TBS Blog

Stroke Prevention


In the last 10 years, we have learned a lot about stroke prevention. Carotid stenosis (hardening of the arteries) used to be one of the most common causes of stroke but as smoking rates have gone down and people are living longer a new culprit has emerged - a heart rhythm disturbance known as Atrial Fibrillation (see video link). The good news is that if you have atrial fibrillation, a stroke can be prevented in most cases with new oral anticoagulant medications that do not require a change in diet and there is no need for bloodwork.


In up to 30% of stroke patients, we cannot find a cause. A number of these patients actually have atrial fibrillation but the heart can go in and out of the rhythm and it can be difficult to catch. Based on the results of a recent Canadian study, prolonged cardiac monitoring can better detect atrial fibrillation than standard 24 or 48 hour monitoring. Please see the links below for further information.

Trillium Brain and Spine can help with cardiac monitoring and treatment of atrial fibrillation. If you or a family member has had a stroke or TIA with no cause, contact us to arrange for 30 day cardiac monitoring.

// Longer Heart Monitoring Backed for Stroke Patients

// Guidelines for the Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

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