When we talk about your health at True Care Medical Group, we often focus on things like managing blood pressure or checking your cholesterol. There is a reason we keep such a close eye on those numbers: we want to protect your brain.
A stroke is a serious medical emergency, but it is also something that we can work together to prevent. Whether you are coming to see us for a routine check-up or you are worried about your long-term risks, we are here to provide the clinical expertise and support you need to stay healthy.
What Exactly Is a Stroke?
A stroke is often called a brain attack. It happens when the blood flow to a part of your brain is cut off. Just like your heart needs oxygen to keep beating, your brain cells need a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to stay alive.
There are two main ways this happens:
- Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type. It happens when a blood clot blocks an artery leading to the brain. This is often linked to the buildup of plaque in your vessels.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: This happens when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, causing pressure and damage to the surrounding brain tissue.
Recognizing the Signs: BE FAST
Minutes matter when it comes to a stroke. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately. At True Care Medical Group, we want every one of our patients in Parkville and Carney, MD, to know the BE FAST acronym:
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
- Eyes: Sudden blurred or double vision.
- Face: One side of the face droops when smiling.
- Arms: One arm drifts downward when both are raised.
- Speech: Slurred speech or trouble finding the right words.
- Time: Time to call 911 immediately.
How We Help You Stay Proactive
As internists, our goal is to manage the factors that lead to a stroke before one ever occurs. We provide a professional environment where we focus on personalized prevention strategies.
- Blood Pressure Management: High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke. We work with you to keep your numbers in a healthy range through lifestyle changes and medication.
- Cholesterol Control: We monitor your plaque levels and help you manage your lipids to keep those "pipes" clear.
- Diabetes Care: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time, so keeping your A1C in check is vital for your vascular health.
- Heart Rhythm Monitoring: Conditions like Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) can cause blood clots to form. We screen for these issues during your regular exams.
Your Partners in Long-Term Health
At True Care Medical Group, we believe that education and prevention are the best tools we have. We take the time to look at your family history, your habits, and your specific clinical data to build a plan that keeps you moving and thriving.
Whether you are in Carney or right here in Parkville, we are committed to being your primary resource for stroke prevention and post-stroke recovery management. We work closely with specialists to ensure your care is seamless and that your brain health is always a top priority.
Give True Care Medical Group a call today at our Parkville, MD, office to schedule your wellness exam or a stroke risk consultation. Call (410) 665-4400.