Stroke

Overview

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen. Without immediate treatment, this can lead to severe brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.

There are three main types of strokes:

• Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a blood clot blocking a blood vessel in the brain.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a “mini-stroke,” it’s a temporary blockage of blood flow.

Causes

Several factors increase your risk of stroke, including:

• High blood pressure
• Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Family history of stroke

Symptoms

Early detection saves lives. Use the FAST checklist:

• Face Drooping
• Arm Weakness
• Speech Difficulty
• Time to Call 911

Other symptoms may include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Sudden, severe headache
• Visual disturbances or confusion

Seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one shows these signs. Time is critical.

Diagnosis

At Cardiology Care NYC, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess stroke risk and support post-stroke care:

• CT Scan or MRI: Referred promptly for brain imaging.
• Blood Tests: Evaluate clotting, cholesterol, and glucose levels.
• Carotid Ultrasound: Part of our doppler & vascular ultrasound services to check for narrowing in the carotid arteries.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): A quick, in-office test that records your heart’s electrical activity to detect irregular rhythms like atrial fibrillation, a major stroke risk factor.
• Holter Monitoring: A portable device worn for 24–48 hours that continuously tracks your heart rhythm, helping identify intermittent arrhythmias that may not appear during a standard ECG.

These tools help us detect underlying causes, monitor heart function, and guide ongoing prevention strategies.

Treatment

Stroke treatment depends on the type and timing of the stroke. At Cardiology Care NYC, we specialize in advanced treatments, including:

For Ischemic Stroke:

• Medical Management: Includes blood thinners, antiplatelet therapy, and cholesterol or blood pressure control.
• Post-Stroke Monitoring: Continued ECG, Holter, and vascular assessments.
• Care Coordination: Referral to stroke centers for acute treatment and collaboration with neurologists and vascular surgeons when needed.

For Hemorrhagic Stroke:

• Medical Stabilization: Focus on blood pressure and risk factor control.
• Referral & Follow-Up: We coordinate with neurosurgical teams and continue outpatient monitoring and support.

Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care:

After the acute phase, stroke recovery often includes:

• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy

Our team collaborates with rehabilitation specialists to help patients regain independence and improve their quality of life.

When to See a Doctor

If you have risk factors like high blood pressure or a family history of stroke, schedule regular check-ups with our specialists. Early intervention can prevent strokes and other cardiovascular issues.

At Cardiology Care NYC, we offer:

• Stroke Screening
• Vascular Ultrasound
• Doppler Ultrasound
• Blood Pressure Management
• Heart Health Screening
• AFib Monitoring

We’re here to help you prevent stroke before it happens and guide your recovery if it does.