ISCHEMIC STROKE

What Is an Ischemic Stroke?

An ischemic stroke happens when a blood vessel that brings oxygen to the brain gets blocked. This can be caused by a blood clot or fatty buildup in the arteries. When the brain doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen, brain cells start to die. This can lead to problems with speaking, walking, memory, or even death.

What Causes It?

• Blood clots that form in the brain or travel from another part of the body
  
  

• Narrow or blocked arteries caused by high cholesterol or plaque buildup
  
  

• Irregular heartbeat (like atrial fibrillation) can cause clots to form
  
  

• High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and being overweight increase risk
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

Remember the word "FAST" to spot stroke signs:

• F = Face drooping on one side
  
  

• A = Arm weakness (can’t lift one arm)
  
  

• S = Speech difficulty (slurred or strange speech)
  
  

• T = Time to call 911 right away!
  
  

Other symptoms include:

• Sudden confusion
  
  

• Sudden trouble seeing
  
  

• Sudden trouble walking or dizziness
  
  

• Sudden severe headache
  
  

How to Prevent an Ischemic Stroke

• Take blood pressure and heart medicine as told
  
  

• Eat a heart-healthy diet (low salt, low fat, more fruits and veggies)
  
  

• Exercise regularly
  
  

• Stop smoking
  
  

• Control diabetes
  
  

• Take blood thinners if your doctor prescribed them
  
  

• Go to your checkups
  
  

Common Treatments

• Clot-busting medicine (like tPA) – must be given within a few hours
  
  

• Blood thinners to stop more clots
  
  

• Surgery or stents to open blocked arteries
  
  

• Rehabilitation therapy (physical, speech, and occupational therapy)
  
  

Special Diet

• Low in salt and saturated fat
  
  

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
  
  

• Drink plenty of water
  
  

• Avoid fried and greasy foods
  
  

Precautions and Considerations

• Use a walker or cane if your balance is off
  
  

• Take medications exactly as your doctor says
  
  

• Wear a medical alert bracelet
  
  

• Check blood pressure often
  
  

• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs
  
  

• Tell caregivers if you feel dizzy, weak, or confused
  
  

When to Call the Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your home health nurse or doctor if:

• You feel dizzy often
  
  

• You notice new weakness or numbness
  
  

• You have trouble with your speech or balance
  
  

• You miss any doses of your medicine
  
  

• Your blood pressure is too high or too low
  
  

When to Go to the Emergency Room (Call 911)

• If you or someone else shows any signs of a stroke
  
  

• If you suddenly can’t talk, see, or move
  
  

• If your face, arm, or leg suddenly feels weak or numb
  
  

• If you have a sudden, very bad headache
  
  

• Do not wait — every second counts
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT Please correct each False Statement.

1. True or False: An ischemic stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked.
   
   

2. True or False: The word “FAST” can help you remember stroke warning signs.
   
   

3. True or False: Smoking can increase your risk of having a stroke.
   
   

4. True or False: A stroke always causes pain in the chest.
   
   

5. True or False: Face drooping is one possible sign of a stroke.
   
   

6. True or False: Stroke symptoms can come on very slowly over weeks.
   
   

7. True or False: You should wait a few hours before calling 911 if someone has stroke symptoms.
   
   

8. True or False: Blood pressure medicine can help prevent strokes.
   
   

9. True or False: Eating fried foods and salty snacks is good for stroke prevention.
   
   

10. True or False: A healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
    
    

11. True or False: A speech therapist might help after a stroke.
    
    

12. True or False: You don’t need to take blood thinners if you feel okay.
    
    

13. True or False: Walking every day can help lower your stroke risk.
    
    

14. True or False: A stroke only happens to older people.
    
    

15. True or False: It's important to go to regular doctor checkups to help prevent strokes.
    
    

16. True or False: You should tell your nurse if your balance is worse than usual.
    
    

17. True or False: Drinking lots of alcohol helps prevent strokes.
    
    

18. True or False: If your blood pressure is very high, you should call your doctor.
    
    

19. True or False: Some people need to use a walker or cane after a stroke.
    
    

20. True or False: If you have sudden slurred speech, you should call 911 right away.
    
    

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:

• Have you noticed any sudden weakness, numbness, or drooping on one side of your face or body recently?
  
  

Activity Impact/SAFETY:

• Are you having trouble walking or keeping your balance at home, and do you feel safe moving around without assistance?
  
  

Treatment Adherence:

• Have you been taking your blood pressure or blood thinner medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor?
  
  

Preventive Measures:

• What changes have you made to your diet, exercise, or smoking habits to help prevent another stroke?

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Answer Key with Explanations

1. True – Ischemic strokes happen when blood flow to the brain is blocked.
   
   

2. True – "FAST" helps remember signs: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech trouble, Time to call 911.
   
   

3. True – Smoking damages blood vessels and increases stroke risk.
   
   

4. False – A stroke affects the brain, not the heart. Chest pain is more common with heart attacks.
   
   

5. True – A drooping face is a common stroke symptom.
   
   

6. False – Stroke symptoms come on suddenly, not slowly.
   
   

7. False – You should call 911 immediately — waiting can make the stroke worse.
   
   

8. True – Keeping blood pressure under control helps prevent strokes.
   
   

9. False – Fried and salty foods can raise blood pressure and are not good for stroke prevention.
   
   

10. True – A healthy diet includes fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean meats.
    
    

11. True – A speech therapist can help a person regain speech after a stroke.
    
    

12. False – Even if you feel okay, you should take blood thinners as prescribed to prevent another stroke.
    
    

13. True – Walking and other exercises help reduce stroke risk.
    
    

14. False – Strokes can happen at any age, though the risk is higher in older adults.
    
    

15. True – Regular checkups help catch risk factors like high blood pressure early.
    
    

16. True – New balance problems should be reported to your nurse or doctor.
    
    

17. False – Alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase stroke risk.
    
    

18. True – High blood pressure can be dangerous and should be reported.
    
    

19. True – Some stroke survivors need help walking and may use a cane or walker.
    
    

20. True – Slurred speech is a stroke warning sign. Call 911 right away.