Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and among the top causes of death for adults in the United States. At Genesis Heart & Vascular Associates in Jefferson City, and Newport, Tennessee, Pragnesh Patel, MD, and the team offer advanced diagnostic testing and treatments that might reduce your risk of stroke. To learn more about testing and treatments for stroke prevention, call the office or schedule a consultation with the interventional cardiologist online today.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when there’s a blockage in the flow of blood to the brain. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells die. A stroke is a life-threatening event that requires immediate medical care to prevent or limit brain damage.

Symptoms of a stroke may include sudden numbness or weakness in one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty seeing. In most people, stroke symptoms occur suddenly. 

If you think you or someone you love is having a stroke, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What are the risk factors for a stroke?

Anyone can have a stroke. However, there are some factors that may increase your risk, such as:

• Age (risk increases as you get older)
• Family history of a stroke
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Aneurysm
• Heart disease
• Arrhythmia
• Blood clots
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Overweight or obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking

Some stroke risk factors are out of your control, like your age and family history. But you do have control over some of the other risk factors like physical activity, smoking, and management of underlying diseases. 

What can I expect during a stroke evaluation?

You can expect a patient-centered evaluation when you visit Genesis Heart & Vascular Associates with concerns about stroke. The team reviews your medical history and your family’s, and does a physical exam.

They may also run lab work to look for diseases linked to stroke. The team may then perform a vascular ultrasound to look at your carotid artery, which is the main artery to your brain. Narrowing or blockages in this artery may lead to stroke.

The interventional cardiologists may also do an echocardiogram to check for heart disease.

What can I do to prevent a stroke?

After your evaluation, the team talks to you about their findings and what you can do to reduce your risk of stroke. They recommend eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and smoking cessation.

They may also suggest medications to treat underlying diseases or reduce the risk of blood clots. If your carotid arteries are severely narrowed or blocked, the team may recommend a procedure that opens the artery, improving blood flow to the brain. 

For more information about stroke testing, call Genesis Heart & Vascular Associates or book an appointment online today.