Five Star Vein and Wellness Blog

When we speak of blood clots there is both the good news and the bad news. The good news is that blood does indeed clot. Without this ability, we humans would not have survived long on this planet.

Last time in Part 2 of our discussion, we addressed the paradigm shift in the treatment of arterial vascular disorders beginning in the 90’s and characterized by new catheter techniques that were potentially safer and more efficacious then the older modalities [See past articles for definition of catheter techniques].

Last time, in Part 1 of our discussion, we talked about the new “catheter” techniques for both accessing and treating vascular problems. A vascular catheter is a tubular device that is placed inside the vessel. One end of this device remains out side the body. Thus there is a portal of entry to the vascular system.

As time passes newer more modern and effective modalities replace the old ones in almost every form of activity. Medicine is no exception.

We learned last time, in Part 1 of our discussion, about the other high blood pressure. This is elevated blood pressure in the venous system. The one you have measured in the doctor’s office is the pressure in the arterial system.

Last time, in Part 1 of our series on strokes, we talked specifically about the 3 presentations of brain damage: TIA-transient ischemic attack, damage that resolves in 24 hours; RIND-reversible ischemic neurologic deficit, damage that reverses itself, but takes more than 24 hours; and stroke-permanent brain damage. We also learned that the most common cause of these brain insults is the build up of atherosclerosis (plaque) in the carotid arteries, the main supply of blood to our brains.

Everyone knows this entity. Everyone, if they think about it, fears this entity. Today, we will talk a little about stroke, define it, describe its various presentations, and talk about diagnosis and prevention.