Statistics show that 21 Singaporeans die daily from heart diseases and stroke (32% of total deaths). Out of these, about 4 a day are due to cerebrovascular diseases. They are the second most common class of cardiovascular diseases resulting in mortality in Singapore, and the 4th most common cause overall. Cerebrovascular diseases affect the flow of blood to the brain. They are a collection of conditions that include carotid stenosis, aneurysms, and vascular malformations. Blood flow can be impacted due to a narrowing of blood vessels (stenosis), formation of clots in the blood vessels (thrombosis), blockage of the arteries (embolism), or a rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhage). When there is insufficient flow of blood to the brain, the person may suffer a stroke.
Symptoms Of Cerebrovascular Diseases
Depending on which blood arteries in the brain are damaged and how much blood flow is altered, the indications and symptoms of cerebrovascular diseases vary.
Cerebrovascular stenosis often doesn’t show symptoms until after a transient ischemic attack (a stroke that lasts only a short time, caused by a brief blockage of blood supply to the brain) or a stroke. The sudden onset of any or all of the symptoms listed below may be a warning indicator of a transient ischemic attack or stroke.
- Queasy feeling, nausea, or vomiting
- A terrible headache
- Memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and trouble understanding
- Arm or leg numbness or weakness
- Weakness or drooping of the face, particularly on one side
- Slurred or abnormal speech
- Vision loss or vision problems
- Loss of coordination, balance, or walking ability
Aneurysms that are very big may push on nearby brain tissue or nerves, causing sensitivity to light, visual issues, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, trouble speaking or remembering things, fainting, or seizures. Small aneurysms often do not exhibit any symptoms. An aneurysm rupture might result in the following:
- Neck and headaches
- Clammy, chilly skin
- Queasy feeling, nausea, or vomiting
- Quick heartbeat
- Reduced blood pressure
- Shock
It is estimated that 50%-80% of brain aneurysms do not rupture, but those that do, about half result in death.
Cerebrovascular abnormalities may manifest as blood-filled nodules under the skin that are sometimes uncomfortable but seldom cause further symptoms. When symptoms do materialise, they may comprise:
- Headache
- Seizure
Rehabilitation And Treatment For Cerebrovascular Disease
The doctor may suggest a range of various therapies, including lifestyle modifications, drugs, close monitoring, and surgery, depending on the kind and severity of the cerebrovascular disease.
Personal Lifestyle Changes
Your doctor could advise a healthy diet, increased exercise, stopping smoking, and stress management if you have a cerebrovascular disease or are at high risk.
Medications
When the cerebrovascular disease is “ischaemic” in nature (i.e. when arteries to the brain become blocked), the main treatment objective will be to unblock the clogged artery. Medication is used to thin the blood and reduce the risk of further clots forming.
- Anticoagulants: To lower the risk of blood clots, your doctor may give a blood thinner like aspirin.
- Blood pressure medications: The risk of bleeding is decreased by diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and other blood pressure-lowering drugs.
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs: Statins, or cholesterol-lowering drugs, may help stop the growth of arterial plaque, which leads to stenosis and clotting, from continuing.
Surgery
If the cerebrovascular disease is “haemorrhagic” in nature (i.e. caused when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts), the aneurysm can be treated surgically, or blocked up using coils inserted into the blood vessel. In other cases, the surgeon may use glue to address damage to blood vessels. Accumulation of brain fluid may need to be relieved surgically.
Cardiologists In Singapore You Can Consider
If you are looking to consult a cardiologist in Singapore on your cardiovascular health, we have compiled a list that you can consider.
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.