Having a family history of stroke increases your risk, but you can take steps to lower it by managing key risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Controlling blood pressure is crucial—aim for below 120/80 mmHg by reducing salt intake, following a heart-healthy diet (DASH or Mediterranean), and exercising at least 150 minutes per week.

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, keep A1C below 7% and focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and fiber-rich foods. Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is also important—keep LDL (“bad” cholesterol) below 100 mg/dL and increase HDL (“good” cholesterol) through a diet rich in healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and fish. If cholesterol remains high, statins may be recommended.

Stay active and hydrated, and take anticoagulants if you have atrial fibrillation (AFib) to prevent blood clots. Maintaining a healthy weight (BMI <25, waist <35 inches for women, <40 inches for men) and engaging in regular exercise can further reduce risk.

Smoking doubles stroke risk, so quitting is essential. Limit alcohol to one drink per day (women) or two (men). Managing stress through meditation, deep breathing, or yoga and getting 7–9 hours of sleep supports overall heart health.

The dye used for CT scans is known as contrast dye. This iodine-based contrast agent is filtered through the kidneys and excreted through urine. Those with normal kidney function usually eliminate it within 24-48 hours. For those with kidney disease or reduced kidney function, it could take longer.

Yes, you will need to remove all jewelry and metal objects before your CT scan. Metal can interfere with the imaging, causing artifacts that may affect the clarity of the results. This includes earrings, necklaces, rings, piercings, watches, hairpins, and removable dental work. If you have metal implants, inform the technician beforehand, as they may need to adjust the scan settings.

With GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), treatment focuses on reducing stomach acid and preventing damage to the esophagus. Medications fall into over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription categories.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
• Antacids: Provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid (Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta). Best for mild, occasional symptoms.
• H2 Blockers: Reduce acid production and offer longer relief than antacids (Pepcid [famotidine], Tagamet [cimetidine]).
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): More effective at reducing acid and healing esophageal damage (Prilosec [omeprazole], Nexium [esomeprazole], Prevacid [lansoprazole]). Recommended for frequent symptoms but should not be used long-term without medical supervision.

Prescription Medications
• Stronger PPIs: Higher doses of omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, or dexlansoprazole for persistent GERD or esophageal damage.
• Stronger H2 Blockers: Higher-dose famotidine may be prescribed if PPIs are not suitable.
• Prokinetics: Help empty the stomach faster to reduce reflux (metoclopramide, domperidone—less commonly used due to side effects).
• Foam Barriers: Gaviscon (alginic acid) creates a protective barrier on stomach contents to prevent reflux.

Managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) focuses on slowing progression, managing symptoms, and preventing complications. Slowing disease progression involves controlling blood pressure (keeping it below 130/80 mmHg) with ACE inhibitors or ARBs and managing blood sugar (A1C <7% in diabetics). Dietary changes, including reducing sodium, protein, potassium, and phosphorus, help protect kidney function. Staying hydrated while avoiding NSAIDs and nephrotoxic drugs is also essential.

Symptom management includes addressing edema with diuretics and fluid control, treating anemia with iron or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and managing fatigue through proper nutrition. Itching (pruritus) can be relieved with phosphate binders, and metabolic acidosis may require sodium bicarbonate.

To prevent complications, it’s important to control electrolyte imbalances like high potassium (hyperkalemia) with diet and medications and high phosphorus with binders. Bone health is maintained through vitamin D and phosphorus control, while cardiovascular risks are reduced by managing cholesterol, BP, and lifestyle choices. Vaccinations for flu, pneumonia, and hepatitis B help prevent infections, which CKD patients are more prone to.

Whether you can drink coffee before a CT scan depends on the type of scan. If your CT scan involves contrast dye, it’s typically advised to avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks for a few hours beforehand, especially if fasting is required, as hydration is important and caffeine can impact kidney function. If the scan does not involve contrast, drinking coffee is usually fine unless your doctor has given specific instructions otherwise. It’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider for clear guidelines.

No, an MRI scan is not painful. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of your body. However, you may experience discomfort from lying still for an extended period, and the machine can be loud, producing knocking or buzzing sounds. If you have claustrophobia, you might feel anxious inside the enclosed scanner, but options like earplugs, music, or even mild sedation can help.