Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 22)

That’s when Giles knew she couldn’t wait any longer and went to the hospital. Her instincts were correct. Giles had suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a ministroke. As with a stroke, a TIA causes blood flow to part of the brain to stop. But the symptoms typically go away within a couple of hours, and there’s usually no permanent damage afterward. an EvEnt to takE SEriouSly That doesn’t mean a TIA is nothing to worry about. A TIA is a warning sign that you’re at increased risk for having a full-blown stroke, says Mark J. Alberts, M.D., a vascular neurologist and spokesman for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. “Recent studies have shown that the risk of having a stroke after a TIA is as high as 10 percent over the next three months,” he explains. “And if they do have a stroke, about half of those folks will have one in the first 48 hours after the TIA.” This is why prompt medical attention is essential. Follow-up with a specialist is important, too. A doctor might prescribe blood thinners such as baby aspirin. Equally vital is making lifestyle changes right away that can reduce the risk of stroke. “Having a TIA isn’t debilitating, but it’s definitely life-changing,” Giles says. “Even though I was in great physical shape at the time, it was a real wakeup call for me that I could do better.” Want to reduce your risk for stroke, especially if you have had a TIA? Here are the key steps. High blood pressure is the No. 1 risk factor for a TIA (and stroke), according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). But it’s also a treatable risk factor, Alberts says. “If you reduce your blood pressure, you reduce your risk of stroke substantially,” he explains. Most of the following steps can help keep blood pressure at a healthy level, but regular monitoring of blood pressure—by your doctor, at home or both—is important. If lifestyle changes don’t help, your doctor might prescribe medication. 2 3 managE your Blood PrESSurE watcH wHat you Eat A diet low in fat, cholesterol and sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can help reduce blood pressure, Alberts says. Many experts recommend the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which focuses on these healthy basics and others, including monitoring portion size and reducing sugar intake. A good place to start making healthy changes is evaluating your risk. If a close relative has had a stroke—which Giles’ grandmother did—your odds of having one are increased. Your doctor may want you to take extra precautions to reduce your other risk factors. 1 know your Family HiStory 22 Having a TIA isn’t debilitating, but it’s definitely life-changing.” Vim & Vigor • Sum m er 2 012 “ Exercise is another proven way to manage blood pressure. If your doctor gives you the go-ahead, Alberts says, 30 minutes of physical activity every day is recommended. “If you can’t do that,” he adds, “even 30 minutes every other day has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke.” Giles says she is much more consistent now about exercise, walking a couple of miles every day and fitting in other activities during the week, such as fitness DVDs and weight training. 4 5 gEt moving maintain a HEaltHy wEigHt See Steps 3 and 4. Eating right and exercising are the best ways to lose weight and keep it off. Giles admits she was carrying about 10 extra pounds when she had her TIA. Even though she

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil’s Feature
Good as New
With Open Hearts
The Breakfast Club
Arthritis Answers
A TV Guide to Radiology
Take Aim
It Might NOT Be Cancer
Colin Firth
Step Up to the Plate
Life After Cancer
Get Dad to the Doc
Virtual Health
PrimeTime Health
Half the Man He Was
Have a Happy Birth Day
Out of the White Coat
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - Gwinnett Medical Center