A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted by a blocked artery or bleeding vessel. Stroke is a medical emergency. Cardiology plays an important role in stroke prevention by evaluating AFib, heart rhythm disorders, valve disease, heart clots, blood pressure, cholesterol, carotid disease, and other vascular risk factors.
Symptoms patients may notice
- Sudden face drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty
- Sudden trouble walking, balance loss, dizziness, or vision changes
- Sudden severe headache or confusion
- History of TIA, stroke, AFib, carotid disease, or vascular disease
How we evaluate this condition
- EKG, rhythm monitoring, and AFib screening when indicated
- Echocardiogram to evaluate heart structure, valves, and embolic sources when appropriate
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and vascular-risk assessment
- Carotid ultrasound or referral coordination when carotid disease is suspected
Treatment and care options
- Anticoagulation for AFib or other high-risk clot conditions when indicated
- Antiplatelet therapy, cholesterol therapy, and blood pressure control when appropriate
- Lifestyle and risk-factor management
- Coordination with neurology, vascular surgery, or stroke centers as needed
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 immediately for sudden face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, vision loss, balance loss, confusion, severe headache, or any suspected stroke symptom.