Question 1

What is Stroke?

Accepted Answer

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel ruptures, causing brain cells to die. It is caused by blood clots, atherosclerotic plaque buildup in arteries, high cholesterol, clotting disorders, and chronic inflammation that damages blood vessels. The Lipid Panel is the most important test for stroke risk assessment because it measures HDL and LDL cholesterol levels that directly contribute to arterial plaque formation.

Question 2

What causes a stroke?

Accepted Answer

A stroke is caused by either a blood clot blocking an artery leading to the brain (ischemic stroke) or a blood vessel rupturing and bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Ischemic strokes account for about 87% of all strokes and result from atherosclerotic plaque buildup in arteries, blood clotting disorders, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, elevated homocysteine levels, and chronic inflammation that damages blood vessel walls. Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, atrial fibrillation, and inherited clotting disorders that cause excessive blood clot formation.

Question 3

What is the best test for stroke risk?

Accepted Answer

The Lipid Panel is the most important test for stroke risk assessment because it measures your HDL (good) cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which directly impact plaque formation in brain arteries. Low HDL reduces your body's ability to clear harmful cholesterol, while high LDL contributes to arterial blockages that trigger strokes. For comprehensive risk assessment, the C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity test is essential because it detects inflammation that damages blood vessels and promotes clot formation. The Homocysteine, Cardiovascular test identifies elevated homocysteine levels that damage blood vessel linings and increase clotting risk. For people with clotting concerns, the D-Dimer and Fibrinogen Antigen tests measure clot formation activity in your bloodstream.

Question 4

When should I get tested for stroke risk?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of stroke or heart disease. Get tested immediately if you experience warning signs like sudden numbness or weakness on one side of your body, confusion, trouble speaking, vision problems, dizziness, or severe headaches. Adults over 40 with risk factors like smoking, obesity, or sedentary lifestyle should get baseline cholesterol and inflammation testing. If you have atrial fibrillation, blood clotting disorders, or have had mini-strokes (TIAs), regular monitoring with blood tests helps prevent future strokes.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Accepted Answer

Stroke symptoms appear suddenly and include numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of your body. You might experience confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, problems walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and severe headache with no known cause. Remember the acronym FACE: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Emergency call 911. Time is critical because brain cells die rapidly without oxygen, so every minute counts in getting treatment to minimize permanent brain damage.

Question 6

Who is at risk for a stroke?

Accepted Answer

People over age 55 have increased stroke risk, with risk doubling every decade after 55. Men have slightly higher stroke risk than women, though women are more likely to die from stroke. African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans face higher stroke risk than whites. You are at elevated risk if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, atrial fibrillation, obesity, or sleep apnea. Lifestyle factors that increase risk include smoking, heavy alcohol use, physical inactivity, and poor diet high in saturated fats and sodium. Family history of stroke or having had a previous stroke or mini-stroke significantly raises your risk.

Question 7

What happens if a stroke is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated stroke causes permanent brain damage as brain cells die within minutes of losing blood supply. The affected area of the brain loses function, leading to lasting disability including paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or swallowing, memory loss, and cognitive impairment. Without immediate treatment, stroke victims face higher risk of death, with larger strokes causing severe disability or coma. Complications include blood clots in legs, pneumonia from difficulty swallowing, seizures, depression, and another stroke. Every minute without treatment means more brain cells die, making early intervention critical for recovery and survival.

Question 8

Can stroke risk be assessed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot diagnose an active stroke, which requires immediate brain imaging like CT or MRI scans. However, blood tests are essential for assessing your stroke risk before it happens by identifying underlying conditions that contribute to stroke. The Lipid Panel reveals cholesterol imbalances, the C-Reactive Protein test detects harmful inflammation, the Homocysteine test identifies vessel-damaging amino acid levels, and clotting tests like D-Dimer and Fibrinogen Antigen reveal abnormal clot formation. After a stroke, blood tests like Creatine Kinase and Troponin T help assess tissue damage and monitor recovery, making them valuable tools for both prevention and post-stroke care.

Question 9

How is stroke treated?

Accepted Answer

Ischemic stroke treatment involves clot-busting drugs like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) given within 3-4.5 hours of symptom onset to dissolve the blood clot blocking brain arteries. Doctors may perform mechanical thrombectomy to physically remove large clots using a catheter. Hemorrhagic stroke treatment focuses on controlling bleeding and reducing brain pressure through medications or surgery. Long-term treatment includes blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin to prevent future clots, cholesterol-lowering statins, blood pressure medications, and diabetes management. Rehabilitation including physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy helps restore lost functions and independence.

Question 10

How can I prevent a stroke?

Accepted Answer

Prevent stroke by controlling high blood pressure through medication and limiting sodium intake to under 1,500 mg daily. Manage cholesterol with a diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and take statins if prescribed. Control diabetes by keeping blood sugar levels stable through diet, exercise, and medication. Stop smoking immediately as it doubles stroke risk, and limit alcohol to one drink daily for women and two for men. Exercise at least 30 minutes most days, maintain a healthy weight with BMI under 25, and treat atrial fibrillation with blood thinners as prescribed by your doctor.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support stroke recovery?

Accepted Answer

Support stroke recovery at home by following your prescribed medication regimen exactly, including blood thinners, blood pressure medications, and cholesterol drugs. Eat a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables while avoiding processed foods, red meat, and excess salt. Engage in daily physical therapy exercises to rebuild strength and coordination, even if movements feel difficult at first. Monitor your blood pressure daily and keep a log for your doctor. Get adequate sleep, manage stress through relaxation techniques, and attend all follow-up appointments. Join a stroke support group to share experiences and stay motivated during the recovery journey.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Stroke Blood Test & Risk Assessment

What is Stroke?

What causes a stroke?

What is the best test for stroke risk?

When should I get tested for stroke risk?

References

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