TIA: A warning sign
Tips for reducing further risk after a ministroke
A TIA, or transient ischemic attack, is a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain, caused by an arterial blockage of plaque or a blood clot.
SENIOR HEALTH | ADVICE
Atransient ischemic attack — TIA — or "ministroke" happens to at least 240,000 people in the United States every year. Symptoms can pass quickly. But that doesn't mean you should put the episode in the rearview mirror.
A TIA is a warning. Treat it as an opportunity to reduce your risk of going on to develop a full-blown stroke.
What is a TIA?
A TIA is a temporary lack of blood flow (and therefore oxygen) in a part of the brain. It occurs when one or more arteries supplying blood to your brain gets partially or completely blocked, either by plaque or a blood clot. Blood flow usually improves spontaneously within minutes, avoiding permanent brain damage.
Symptoms also are temporary, lasting only a few minutes or hours. The signs come on quickly and are the same as those of a fullblown stroke: sudden face drooping, muscle weakness or numbness on one side of your body, severe headache, confusion and difficulty speaking, seeing or walking. Bl
Because there's no way to tell in the moment if your symptoms are due to a TIA or a full-blown stroke, always treat it as an emergency. Call 911 to get help right away.
Stroke risk after a TIA
About one-third of those who have a TIA will eventually go on to have a full-blown stroke. The risk is highest during the first 48 hours; up to 10% of people with a TIA go on to have an actual stroke within a couple of days. Your risk of stroke may also be higher if you're 60 or older and have any of these risk factors:
■ Type 2 diabetes.
■ High blood pressure. Weakness on one side of your body during your TIA.
■ Speech problems during your TIA.
■ TIA symptoms that lasted for an hour or longer.
■ Existing heart disease (severely clogged or narrowed arteries).
Medications after a TIA
It's not usually necessary to be hospitalized for a TIA. However, it's likely you'll be prescribed certain medications to reduce your risk of having a full-blown stroke. An example is antiplatelet drugs that prevent platelets (cell fragments that help blood clot) from clumping together, clogging arteries and raising the risk of a full-blown stroke.
Your doctor may also prescribe medication to treat other underlying conditions that raise your risk of stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a type of irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation.
Lifestyle changes can help
Changes in the following areas can help reduce your risk of having a fullblown stroke after a TIA. Taking these steps may feel overwhelming, but they're worth it, because strokes are often preventable.
1 DIET
A 2021 Harvard study found that eating a plant-based diet rich in foods like leafy greens, whole grains and beans was linked to a reduced overall stroke risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you also limit the amount of sodium, or salt, in your diet to lower your blood pressure. Try to avoid or limit foods rich in saturated fat (like full-fat dairy, fried foods and red meat), which raises cholesterol levels.
2 EXERCIS
The CDC recommends all adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic activity (such as brisk walking). If that seems daunting, keep in mind that small bursts of exercise like walking the dog contribute to this overall goal. Try to stay on your feet as much as you can, too. A 2022 study found that sitting more than 13 hours a day was tied to a 44% increased risk for stroke.
3 BLOOD PRESSURE MANAGEMENT
High blood pressure damages the arteries, which can lead to blockages and blood clots. If you've had a TIA, it's important to make sure your blood pressure is under control. Ways to do this include eating a low-salt diet (like the DASH diet), maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol and not smoking. If your blood pressure is already elevated — at or above a measurement of 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) — your doctor may prescribe blood pressure-lowering medication.
4 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
It's also important to follow other healthy lifestyle habits, such as managing stress, controlling your blood sugar levels and weight and getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
