High Blood Pressure, Transient Ischemic Attack, and Stroke
High blood pressure (hypertension) is considered the most important and most treatable risk factor for transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke. Proper treatment of high blood pressure can reduce the chance of having a TIA or stroke.
High blood pressure increases the pressure inside arteries, causing
damage 
.
Thrombolysis, also known as thrombolytic therapy, is a treatment to dissolve dangerous clots in blood vessels, improve blood flow, and prevent damage to tissues and organs. Thrombolysis may involve the injection of clot-busting drugs through an intravenous (IV) line or through a long catheter that delivers drugs directly to the site of the blockage. It also may involve the use of a long catheter with a mechanical device attached to the tip that either removes the clot or physically breaks it up. Thrombolysis...
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- Excessive pressure on the walls of vessels speeds up hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
- Aneurysms in the brain may develop, which can lead to a stroke and bleeding inside the brain (hemorrhagic stroke) if an aneurysm ruptures. Aneurysms are often caused by a defect present in the muscular wall of an artery since birth.
High blood pressure can be controlled with medicines and changes in lifestyle. For more information, see the topic High Blood Pressure.
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