And that means many patients' heart conditions can be successfully managed with a combination of drug therapy and lifestyle modification. Stroke A stroke occurs when oxygen and nutrient-rich blood aren't able to reach brain tissue. In many ways, it is like a heart attack. Sometimes the culprit is a leaky artery. While it is impossible to foretell a stroke, Doppler screening of the carotid arteries in the neck is a safe and effective way to determine if blood vessels are being thickened with plaque, thus increasing the risk of stroke.
Time is of the essence .
Most people wait anywhere from six to 24 hours after having a stroke to go to the hospital. But getting to the hospital immediately greatly improves the chances of a full recovery. In some cases, it can completely reverse the effects of a stroke. TPA works best when administered within 90 minutes but can be injected up to three hours after the initial stroke. Researchers are also studying other drugs such as calcium channel blockers which slow down the metabolism of nerve tissue, thus allowing the brain to get by on less oxygen and fewer nutrients.