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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #13068
47 days ago
78

brain stroke death - #13068

Tara

I am super worried about my dad. He’s always been healthy, but last week he complained about a terrible headache and slurred his speech a bit, like he was tipsy or somthing. I rushed him to the ER and they said he might’ve had a mini-stroke. They kept him for testing for a couple of days and I just got the results today. They said there’s a risk of a brain stroke death, which just hits hard, you know? I mean, how can someone go from perfectly fine to this issue so quickly? They’re saying he needs lifestyle changes, but I’m freaking out that even with all that, there's still the chance of a brain stroke death, like what if it happens again? What are the signs I should be looking for? They mentioned some medications but I'm not sure if those really help in preventing another brain stroke death or if there’s more to it. Plus, his doctor seems to think diet and exercise will do wonders, but I just can’t shake this fear. Does anyone know if there’s anything else we should consider to avoid a brain stroke death? It sounds so final and I just need some advice or if others have been in a similar situation. Thanks for reading!

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Doctors’ responses

Your concerns about your dad’s risk of brain stroke death are completely understandable, given how serious strokes can be. A mini-stroke, or TIA (transient ischemic attack), often serves as a warning sign for a potential full-blown stroke, which can indeed lead to severe consequences, including death if not addressed promptly. After an event like this, lifestyle changes become crucial. They really do make a substantial difference in minimizing future risks. Regular exercise, prescribed as suitable for your dad’s current fitness level, should help improve cardiovascular health alongside dietary modifications — focusing on a diet low in saturated fats, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, helps control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. You’re right to think that medication plays a part too. Your dad’s doctor may prescribe antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or anticoagulants to prevent blood clots, blood pressure medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs, or even medication to help manage diabetes, if applicable. These treatments have been shown to decrease the risk of a subsequent stroke. While these steps are instrumental, keep an eye out for sudden onset of signs like numbness or weakness in the face/arms, confusion or trouble speaking, difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, or problems with walking or balance. If any of these symptoms appear, it’s critical to seek emergency medical treatment immediately. Act FAST – Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services. These simple actions could be life-saving. Lastly, consistent follow-up with his healthcare provider is essential to keep everything under control and catch any potential problems early. Being proactive and vigilant with these preventive measures goes a long way in reducing risks and enjoying a healthy life moving forward.

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