1. Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks, leading to bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue. The bleeding disrupts normal blood flow and damages brain cells. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for hemorrhagic strokes because it can weaken the blood vessel walls over time, making them more prone to rupture.

2. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A TIA is often referred to as a "mini-stroke" or a "warning stroke" because it produces stroke-like symptoms but resolves within a short period, usually less than an hour. TIAs occur when there is a temporary blockage or reduction in blood flow to a part of the brain. They serve as warning signs that an individual may be at risk of experiencing a more severe ischemic stroke in the future.

3. Ischemic Stroke: This type of stroke is caused by a blockage or clot that obstructs a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. The blockage is typically due to the formation of a clot within an artery or the migration of a clot from another part of the body, such as the heart. Ischemic strokes are the most common type, accounting for around 85% of all strokes. Plaque buildup within the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, is a common underlying cause of ischemic strokes.

It's important to note that both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes can have severe consequences, and prompt medical attention is necessary in either case. If you or someone you know experiences stroke symptoms, such as sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, severe headache, or vision problems, it is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant risk factor for strokes. AF is a heart condition characterized by irregular and often rapid heartbeats, which can lead to the formation of blood clots in the atria (the upper chambers of the heart). If a blood clot forms in the atria, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

The statistic you mentioned, that about one in every five strokes in North America is caused by atrial fibrillation, highlights the significant impact of AF on stroke incidence. In individuals with AF, the risk of stroke is approximately six times higher compared to those without AF. This increased risk is primarily due to the potential for blood clots to form in the atria and subsequently embolize to the brain.

To mitigate the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, healthcare providers often prescribe anticoagulant medications. These medications help prevent blood clot formation and reduce the likelihood of stroke. Different anticoagulants, such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), may be prescribed depending on various factors including patient characteristics, medical history, and risk assessment.

It's important for individuals with atrial fibrillation to work closely with their healthcare providers to manage their condition effectively and reduce the risk of stroke. Regular medical check-ups, adherence to prescribed medications, and lifestyle modifications can also play a crucial role in minimizing the chances of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation.

Strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation are often caused by blood clots that form in the heart and then travel to the brain, blocking the blood flow and leading to brain cell damage or death. This can result in permanent disability, such as paralysis or difficulty with speech or walking.

Anticoagulants, commonly referred to as blood thinners, are medications used to prevent the formation of blood clots. While they are often called blood thinners, they do not actually thin the blood. Instead, they work by interfering with the blood's ability to clot, thus reducing the risk of clot formation.

It is important to note that even when taking anticoagulants, the blood still has the ability to clot. However, these medications significantly decrease the likelihood of clot formation in the heart, which can ultimately reduce the risk of clots traveling to the brain or other organs.

Warfarin, which has been used for several decades, is one of the traditional anticoagulants. While it has proven to be effective in preventing clots and reducing the risk of stroke, it requires regular monitoring of blood levels and dose adjustments. Warfarin earned the nickname "rat poison" because it was initially used as a rodenticide before its medical applications were discovered.

In recent years, newer oral anticoagulants have been developed, such as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), which include medications like dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban. These medications offer certain advantages over warfarin, including more predictable dosing, fewer dietary restrictions, and less frequent monitoring. However, the choice of anticoagulant medication depends on various factors, including the patient's medical history, individual risk factors, and shared decision making between the patient and the doctor.

It's important for patients with atrial fibrillation to work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate anticoagulant therapy based on their specific situation and needs.

Unfortunately, Warfarin is a complicated drug to take, and there are now – in North America and worldwide – at least three and soon four other newer blood thinners, so-called novel oral anticoagulants, are taken once or twice a day, and do not need monitoring.

In other words, one size fits all, so to speak, and the doctor makes a decision as to what the right dose is for that particular patient, and the patient then takes the medication and is followed up by their doctor. Usually every six months or as infrequently as every year.

It’s very important that patients have a detailed discussion with their doctors and their pharmacists to make sure that they’re taking their medications appropriately. It’s important to know that medications only work if you take them regularly, exactly as instructed.

Missing doses or stopping the medication – even temporarily – can put patients at risk for stroke. This is a conversation that is very important to have with your family doctor, with your cardiologist if you have a cardiologist, and your pharmacist to make sure that you’re taking the medications exactly as recommended in the right time frame, and that you don’t miss any doses. This is an ongoing challenge for patients and for doctors, to make sure that the medicines are taken exactly as they’re supposed to be taken.   Often seeing a local family physician or a pharmacist in conjunction with a registered dietitian is a great option to take control of dehydration. In conjunction with healthy eating, exercise and  Smart Food Now