Transient Ischemic Attacks and How to Prevent a Stroke

Transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and stroke are potential health risks for seniors. CRISTA Senior Living is committed to providing exceptional care and ensuring the well-being of its residents. As part of this dedication, raising awareness about health issues that affect the senior population is crucial. One such concern is the occurrence of TIA and the potential danger they pose.

What are Transient Ischemic Attacks?

TIA, often referred to as a “mini-stroke,” is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain. Similar to a stroke, TIA results from a blocked or narrowed blood vessel, restricting oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. However, unlike a stroke, TIA does not cause permanent damage and typically lasts only a few minutes to a few hours. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) serve as a warning sign that a more severe stroke may follow if individuals do not take preventative measures.

Are Transient Ischemic Attacks Dangerous?

While TIA are not considered as devastating as full-blown strokes, individuals should not take them lightly. Ignoring the symptoms or dismissing them as inconsequential can have serious consequences. Individuals who experience a TIA are at an increased risk of experiencing a stroke within the following days, weeks, or months. Research suggests that the risk of a subsequent stroke within 90 days of TIA is approximately 10-15%. Furthermore, TIA can cause significant anxiety and distress in individuals, affecting their overall quality of life.

What are the Symptoms of Transient Ischemic Attacks?

Recognizing the signs of TIA is vital for prompt medical attention and subsequent prevention of a full stroke. The most common symptoms of a TIA include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, particularly in the face, arm, or leg
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Temporary loss of vision, often in one eye
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Severe headache.

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Time is of the essence when it comes to treating TIA and preventing strokes.

How to Prevent Stroke

• Recognize and act on TIA symptoms: Do not ignore or downplay the signs of a TIA. Seek medical help promptly to evaluate the cause and potential risk of stroke.

• Control blood pressure: High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for strokes. Regularly monitor your blood pressure and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations to keep it within a healthy range.

• Manage cholesterol levels: High cholesterol levels contribute to the development of plaque in blood vessels, increasing the risk of TIA and strokes. Adopt a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, and, if necessary, take medications as prescribed to manage cholesterol levels.

• Quit smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and significantly increases the risk of TIA and strokes. Seek support to quit smoking and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

• Control diabetes: Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of developing TIA and strokes. Keep blood sugar levels under control by following a diabetes management plan recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts additional strain on the heart and blood vessels. Adopt a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

• Exercise regularly: Engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking or swimming, for at least 150 minutes per week, can significantly reduce the risk of strokes.

CRISTA Senior Living prioritizes the well-being of its residents and encourages the adoption of a healthy lifestyle by making exercise classes available 24/7 through a private television station and regular in-person group exercise classes. Residents also have access to a pool, ping pong, walking trails, and outside activities such as gardening and horseshoes.

We would love to take you on a tour of our beautiful CRISTA Senior Living community in Shoreline, WA and Crista Shores in Silverdale, Washington. Contact us for more information at cristaseniorliving.org.