A TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) is sometimes called a "mini-stroke." It is a temporary injury to the brain that makes it difficult to control part of the body, such as movement of your arm or leg. A mini-stroke or TIA may also affect your ability to speak or comprehend spoken words. The symptoms of a TIA last only a few minutes or hours, but can later progress to longer lasting and even more permanent problems. TIA's are usually caused when there is a sudden loss of blood flowing into the brain that results from a damaged blood vessel. TIA's are most common in people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and/or peripheral artery disease.
Early identification of TIA symptoms and treatment can help reduce your chance of having your TIA progress to a stroke. Proper treatment also decreases the risk of heart attack, and other complications. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and uncontrolled diabetes are common causes of stroke. These same conditions also place you at a higher risk for having a heart attack. Therefore, it is very important to treat and control all of these conditions.
Talk to your doctor to find out which medicines to prevent heart attack and stroke might be right for you. Your doctor may suggest some lab tests to be sure that these medicines are working well for you.
Along with medications, some lifestyle choices will help to decrease your risk of having another TIA, a heart attack, or even a stroke. These same lifestyle choices which help prevent heart attacks and strokes can also help you to control your cholesterol, lower your blood pressure, and manage your diabetes. It is important to:
• Quit smoking if you smoke
• Choose a variety of nutritious foods low in fat and salt
• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days
• Keep your weight at a healthy level
Your doctor may recommend other lifestyle changes that are right for you.
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