Stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), and carotid artery disease are serious conditions that affect blood flow to the brain and can lead to life-threatening complications. At Heartwise Cardiology in Murray Hill, Manhattan, Dr. David Harnick and Dr. Raymonda Rastegar provide advanced diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans to manage and reduce the risk of stroke.
Carotid artery disease occurs when plaque buildup narrows the carotid arteries, increasing the risk of stroke. A TIA, often called a "mini stroke," is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that serves as a warning sign for a future stroke.
Heartwise Cardiology offers comprehensive care, including:
If you have risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, or a history of cardiovascular disease, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Harnick and Dr. Rastegar at Heartwise Cardiology to protect your brain and heart health.
The warning signs of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) can appear suddenly and may include weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, dizziness, and loss of balance. A TIA, also known as a “mini stroke”, has symptoms that usually resolve within 24 hours but should never be ignored, as it is often a warning sign of a future stroke. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Carotid artery disease is diagnosed through a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. At Heartwise Cardiology, Dr. David Harnick and Dr. Raymonda Rastegar may recommend a carotid ultrasound, which uses sound waves to assess blood flow and detect plaque buildup in the arteries. Other tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), CT scan, or MRI, may be used to evaluate your heart health and brain function to determine your stroke risk.
Treatment for carotid artery disease and stroke prevention depends on the severity of your condition. Lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation, can help reduce risk. Medications such as blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and blood pressure medications may be prescribed to prevent further plaque buildup. In severe cases, procedures like carotid endarterectomy (surgical plaque removal) or carotid artery stenting (a minimally invasive procedure to open narrowed arteries) may be necessary. Dr. Harnick and Dr. Rastegar will create a personalized treatment plan to protect your brain and heart health.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, leading to potential permanent brain damage. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a “mini stroke”, causes similar symptoms but resolves within 24 hours without permanent damage. However, a TIA is a warning sign of a future stroke and should be taken seriously.
You can lower your risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle—this includes managing high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. If you have a history of stroke or carotid artery disease, your doctor may also recommend medications to prevent clotting or lower cholesterol.
Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of heart disease or stroke. Aging also increases the risk, as arteries naturally narrow over time.
If you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking history, or a family history of stroke, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about screening. If you experience symptoms like temporary vision loss, numbness, weakness, or trouble speaking, you should seek immediate medical attention, as these could be warning signs of a TIA or stroke.
