Stroke Screening NYC | Manhattan Cardiology | Dr. Robert R. Segal, MD FACC

A stroke is the rapidly developing loss of brain functions due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to blockage or a leakage of blood. As a result, the affected area of the brain is unable to function, leading to inability to move one or more limbs on one side of the body, inability to understand or formulate speech, or an inability to see one side of the visual field. The warning signs of a stroke must not be ignored.

A stroke is a medical emergency and can cause permanent brain damage, complications, and even lead to death. It is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States and Europe and it is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Risk factors for stroke include advanced age, hypertension (high blood pressure), a previous stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking and atrial fibrillation. High blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor of stroke.

High blood pressure can be an indicator for risks for strokes.

Carotid Artery Disease

When the carotid arteries become narrowed or blocked by cholesterol, the risk of stroke increases significantly. At Manhattan Cardiology, we perform the carotid artery ultrasound to see the structure of these arteries and blood flow. These arteries, which supply your brain with oxygen-rich blood, are under the curve in your jaw, where your pulse is taken.

You can be at risk for a stroke if you have:

High blood pressure
Middle age of 45 and up
Diabetes
Elevated blood cholesterol
Family history of stroke or heart disease
Recent mini-stroke or stroke

What are the benefits of screening for stroke?
Carotid artery ultrasound images can help the physician identify and evaluate:

Clots and other blockages to blood flow
Narrowing of blood vessels due to atherosclerosis (plaque)
Tumors and congenital malformation

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and usually fast heartbeat that can cause a blood clot leading to stroke or heart failure. Many people don't feel any symptoms of atrial fibrillation, which is the most common type of arrhythmia in people aged 65+. At Manhattan Cardiology, the screening begins with an electrocardiogram (ECG), a Holter monitor and an echocardiogram.

Do you have:

Heart disease
High blood pressure
Advance age of 65 and up
Binge drinking episodes
Chronic conditions such as sleep apnea and thyroid problems
Family History

What are the benefits of screening for atrial fibrillation? It can help identify:

Heart disease
Abnormal heart valves
Congenital heart defects
Overactive thyroid or metabolic imbalance

Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition in which the blood pressure is elevated. Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic kidney failure. People suffering from hypertension also tend to have a shorter life expectancy.

Hypertension can be monitored with a blood pressure monitor and managed through dietary and lifestyle changes and if needed, with medication.