Prevention of future strokes tied to heart health
For stroke patients, heart health and the identification of underlying cardiac conditions needing treatment is imperative for preventing future strokes. About 33 percent of transient ischemic attacks or cryptogenic strokes cause is unknown, but the stroke clinic at Cardio Texas helps prevent additional strokes by also providing corresponding cardiac care.
Working in collaboration with the neurologists at St. David’s Neurology, stroke patients may be referred to Cardio Texas cardiologist, Dr. Matthew Stahlman, who has extensive experience in caring for patients who have experienced a stroke due to an underlying cardiac condition. Dr. Stahlman works to identify and help the patient manage health issues that cardiac-related, which may include:
Atrial fibrillation (Afib)
Afib is a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat. Afib occurs when patients experience fast or irregular beats from the upper chambers of the heart. Afib, which can be asymptomatic, increases the risk of stroke (five times greater than someone without Afib), heart failure and other heart-related complications.
Patent foramen ovale
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) describes the hole between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart. This hole exists in everyone before birth, but most often closes shortly after being born. PFO is what the hole is called when it fails to close naturally on its own.
Atherosclerosis
When deposits (plaque) made up of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin (a clotting material in the blood) build up in the arteries, this causes atherosclerosis. A type of arteriosclerosis, this condition is a hardening of the arteries.
As plaque builds up, the wall of the blood vessel thickens. This narrows the channel within the artery — reducing blood flow, which lessens the amount of oxygen and other nutrients reaching the body.
Where plaque develops and the type of arteries affected varies with each person. It may partially or totally block blood flow through large or medium-sized arteries in the heart, brain, pelvis, legs, arms or kidneys. This can lead to array of serious heart conditions.
Blood clotting disorder
The body forms a thickened mass of blood tissue called a blood clot, in the event of a cut. This mass stops the bleeding. Proteins in the blood help form the clot, a process called coagulation.
Sometimes the blood clots too much, causing hypercoagulation. A blood clot can then travel through your body in your blood. This can be dangerous as clots can form in vital organs or travel to organs including the heart and brain, causing serious health problems or even death.
What to expect in our care
Patients receive a thorough medical evaluation, including review of any medication prescribed for high blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions. Diagnostics including telemetry monitoring, internal loop reporters to monitor heart rhythm or transesophageal cardiograms to monitor the electrical activity of your heart may be performed.
Collaborating for stroke prevention
Future stroke prevention requires a collaborative approach between neurologists and cardiologists. Dr. Stahlman works closely with St. David’s neurologists to provide this consultative care, post-discharge in the outpatient setting.
With an increased likelihood of stroke recurrence, finding the cause of the critical. Dr. Stahlman aims to develop a personalized plan for patients to help prevent future strokes.