Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the U.S. The drug tPA has been pretty effective at dissolving blood clots that can lead to stroke. But that's only if given within three hours and if the clot isn’t large. The Food and Drug Administration this year approved two mechanical devices doctors can use beyond the three hour window to remove large clots from the brain. In a KERA Health Checkup, Dr. Robin Novakovic of UT Southwestern Medical Center talks about retrievable stents.
http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/new-device-to-remove-stroke-causing-237678.aspx
Signs of acute stroke:
Painless onset of weakness of one side of the body – face, arm and leg
Sensory loss
Difficulty finding words or understanding speech
Slurred speech
Dizziness or vertigo
Difficulty with vision or controlling eye movement
Nausea
Major risk factors for stroke:
High blood pressure
Elevated cholesterol
Diabetes
Smoking
Obesity
Inactivity (lack of exercise)
Abnormal heart rhythms
To Prevent Stroke:
Control blood pressure, keep below 140/90
HDL (Bad) cholesterol level below 100, sometimes 70
Keep diabetes under control
Weight reduction
30 to 60 minutes of moderate aerobic activity five to seven days a week.
Anti-platelets agents (like aspirin or Plavix)
For more information: