title: Transient ischemic attacks: Part II. Treatment.
abstract: Risk factors for stroke should be evaluated in patients who have had a transient ischemic attack. Blood pressure, lipid levels, and diabetes mellitus should be controlled. When applicable, smoking cessation and weight loss also are important. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy may help prevent stroke. Aspirin is the treatment of choice for stroke prevention in patients who do not require anticoagulation. Clopidogrel is an alternative therapy in patients who do not tolerate aspirin. Atrial fibrillation, a known cardioembolic source (confirmed thrombus), or a highly suspected cardioembolic source (e.g., recent large myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, mechanical valve, rheumatic mitral valve stenosis) are indications for anticoagulation.
authors.affiliation: University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
authors.forename: Nina J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Solenski
mesh_terms: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000925:Anticoagulants; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D008055:Lipids; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin