Yes, heart disease is one of the prominent causes of getting a stroke. Approximately 10% of stroke cases are caused by cardiac problems.
For any patient suffering from a stroke, the Neurologist conducts various tests to find out what is the reason for getting a stroke. This workup also includes testing for the structure of the heart as well as the rhythm of cardiac contraction. Various tests like electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and Holter monitoring can help the doctor to conclude if the heart is the source of clot formation that might be leading to stroke.
Once the Neurologist concludes that the stroke is due to a cardiac problem, the next step is to start appropriate treatment that will reduce the possibility of developing new clots in the blood that might lead to another stroke.
The treatment mainly includes starting medicines called anticoagulants that make the blood thinner and prevent clot formation. The treatment may include procedures that can regularize heart rhythm so that the tendency for clot formation is diminished.
Some blood thinning medicines might need testing of blood for the extent of blood thinning, regularly. As per the test result, the doctor might adjust the dose of the medicines. Excessive thinning of the blood might lead to various problems in the body related to bleeding and the patient needs to be vigilant about it and report immediately to the treating doctor. There are newer sets of medicines that might not need this testing and are supposed to be safer ones.
If you are suffering from severe migraine or headache problems, don't hesitate to consult the specialist neurologist at Dr. Rami Hamed Center. The hospital is situated near Dubai Healthcare City. To book your appointment please call +97142798200 today!