How to Prevent Embolic Stroke

Embolic stroke is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries. An embolic stroke essentially occurs when a blood clot prevents the proper circulation of blood to the brain resulting in damage of essential aspects of brain function. Follow these steps to help prevent embolic stroke.

Instructions

1. Keep a close watch on blood pressure. Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is one of the leading problems which lead to embolic stroke, particularly in elderly patients. It is useful, therefore, to monitor blood pressure at home and to have it checked regularly by a physician. If you suffer from hypertension, there are medications and dietary changes that can assist you in lowering it.

2. Be aware that heredity can play a factor in the likelihood of embolic stroke. If you have a family history of stroke, you should have regular check-ups (after age 40) to monitor the health of your arteries and the likelihood of blood clots.

3. Eliminate cigarette smoking. One of the leading causes of embolic stroke is smoking. The combination of nicotine and carbon monoxide severely compromise the condition of your cardiovascular system and this leads to problems with arterial blockages and, in turn, embolic stroke.

4. Train yourself to be watchful of the onset of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). These "mini-strokes" can last up to 10 minutes or more and indicate the likelihood of an oncoming embolic stroke. A typical TIA can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of sensation in limbs and mental confusion. Be aware of the problem and its potential danger.

5. Monitor your blood count. An increased red blood count can be an indication that embolic stroke is possible. The reason for this is that the increase in the red blood causes it to thicken and potentially clot, thus leading to stroke.