Unfortunately, some risk factors for stroke are uncontrollable, such as a family history of heart disease or stroke, being over age 55, having diabetes, being African-American, or having had a previous stroke. However, other risk factors are manageable by controlling your lifestyle. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, weight control, exercising, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. By talking to your doctor about your concerns, you can begin lowering your controllable risk factors. Knowing the warning signs of a stroke is also critical to treatment.
Seconds count when attempting to minimize the effects of a stroke.
The difference is that the signs associated with a TIA usually last for only a few minutes. Treatment will depend on whether the stroke is being caused by a blockage to an artery or if a blood vessel has been ruptured. If treatment is to include a variety of newer clot-busting drugs or other therapy, you must get to the hospital within three hours of the onset of the symptoms. Dr. Melvin Wichter Dr. Wichter is a neurologist on staff at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Use of our site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use .