Answer:

Coronary artery disease occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle. This is a manifestation of systemic atherosclerosis, where plaque deposition can occur in the coronary arteries, carotid arteries, cerebral arteries, or other blood vessels.

Individuals with coronary artery disease often have a higher risk of stroke, particularly ischemic stroke. This is because plaque in the carotid or cerebral arteries can narrow the vessels, impeding blood flow to the brain. When plaque ruptures, blood clots (thrombi) can form and travel to the brain, causing a sudden blockage of cerebral blood vessels.

Coronary artery disease is often accompanied by arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation or heart failure, which can contribute to clot formation in the heart chambers. These clots can travel to the brain, leading to cerebral embolism. Patients with coronary artery disease also frequently have other conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity. These are risk factors that accelerate atherosclerosis and promote widespread vascular damage.

Improper use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, as well as poorly controlled blood pressure, increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Doctor Quang Minh examines a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Stroke symptoms can appear suddenly, including weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, loss of vision in one eye, dizziness with loss of balance, or a severe headache. Some individuals experience transient symptoms lasting less than 24 hours, known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). However, this is still a medical emergency, as the risk of a full-blown stroke in the following days is very high.

To prevent stroke, adhere to your doctor's prescribed treatment, including antiplatelet medications, statins to lower cholesterol, and medications to control blood pressure and blood sugar. Do not stop or change medication dosages abruptly, as this can lead to serious complications.

In addition to medication, lifestyle changes are crucial. These include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grains, while reducing salt, sugar, and saturated fat intake. Regular exercise for at least 150 minutes per week (or 30 minutes daily), adequate sleep, and stress management help control blood pressure and reduce the burden on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Regular health check-ups can detect potential cerebrovascular damage early. Through ultrasound and CT scans, doctors can assess stroke risk, adjust treatment plans, and intervene promptly to minimize dangerous complications.

Associate Professor, Doctor Ngo Tran Quang Minh

Medical Director and Head of General Internal Medicine

Tam Anh General Hospital, District 8