transient ischemic attack therapy treatment for a transient ischemic attack is aimed at preventing a second stroke. since there is no way of determining the severity of future episodes and no guarantee that the symptoms will resolve prevention of a future tia or a stroke is crucial. treatment guidelines address a variety of targeted goals. antiplatelet therapy if the patient was not taking aspirin when the tia occurred it needs to be started (325 mg per day). if the patient was taking aspirin then another antiplatelet drug called dipyridamole needs to be added. aggrenox is a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole. if the patient cannot tolerate aspirin then clopidogrel (plavix) should be used. high blood pressure therapy even if the patient does not have hypertension or high blood pressure there may be benefit in taking antihypertensive medications. two classes of drugs are recommended to be started at the same time a diuretic and an ace inhibitor. the goal for normal blood pressure is 120/80. cholesterol lowering therapy guidelines recommend that a statin drug be started even if cholesterol levels are normal. risk modification smoking excessive alcohol obesity and lack of physical activity are considered risks for future stroke. the following recommendations are now suggested: smoking: counseling smoking cessation aids like nicotine gum or medications like varenicline (chantix) should be considered. environmental smoke should be avoided. alcohol: intake should be limited to two or fewer drinks a day for men and one or less for women. obesity: overweight people should try to lose weight using a combination of diet exercise and counseling. the goal is a bmi of 18. 5-24. 9 and a waistline of 35 inches or less for women and 40 inches or less for men. exercise: 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily is recommended for those who are able. for patients with disabilities a tailored exercise program to their capabilities should be arranged.
what is the treatment for a transient ischemic attack or tia?