What are the risk factors for transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
The risk factors for TIA or stroke are the same as those for other vascular disease, similar to heart attack (coronary artery disease) or peripheral vascular disease which causes decreased blood flow to the legs. Aside from family history, other risk factors that the patient can influence include: • smoking, • high blood pressure, • high cholesterol, and • diabetes. Also, any condition that results in stagnant blood flow and or clotting may result in a TIA due to embolization of a blood clot. Such conditions may include atrial fibrillation, large heart attacks, and severe weakness of the heart muscle. What are the symptoms of transient ischemic attack (TIA)? The intensity and location of the blood limitation to the brain will determine what symptoms will present as a result of a stroke or TIA. Many people present with confusion, weakness, and lethargy. If the loss of blood supply is in an area supplied by the carotid arteries, a classic presentation may include weakness or paralysis an
