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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Stroke from Cardiogenic Embolism: Prevention & Expectations
      Category : Health Centers > Stroke

Stroke from Cardiogenic Embolism

Alternate Names : Brain Attack

Stroke from Cardiogenic Embolism | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Effective treatment of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, and heart attack can help to prevent a stroke from cardiogenic embolism. People with heart valve disease or artificial heart valves may take antibiotics before surgery or dental work as a precaution against infection.

People can also lower their risk of stroke from cardiogenic embolism by addressing other risk factors for stroke. The American Heart Association guidelines for stroke prevention address both modifiable and less well-documented or potentially modifiable risk factors.

Measures to reduce the modifiable risk of high blood pressure, a major cause of stroke, include:

  • measurement of blood pressure in adults at least every 2 years to screen for high blood pressure
  • weight control
  • physical activity
  • moderation in alcohol intake
  • moderate sodium intake
  • for those who smoke, quitting smoking
  • medications to treat high blood pressure if the person's blood pressure is over 140/90 after 3 months of these lifestyle modifications, or if the initial blood pressure is over 180/100
  • Other measures to reduce an individual's modifiable risk factors for stroke may include:

  • smoking cessation using nicotine patches, counseling, and formal smoking programs
  • control of blood sugar levels in a person with diabetes through medication, diet, and exercise
  • the use of ramipril in people with diabetes. A recent study showed that people with diabetes have a 33% lower risk of ischemic stroke if they take ramipril.
  • careful evaluation of asymptomatic carotid stenosis to determine the need for surgery. Coronary artery surgery, such as an endarterectomy, may be indicated. An endarterectomy opens the narrow portion of the artery and increases the blood flow to the brain. People with carotid stenosis should also work closely with their healthcare providers to control other risk factors for stroke.
  • semiannual screening of children with sickle cell anemia, using ultrasound to determine the child's risk of stroke
  • treatment of atrial fibrillation with blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin, depending on the person's age and other risk factors
  • monitoring of high levels of total cholesterol or LDL, as well as low levels of HDL. Depending on the blood levels and the person's other risk factors, medications to lower cholesterol may be given.
  • Measures to reduce less well-documented or potentially modifiable risks for stroke may include:

  • weight reduction in overweight persons
  • 30 or more minutes of moderate exercise a day for most individuals. People with heart disease or disabilities should be in a medically supervised exercise program.
  • a healthy diet for preventing heart disease, containing at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day
  • for those who drink alcohol, drinking in moderation. The AHA defines moderate drinking as no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women.
  • seeking treatment for drug abuse
  • monitoring of blood levels of homocysteine. For most individuals, a well-balanced diet following the food guide pyramid will provide enough folic acid and B vitamins to maintain a healthy homocysteine level. For people with elevated homocysteine levels, supplements containing folic acid and B vitamins may be recommended.
  • avoiding the use of oral contraceptives in women with other stroke risk factors
  • Some people have early warning signs that they are at risk for strokes. The most common warning sign is what is known as a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. This is a type of reversible stroke that often goes away after a few minutes. These people can often get treatment that will prevent a stroke in the future. For instance, people may be advised to take aspirin or have carotid artery surgery to correct a blockage in a neck artery.

    What are the long-term effects of the condition?

    Strokes can cause death or permanent disability. Though many people recover some function in the first several months after a stroke, others show no improvement. Some people have several small strokes over time and slowly get worse with each one.

    What are the risks to others?

    Strokes are not contagious and pose no risk to others.


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    Stroke from Cardiogenic Embolism: Diagnosis & Tests

     

    Stroke from Cardiogenic Embolism: Treatment & Monitoring

    Author: Tamara Miller, MD
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 07/15/01



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