Treatment of cerebrovascular diseases: drugs and surgical procedures

CVD treatment involves several measures: lifestyle changes which also have a preventive character; pharmacological treatment is important; surgery only if necessary.

The exact method of treatment depends on the symptoms present and the cause.

The following medications are used:

  • antiplatelet therapy - ASA - acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel, tikagrelor, prasugrel
  • heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, or LMWH
  • intravenous thrombolysis - injectable medicines to dissolve the blood clot
  • antihypertensives - to treat hypertension
  • in case of diabetes: usual treatment for diabetes

Endovascular procedures and surgical procedures will be considered by a specialist according to the cause.

These are, for example:

  • mechanical thrombectomy and embolectomy in ischemic stroke - removing a blood clot or embolus using a cup or spiral catheter
  • thrombolysis - administering the clot dissolving agent directly to the vascular occlusion site via a catheter
  • angioplasty - enlargement of the lumen of a blocked vessel with a balloon
  • stenting narrowing of the cerebral arteries and similar
  • embolisation aneurysm bleeding
  • clipping and coiling of aneurysms
  • other

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has a preventive character, which applies to both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

It is important to remember that the basis of prevention is a change in lifestyle:

  • quit smoking
  • limit alcohol intake
  • reduce dietary salt intake
  • reduce the intake of unhealthy fats in the diet
  • rational and healthy nutrition + essential nutrients in the diet
    • plenty of protein and suitable sugars
    • healthy fats
    • fruits and vegetables + vitamins
    • dairy products
    • fish and lean meat
  • weight loss in overweight and obesity - BMI value
  • plenty of fluids
  • daily physical activity and sedentary lifestyle restrictions
  • blood pressure monitoring
  • regular treatment and adherence as prescribed by a doctor
  • sugar level monitoring in case of diabetes
  • reduction of stress and excessive mental load
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