Transient ischemic attack: an aggressive treatment strategy

E.A. Shirokov

Branch of the S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy, Moscow, Russian Federation

In recent decades, vascular catastrophes (stroke and myocardial infarction) are the leading causes of early death and permanent disability. The prevention of vascular catastrophes by modifying the classical cardiovascular risk factors is the key measure to address this issue. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) increase the risk of all vascular events. Diagnosing TIAs, clarifying the causes and mechanisms of the decompensation of cerebral blood circulation, and reasonable targeted treatment prevent severe complications in patients with high cardiovascular risk being a considerable preventive resource. This paper discusses the evolution of approaches that consider TIAs as a risk factor for vascular events in high-risk patients and the use of neuroimaging techniques that determine management strategy. The authors analyze the efficacy and safety of aggressive treatment approach implying the prescription of dual antithrombotic, antihypertensive, lipid-lowering therapies. The differences in the approaches to prescribe treatment according to the guidelines of the world leading cardiological societies are highlighted.

Keywords: transient ischemic attack, stroke, dual antiplatelet therapy, antihypertensive therapy, lipid-lowering therapy, statins, antiplatelet drugs.

For citation: Shirokov E.A. Transient ischemic attack: an aggressive treatment strategy. RMJ. 2021;5:42–44.