Cerebrovascular disease means a disease of the arteries in the brain (cerebrum). The problems this can cause include a stroke and a TIA (transient ischaemic attack). A stroke means that part of the brain is suddenly damaged. The common cause of a stroke is due to an artery in the brain which becomes blocked by a blood clot (thrombus). The blood clot usually forms over some atheroma. A TIA is a disorder caused by temporary lack of blood supply to a part of the brain.

Peripheral vascular disease

Peripheral vascular disease is narrowing due to atheroma affecting arteries other than arteries in the heart or brain. The arteries that take blood to the legs are the most commonly affected.

If you can prevent a build up of atheroma in the arteries, you are less likely to develop the above diseases. If you already have one of the above diseases you may prevent or delay it from getting worse if you prevent further build-up of atheroma. Measures such as stopping smoking if you smoke, reducing a high blood cholesterol level, treating high blood pressure, eating a healthy diet, keeping your weight in check and doing some regular physical activity can help. For details of how to help prevent a build up of atheroma see the leaflet called 'Cardiovascular Disease Prevention'.

© EMIS and PIP 2006 Updated: June 2006

• Back

• Comment
• Send to a friend
• Print: Article |  Page