A stroke is when blood cannot get to all parts of your brain. If this happens, your brain can be injured. An ischaemic stroke is when an artery is blocked. A haemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessel breaks or bursts.
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is when blood
can’t get to all parts of your brain for a short time. An artery is blocked, but the blockage clears, and the blood starts to flow again.
High blood pressure is also called hypertension. Medicines that lower your blood pressure are called anti-hypertensives.
Almost everyone who has had a TIA or stroke should take anti-hypertensives, even if their blood pressure is normal.
High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80. If your blood pressure is regularly over 140/90, you have high blood pressure.
High blood pressure can damage the walls of blood vessels. It can lead to heart problems. It can cause clots or plaques to break off and block an artery in the brain. All these things can cause a stroke.
Statins are the most common type of medicine used to control cholesterol levels.
Statins are effective in reducing the risk of ischaemic stroke, no matter what your cholesterol level is. Higher-dose statins are the most effective. This means that high doses are usually prescribed, even for people with normal cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol can build up on the walls of arteries and narrow the arteries. A clot can then block the artery and cause a stroke.
Blood-thinning medicines lower the risk of blood clots forming and causing a stroke.
If you have had a TIA or an ischaemic stroke you will almost always need to take blood thinners. Take your medicine regularly and don’t miss a dose. Your stroke risk goes up very quickly if you miss doses.
Blood thinners can make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor you are on blood thinners before medical treatments or surgery.
There are two types of blood thinners:
Platelets are tiny blood cells. Antiplatelet medicines stop platelets from sticking together, forming a blood clot and causing a stroke.
Antiplatelet medicines are also called platelet aggregation inhibitors. They include aspirin, a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole, and clopidogrel.
Anticoagulants also stop your blood forming clots.
Anticoagulants include direct-acting oral anticoagulants such as dabigatran, apixaban and rivaroxaban. Warfarin is also an anticoagulant. If you take warfarin, you may need regular blood tests to check the amount of warfarin in your blood. There will also be diet restrictions.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular heartbeat. If you have AF or certain heart conditions such as a prosthetic heart valve, you should take anticoagulant medicine.
If your doctor prescribes a medicine, keep taking it until they tell you to stop. It can be dangerous to suddenly stop taking medicines or change the dose. If you are worried or have questions, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Sometimes medicines don’t work as they are supposed to. Your doctor may be able to make changes to reduce or eliminate any side effects or interactions. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you are taking. This includes over-the-counter medicines, natural remedies and vitamins. Your doctor can organise a medicine management review if needed.
StrokeLine is a free, confidential and practical service. StrokeLine’s nursing and allied health professionals can give you information, advice and support.
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Australian Eastern Time. StrokeLine is closed on national public holidays.
Call 1800 787 653
Email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au
Medicines Line can tell you about:
Call 1300 633 424 Visit 1300medicine.com.au
EnableMe can help with your stroke recovery and life after stroke. Visit enableme.org.au