What Increases Your Risk

The risk factors (things that increase risk) for transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke include those you can treat or change and those you can't change.

Risk factors you can treat or change include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension).
• Atrial fibrillation.
• Diabetes.
• Smoking.
• High cholesterol.
• Heavy use of alcohol.
• Being overweight.
• Physical inactivity.

Risk factors you cannot change include:

• Age. The risk of TIA and stroke increases with age.
• Race. African Americans, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives have a higher risk than those of other races.
• Gender. TIA and stroke are more common in men than women until age 75, when more women than men have strokes. Because women live longer than men, more women have strokes each year.
• Family history. The risk for TIA and stroke is greater if a parent, brother, or sister has had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
• History of stroke or TIA.

When To Call a Doctor

Call or other emergency services immediately if you have:

• Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
• Sudden vision changes.
• Sudden trouble speaking.
• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
• Sudden problems with walking or balance.
• A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• Recently had symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), even if the symptoms have completely disappeared.
• Had a TIA or stroke while taking aspirin or other medicine that prevents blood clots, and you notice any signs of bleeding.

Call your doctor today if you think you have had a TIA in the past and have not yet talked with your doctor about your symptoms.

Who to see

The following doctors can diagnose and treat a transient ischemic attack (TIA):

• Family medicine doctor
• Neurologist
• Emergency medicine specialist
• Internist

Other specialists may be consulted if you need surgery or have other health problems:

• Neurosurgeon
• Cardiologist
• Vascular surgeon (one who specializes in surgery of the blood vessels)

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.