With May being Stroke Awareness Month, it’s a great time to learn about strokes and their impact. A stroke is one of the most time-sensitive medical emergencies a person can experience. Strokes happen when an artery in the brain is suddenly damaged, often due to a blockage.
Common causes of these blockages include clogs in the carotid arteries or clots dislodged from the heart. Every second the brain is deprived of blood, more damage is done. This is why rapid treatment is so important.
Those with atrial fibrillation (AFib) have a higher risk of stroke. AFib is a type of irregular heartbeat that can cause blood to pool in the heart, increasing the chance of clot formation. These clots can then dislodge into circulation in the body.
Although generally small and harmless to the rest of the body, they can cause problems if they reach the brain. Just like clots from the heart, plaque buildup in the carotid artery can also lead to clots that block blood vessels in the brain. Surgery to remove the plaque or using a stent to open the carotid artery can help.
If severe narrowing is found in the carotid artery of a patient who hasn't had a stroke, these procedures can prevent a stroke from happening. Building a strong relationship with a primary care provider and addressing health concerns when they arise is an excellent place to start to prevent strokes. People who are most at risk for having a stroke include those with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, AFib, a histo.