Stroke Genetic Risk Factors in the Family
While there are many risk factors for stroke, an important one is whether one or more of your immediate family members has a history of stroke. This doesn't mean you will suffer a stroke, but it does mean you are at higher risk and should be more cautious about other risk factors you may be able to control. Our specialized stroke clinic in Singapore, the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic can help you and your family with tailored stroke treatment plans.
The Role of Genetics in Stroke Risk
Every year approximately 15 million people suffer strokes around the globe. In Singapore, it is the fourth leading cause of death. While there are a few different types of stroke including ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and TIA (transient ischemic attack), genetics play a role in each.
It isn't the actual event of a stroke that is inherited, but the various risk factors which significantly raise the possibility. Those risk factors include high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and other forms of heart disease. Women are more likely to experience a stroke, and the chance of experiencing one increases with age for either gender.
Family History and Stroke Risk Assessment
While there may be a history of stroke within your immediate family, stroke in younger adults are also on the rise. However, you should be conscious of risk factors within your control such as refraining from smoking and keeping a healthy weight. But as you approach 40, it would be wise to consider stroke screening in Singapore and if you have risk factors even earlier.
Our specialized stroke clinic in Singapore is managed by stroke specialist Dr. Manish Taneja. Your stroke screening may include the following:
- Initial consultation and review of family history
- Blood tests aimed at heart health
- An MRI/CT scan of the brain and blood vessels
Depending upon the findings, Dr. Taneja may recommend further tests for a complete evaluation.
Other Health Conditions Linked to Stroke in Families
Hypertension and diabetes are not the only genetic health conditions linked to stroke. Others include:
- Connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy (CADASIL)
- Blood disorders such as sickle cell disease
- Metabolic disorders like Fabry disease
Steps Families Can Take to Reduce Stroke Risk
Leading a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in reducing your stroke risk, not only for yourself but for the rest of your family or others with whom you live. Again, treating your personal risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and keeping proper weight is of utmost importance. Avoid recreational drug use and limit your alcohol intake.
Being active and getting a proper amount of exercise also lowers those risk factors. Exercising with a family member or friend will help you both. And not only should you refrain from smoking, but so should those around you for their health and yours.
What are the Symptoms of Stroke?
The American Stroke Association invented the F.A.S.T. program to help people identify the signs of a stroke.
F: refers to Face drooping on one side
A: is for Arm weakness in one arm
S: represents Slurred speech
T: this means it’s Time to call emergency responders and rush them to see a neurointervention specialist. You can Google “stroke doctor near me” or “stroke hospital near me” to find a stroke hospital in Singapore.
How to Spot a Stroke? BE FAST
Another acronym that is useful in the fast recognition of acute ischemic stroke and simple way to remember is BE FAST.
B: Balance Lost
E: Eyesight changes
F: Face drooping
A: Arm weaknesses
S: Slurred speech
T: Time to call 9-9-5
Stroke Prevention and Management with Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic
If you or a loved one has symptoms or signs of a stroke, do not wait to call 9-9-5 at once or go to the nearest emergency room. Immediate attention to early signs of a stroke can minimize the damage. That said, attention to potential stroke risks, especially for those with a family history, should be undertaken as one approaches middle age through a complete stroke screening in Singapore.
Contact the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic for an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our stroke specialist. We invite you to schedule a consultation to you can take charge of you and your family's health.
Consult a Stroke Specialist in Singapore
Dr. Manish Taneja, is an expert in endovascular and image guided neurointerventional procedures of brain and spine. He has special interest in treatment of brain aneurysms, stroke and vascular malformations. Come in for a further evaluation and arrange an appointment today with our stroke specialist.
Stroke Resources
Stroke In Younger Adults: What You Need to Know
You are never too young to have a stroke. As such, it is important to know what to look out for and how your lifestyle increases your risk of having a stroke.
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”. When blood supply does not reach a certain part, brain cells begin to die. Different types of stroke include ischemic strokes (blockage of blood vessel due to blood clot) or a mini stroke, a TIA (transient ischemic attack), with no permanent damage yet serious. Stroke also occurs when a blood vessel in the brain pops causing bleeding in the brain.
When a stroke occurs, the symptoms of stroke depend on how blood flow to the brain is affected. Individuals at high risk and even higher risk (family history) often have high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, or another risk factor for stroke, all of which increase the risk of stroke. Disrupted blood flow can even damage the blood vessel in the brain and affect one side of the body. Having a stroke doesn’t mean it has to lead to permanent disabilities. Recognizing the risk factors and early warning signs is essential to reduce the stroke risk, and in some cases, procedures such as carotid endarterectomy may help increase the blood vessel in the brain and restore healthy circulation.
Certain areas of the brain can be affected by stroke and some symptoms of a stroke including difficulty in speaking. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of stroke whereas an active lifestyle or controlling high cholesterol reduces the risk. How well do you know stroke? Find tips to prevent and manage stroke, the differences in stroke screening tests, and the newer technology and treatments available. Come in for an easy consultation and further evaluation to work closely with our stroke specialist in Singapore at the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic.
Supreme Vascular and Interventional Stroke Programs
Brain Aneurysm Resources
Explore our brain aneurysm resources. Understanding a brain aneurysm often involves learning across several areas.
Put Brain Aneurysm on Your Health Radar
Did you experience the worst headache of your life? Thoughts could be racing through your mind. A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that can change over time. The key concern is when an aneurysm ruptures, which can disrupt blood flow, affect brain tissue, and lead to serious brain damage. Controllable conditions like high blood pressure can increase this risk and treatment options can depend on the condition. Surgical clipping is one option that prevents blood from entering the weakened area. In many cases, minimally invasive treatments can also be used to restore normal blood flow and reduce risk. We have created structured guides to help you explore each stage in more detail:
A simple (computed tomography) CT scan could be just what the doctor ordered and the first step in early detection and prevention of a brain aneurysm. Come in for an easy consultation with our brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore to be on your health radar.
Other Health Conditions
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various neurological 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.