Can transient ischaemic attack be prevented?

A transient ischaemic attack happens when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly disrupted. The symptoms may clear, but the event is a warning that a stroke can occur. High blood pressure damages artery walls and is a major modifiable risk. Atrial fibrillation can allow clots to form in the heart, so identifying and treating it matters. Cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, inactivity and excess alcohol can also influence vascular health.

Have your blood pressure checked and follow the agreed treatment plan if it is high. Take prescribed medicines consistently; do not start, stop or alter an antiplatelet, anticoagulant or blood-pressure medicine without medical advice. Do not smoke, choose regular activity suited to your health, and build meals around vegetables, fibre and minimally processed foods. Attend reviews for atrial fibrillation, cholesterol or diabetes. If you have already had a TIA, ask for prompt specialist follow-up because prevention depends on its cause.

Call emergency services immediately for sudden face drooping, arm or leg weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, confusion, vision loss, severe imbalance or a sudden severe headache, even if the symptoms disappear. Do not drive yourself. A TIA and stroke cannot be reliably distinguished at home, and symptoms that resolve still need urgent assessment.

Which risk factors should we check? Do I need heart-rhythm monitoring for atrial fibrillation? What medicines and lifestyle changes fit my situation? What should my family do if symptoms recur?