Questions to Ask

If you've been diagnosed with stroke, there are several key questions that you should ask your cardiologist during your next visit. These questions will ensure that you and your doctor have discussed your major risk factors so that you can become or stay as healthy as possible.

• What is a stroke?
• What are the symptoms of a stroke?
• What is a mini-stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
• Does having a TIA increase my risk of a stroke?
• Does having a stroke increase my risk of having a heart attack?
• What are the risk factors for having a stroke?
• How is a stroke diagnosed?
• What are the treatment options for stroke?
• If I've had a stroke, do I have an increased risk for another stroke?
• When are blood thinners necessary? How is this decision determined?
• What are the differences between blood thinning medications? How do I know which one is right for me?
• What are the risks of blood thinning medications?
• How can strokes be prevented?
• How common are strokes?
• Are strokes hereditary?