In America, someone has a stroke every 40 seconds. A stroke changes things quickly. One moment feels normal, and the next can affect how you move, speak, think, or even carry out daily routines.
That said, life after a stroke isn’t just about what was lost. Here at Harlem Cardiology, we believe that life after a stroke is all about what comes next. With the right care, many people regain function, rebuild independence, and reduce their risk of another stroke.
Below, Dr. Henock Saint-Jacques and his team of experts talk about life after a stroke.
Stroke recovery looks different for everyone. Some people experience mild symptoms that improve quickly, while others need more time and structured rehabilitation. In fact, strokes are a leading cause of disability.
Common challenges after a stroke may include:
You may also experience mental and emotional symptoms, such as low mood, poor self-esteem, or depression.
If you or a loved one has had a stroke, here’s what you can do:
Sticking to your treatment plan is arguably the most important part of life after a stroke. After a stroke, Dr. Saint-Jacques may administer an intravenous injection to break up the blood clot. He may also perform emergency endovascular procedures, such as intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) or clot removal with a stent retriever.
After your initial stroke treatment, you may also benefit from:
These treatments are designed to reduce your risk of another stroke, which is highest in the months following the initial event.
Skipping medications or follow-up care can significantly increase your risk.
Recovery doesn’t happen on its own. That’s where rehabilitation comes into the picture. Depending on your needs, this may include:
These therapies help retrain your brain and body to work together again. Tools, like adaptive forks or nonspill cups, can help you retain independence as you work through your rehabilitation program.
After a stroke, your lifestyle choices become even more important. For example, if you focus on your overall cardiovascular health, it can help reduce your risk of another event. This often includes improving diet, staying physically active as you’re able, and managing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Smoking can increase your risk of having a stroke. Even secondhand smoke raises your risk by 30%. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke can also go a long way in smoking prevention.
A stroke doesn’t just affect your body; not surprisingly, it can also affect your mood, confidence, and mental health.
It’s common to experience frustration, anxiety, and changes in motivation. Depression is also common in stroke survivors. Depression can develop as a result of biochemical changes in your brain.
Support from your care team here at Harlem Cardiology, your family, and other mental health professionals can help you navigate this part of recovery.
Having one stroke increases your risk of another. In fact, 25% of people who have a stroke have another one in the future.
Know the warning signs:
If symptoms appear again, seek emergency care immediately.
Life after a stroke may look different, but with the right support, it can still be full, active, and meaningful.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Saint-Jacques at Harlem Cardiology today. You can also reach our East Harlem, New York, office at 646-381-2181.
