Mallorca hospital tightens checks on stroke risk

At University Hospital Son Espases in Palma, Mallorca, specialists have put the spotlight on a stroke risk that can develop in the carotid arteries, the main vessels that carry blood to the brain. At a clinical update on 25 September, they reviewed newer scans, treatments and the hospital’s stroke unit. The Balearic Health Ministry said Son Espases is progressively bringing advanced tests and modern treatments into routine care.

Carotid disease often begins with arteriosclerosis, which narrows these arteries. Specialists estimate that carotid atherosclerosis is behind between 15 and 20 per cent of ischaemic strokes in Spain.

Sharper scans spot higher-risk cases

Son Espases uses high-resolution Doppler ultrasound, plus angiography by CT and MRI, to build a clearer picture of damage in the carotid arteries. Examining fatty deposits, known as atheroma plaques, can also help identify those more likely to suffer a stroke before symptoms appear.

Artificial intelligence and personalised medicine are starting to help analyse medical images, estimate an individual’s stroke risk and support clinical decisions.

Stroke unit links care and treatment

The hospital’s stroke unit brings together primary care, the 061 emergency service, accident and emergency, neurology, anaesthesiology, interventional radiology and, in some cases, vascular surgery. The Health Ministry said the unit’s creation and consolidation have improved the management of cerebrovascular disease, with results comparable to other reference centres.

Experts also highlighted newer medicines to control cholesterol, high blood pressure and thrombotic disease. Carotid surgery and endovascular procedures have become safer and more precise. For selected patients with a high surgical risk or particular anatomy, a carotid stent can be fitted through the skin, reducing the invasiveness of the procedure and supporting a quicker recovery.

Cardiologist Enrique Manuel-Rimbau stressed that prevention remains crucial. Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, raised cholesterol and inactivity all raise the risk. Detecting carotid disease early and controlling those factors can save lives and prevent permanent, disabling harm, he said.

Topics: Health

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com