warning signs of stroke Stroke is a medical emergency, and it requires immediate treatment. If you or anyone you know experiences signs of a stroke, call 911 right away. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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