Understanding Ischemic Stroke: Symptoms, Causes, and Holistic Prevention

Dr. Christina Brown MD

June 2023

Ischemic stroke, a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain. This interruption in blood flow can have devastating consequences, but understanding the warning signs, underlying causes, and mastering prevention strategies is crucial for reducing the risk of stroke and promoting overall health and well-being.

Clinical Manifestations of Ischemic Stroke:

Recognizing the symptoms of ischemic stroke is essential for prompt medical intervention and improved outcomes. Common clinical manifestations include:

1. Sudden Weakness or Numbness: One side of the body may become weak or numb, often affecting the face, arm, or leg. Ex: facial droop.
2. Difficulty Speaking or Understanding: Speech may become slurred, or individuals may have difficulty understanding spoken or written language. Speech may be stuttered.
3. Vision Changes: Blurred or double vision, sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or difficulty seeing in one or both eyes may occur.
4. Severe Headache: A sudden, severe headache, often described as the worst headache of one’s life, may occur, especially in hemorrhagic strokes.
5. Incontinence: urinary incontinence may happen

Causes of Ischemic Stroke:

Let’s also mention Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). These will often precede a stroke. It is a brief sudden onset of neurologic dysfunction (see symptoms above) that will often resolve within <1hour but should not last longer than 24 hours. Many people will recognize there is a problem but since it resolves quickly they may think, “well that was strange, but I’m better now,” and go about there business.  These episodes may be a warning of a pending stroke, so please see your Doctor.

Ischemic stroke can result from various underlying factors, including:

1. Atherosclerosis: Build-up of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries can narrow or block blood flow to the brain.
2. Hypertension: High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke by damaging blood vessels and promoting clot formation.
3. Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis and blood clot formation.
4. Atrial Fibrillation: This is a chaotic heart rhythm of the atria. It is potentially dangerous if the ventricle rate becomes rapid.
5. Smoking: Tobacco use contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and increases the risk of blood clots.
6. Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and excess weight can contribute to hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis.
7. History of a recent myocardial infarction or history of a recent transient ischemic attack.

Out of the following causes, Hypertension carries the greatest risk for stroke as many people live with elevated blood pressure not having any real noticeable symptoms until they have a stroke.

Holistic Prevention of Ischemic Stroke:

Preventing ischemic stroke involves adopting a holistic approach to health and wellness. Here are some key strategies:

1. Healthy Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, seeds/nuts and healthy fats. Water and green tea. Limit intake of processed foods, trans fats, artificial colors/preservatives, white flour products and added refined sugars.
2. Nutrients:
   • Dietary potassium can increase sodium excretion in the urine and help lower blood pressure. Ex: potato, butternut squash, almonds, beets, bananas, white beans, brussel sprouts, cantaloupe….
   • Magnesium (chelated form) 400mg daily, avoid magnesium oxide as it is poorly absorbed.
   • CoQ10 200mg daily. Needed for energy production in our cells, especially the heart.
   • Vitamin E (natural, mixed form) 400IU daily.
   • Vitamin C 1000mg daily. Increases our arterial vessel strength.
   • Niacin, inositol hexaniacinate 1 gram three times a day.
3. Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
4. Stress Reduction: Reducing stress is a major component to proper healing and reduced risk of stroke.  Please do not under-estimate the power of Prayer, fresh air walks and sunlight.  Yoga and relaxation breathing is another good stress reliever.
5. Manage Chronic Conditions: Monitor and manage chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol through lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and regular medical check-ups.
6. Quit Smoking: If you smoke, seek support to quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, which increases the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
7. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Moderation is key when it comes to alcohol consumption. Limit intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Secondary Prevention Measures:

For individuals who have experienced an ischemic stroke or are at high risk, secondary prevention measures are essential. These may include:

1. Medication: Blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs) may be prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots.
2. Lifestyle Modifications: Continue to prioritize healthy habits, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation.
3. Blood Pressure Management: Monitor blood pressure regularly and work with healthcare professionals to achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
4. Diabetes Management: Control blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and regular monitoring.
5. Stroke Rehabilitation: Participate in stroke rehabilitation programs to improve physical function, mobility, and quality of life following a stroke.

By adopting a proactive approach to stroke prevention and management, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of ischemic stroke and enjoy a higher quality of life. Prioritizing holistic health and wellness is key to protecting brain health and promoting overall well-being.

Remember, if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of a stroke, such as sudden weakness, speech difficulties, or vision changes, seek medical attention immediately. Also, if you think you may have had a TIA, this is an urgent neurological problem that needs medical attention right away. Time is of the essence in stroke treatment, and prompt intervention can save lives and minimize long-term disability.

Stay informed, stay proactive, and prioritize your health every day.

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