Reduce Your Risk of Stroke and Vascular Disease
Explore how managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol can help reduce your risk of stroke and vascular disease. Learn how early screening and preventive care make a difference with our specialized stroke clinic in Singapore, the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic.
Introduction to Stroke and Vascular Disease
In 2021, close to 10,000 Singaporeans suffered a stroke. It is estimated that 15 million people across the globe suffer a stroke every year. For many, those strokes can be prevented.
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore specializes in the early detection of vascular diseases. Dual-trained, Dr. Manish Taneja is a certified stroke and vascular specialist who can help you with prevention strategies.
Know Your Risk: What Causes Stroke and Vascular Disease?
There are two types of stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke is the result of a blood vessel bursting inside of the brain, resulting in bleeding within and surrounding the brain. There are two forms of hemorrhagic stroke: subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhages.
Ischemic stroke is the result of a reduction or blockage of blood flow to one area of the brain. This may be the result of plaque deposits within one or more blood vessels, partially or completely blocking blood flow, called atherosclerosis.
Vascular health plays a significant role in brain function as blood vessels are responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Any issues with vascular health can lead to brain function issues including dementia.
Some of the risk factors which may contribute to vascular health problems include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of vascular disease and stroke
- A history of atrial fibrillation or other heart conditions
Control Blood Pressure: The #1 Stroke Risk Factor
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the number 1 factor for stroke risk. This is because untreated high blood pressure puts continual pressure on blood vessel walls which can lead to atherosclerosis. Healthy, normal blood pressure should measure 120/80 or less. What is considered high blood pressure starts at 130/80 and above.
Mild elevations may be reduced through lifestyle changes. Higher readings that indicate hypertension may require medication.
Manage Diabetes and Blood Sugar
Diabetes can contribute to vascular disease when left untreated. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels, stiffen the arteries, and impair circulation.
Glucose monitoring and control are vital to vascular health. Lifestyle changes along with medication prescribed by your physician.
Keep Cholesterol in Check
Elevated cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, also contributes to artery blockage adding to the buildup of plaque on artery walls. An optimal total cholesterol level is less than 200 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). A healthy LDL cholesterol level should measure below 100 mg/dL.
Again, the importance of having a healthy lifestyle cannot be emphasized enough to improve your cholesterol levels. Additionally, statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications may be prescribed.
Healthy Habits That Protect Your Brain and Arteries
Some of the most beneficial lifestyle habits to improve your overall health and reduce the risk of vascular disease or stroke include:
- Smoking cessation: the benefits start immediately.
- Exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, three to five days a week.
- Following a Mediterranean or DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet.
- Limiting your intake of alcohol.
- Managing stress whenever possible.
- Getting regular quality sleep.
Screen Early, Prevent More
A healthy adult should start cholesterol screening in their early 20s. Additional screenings with age should include those for carotid artery disease, peripheral artery disease, aneurysms, and heart rhythm abnormalities, earlier in the case of any symptoms.
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic offers blood testing and cholesterol screening with comprehensive ultrasound, CT and MRI brain scans, and other forms of vascular imaging technology. Our Carotid Artery Disease (CAD) & Stroke Image Library offers visual explanations of the blood vessels, diagnostic tests, and treatments commonly discussed during your consultation.
Why Choose the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore?
At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, patients can receive comprehensive stroke and vascular care all in one place. We offer the most a full spectrum of diagnostics and, whenever possible, minimally invasive treatment options. Dr. Manish Taneja has extensive experience in stroke prevention and interventional care. He will provide you with a personalized prevention strategy tailored to your specific risk profile.
Stroke prevention often begins with identifying and managing underlying conditions such as carotid artery disease. If you have been diagnosed with carotid artery narrowing or are unsure whether treatment is required, our Carotid Artery Disease Decision-Making Guide explains how specialists assess stroke risk and determine when monitoring, medical therapy, or carotid intervention may be appropriate.
Prevention Starts With Awareness and Action
Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Whether you have a family history of vascular disease and stroke or are of the age when initial screenings should take place, we invite you to schedule an appointment. Early action could prevent a stroke and save lives before it happens.
Contact Dr. Manish Taneja at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic today for a thorough assessment and personalized prevention plan. Your future health begins with one appointment.
Consult a Stroke Specialist in Singapore
Dr. Manish Taneja, is an expert in endovascular and image guided neurointerventional procedures of brain and spine. It’s important to find a stroke specialist and doctor you can trust in Singapore. He has special interest in treatment of brain aneurysms, stroke and vascular malformations. Come in for a further evaluation. Arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our stroke specialist.
Stroke Resources
Stroke Prevention Tips: How to Avoid High Cholesterol
Controllable risk factors are lifestyle choices that can be changed to reduce the risk of having a stroke including managing your cholesterol.
We’ve Got You Covered for Specialized Stroke Screening, Prevention, and Management
Imagine heart attacks where the blood flow to your heart is blocked. Similarly, a stroke occurs when the blood flow to your brain is interrupted becoming a “brain attack”, affecting a blood vessel and surrounding brain function. When blood supply does not reach a certain part, brain cells begin to die. Different types of stroke include ischemic strokes or a mini stroke, a TIA (transient ischemic attack). Common risk factors include high blood pressure, which increases strain on the blood vessel and raises the likelihood of a stroke. Symptoms can vary, but may include difficulty in speaking and other changes depending on how blood flow is affected. Understanding risk factors and acting early can make a difference. It’s important to work closely with a specialist to monitor your health and reduce stroke risk.
Other Health Conditions
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our stroke specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.