Ischemic Stroke Symptoms & Prevention

Ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, happens when the blood supply to the brain is stopped or reduced by a blood clot blocking a blood vessel. Ischemic strokes represent roughly 87% of all stroke cases.

Franciscan Health doctors explain what puts people at risk for ischemic stroke, how to recognize ischemic stroke symptoms and the importance of getting quick treatment.

Key Takeaways: Ischemic Stroke

• Ischemic strokes are caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain. Recognizing symptoms is critical, and the "BE FAST" acronym is a helpful guide: Balance issues, Eyesight changes, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, and Speech difficulty. If any of these symptoms appear, it is crucial to call 911 immediately.
• Timeliness is crucial. The faster a person receives medical treatment, the better their chances of a full recovery. "Time is brain" is a common saying in stroke care, as prompt intervention can prevent or reduce brain damage.
• Leading risk factors for ischemic strokes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, often linked to arteriosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries"). You can lower your risk by controlling blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a low-cholesterol diet, and not smoking.
• Rehabilitation is a key part of recovery. Stroke recovery is a long process that often requires rehabilitation. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are essential for regaining lost function. Therapists can help with tasks like walking, dressing, swallowing and communication, and a patient's support system is vital to a successful recovery.

What Is An Ischemic Stroke?

An ischemic stroke is a type of stroke that happens when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, cutting off blood flow and oxygen to the affected area. 
Ischemic strokes are often linked to an artery disease known as arteriosclerosis, sometimes called “hardening of the arteries.” This condition is marked by a narrowing, or “hardening,” of arteries when plaque deposits – formed from cholesterol and fat – build up on blood vessel walls.

What Causes An Ischemic Stroke?

“Ischemic strokes happen when a blood clot or artery blockage disrupts the normal flow of blood to the brain,” said Derrick Plahn, DO, an Indianapolis cardiologist with Franciscan Physician Network Indiana Heart Physicians.

What Puts Me At Risk For Ischemic Stroke?

Ischemic strokes are often linked to an artery disease known as arteriosclerosis, sometimes called “hardening of the arteries.” This condition is marked by a narrowing, or “hardening,” of arteries when plaque deposits – formed from cholesterol and fat – build up on blood vessel walls.

“Leading risk factors for arteriosclerosis – and therefore ischemic stroke – include having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes,” said Dr. Plahn. “Hypertension alone affects well over a hundred million Americans. So it's incredibly common and it's an incredibly difficult problem.”

In addition to these medical conditions, several lifestyle factors may put you at increased risk for ischemic strokes. These include:

• Consuming a diet high in cholesterol and fat
• Drinking alcohol heavily
• Rarely exercising
• Smoking

How Can I Prevent Ischemic Strokes?

5 lifestyle changes that can help prevent ischemic strokes include:

Control Your Blood Pressure

Controlling blood pressure through diet, regular exercise, reducing sodium and, if needed, medications are important to reducing your risk of ischemic strokes. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke.

“There are multiple therapies to treat hypertension, and discussing it with your primary provider is going to be paramount to your overall health and preventing cardiac problems, stroke, etc., in the future.”

Manage Your Stress

Stress can also contribute to risk factors like a poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption.

Stress can activate your body’s “fight or flight” response, constricting your blood vessels.

“Certainly try to reduce stress in our lives, the stress in our jobs, stress in our families,” Dr. Plahn said. “We know stress kills, and it's a chronic difficult problem to remove from our lives. Trying to deal with stress with yoga, with exercise, with healthy habits is certainly going to be helpful, but definitely stressful situations can drive up blood pressure, quite dramatically, in fact.”

Exercise Regularly

Not only does moderate exercise make you feel better physically and mentally, it offers a protective benefit against strokes. People who aren't physically active are more likely to have a heart attack and stroke.

Stop Smoking

Nicotine and carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke can damage the cardiovascular system and pave the way for a stroke. Additionally, African Americans who smoke have more than double the risk of having a stroke in the future.

Manage Your Weight

Being overweight places additional strain on your heart and blood vessels.

“Many risk factors for stroke relate to lifestyle choices, so patients should feel empowered to know they can reduce their stroke risk,” said Dr. Plahn. “Working to stop smoking, exercising more, eating well, and maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels are all important and positive steps to lower the likelihood of stroke.”

What Are Signs Of Ischemic Stroke?

Warning signs of ischemic stroke are the same as for strokes in general. The BE FAST acronym can help a person identify common stroke symptoms quickly.

“BE FAST” stands for:

• B - Balance: Does the person complain of dizziness or have sudden altered or unsteady gait?
• E - Eyes: Does the person have a sudden loss or change in vision?
• F = Facial Drooping: Check if one side of the face is drooping or numb. Look for unevenness when the person smiles.
• A = Arm Weakness: Ask if the patient can raise both arms. Check to see if either arm is weak or numb or if it slumps downward.
• S = Speech Difficulty: Listen for any slurring when the person speaks.
• T = Time to Call 911: If you notice any of the symptoms above, don’t wait. Call 911 immediately. Stroke outcomes drastically improve the sooner the patient receives medical treatment.

How Is Ischemic Stroke Treated?

Ischemic strokes can be treated successfully if they are addressed quickly. If a blood clot causes the stroke, physicians may opt to use an IV medication called alteplase. This medication breaks up the blood clot to restore normal blood flow to the brain. If the stroke results from an arterial narrowing, surgeons can insert a stent into the artery to correct the blockage.

“Ischemic strokes are treatable if patients get to the hospital quickly,” said Dr. Plahn. “Minutes matter when treating strokes.”