It is a clogging of the very, very, tiny veins in the circulatory system.
Small vessel ischemic disease places a patient at an increased risk of having a stroke. It is usually seen in people who have other medical conditions including high blood pressure or diabetes.
Your doctor probably told you to quit smoking if you smoke, eat healthier and lower your cholesterol if it's high, and to exercise.
This does not mean that you will have a stroke, but that you are placed in a higher category of having one.
Hope this helps, and take care.
I had basic same diagnose as you as 9 weeks ago I was hospitalized for dizziness, balance and co-ordination problems. I also had a hemorratic stroke 10 years ago. i am receiving in home physical therapy and am on diabetic, high cholesterol, high blood pressure medicine which they say are the causes for this diagnose but since diagnosed my physician never seems to give me any info or idea of how it progresses. he acts like all is perfectly fine but when in hospital, he told my family and i it was very serious. i would like to know how and if it progresses and also will I keep getting these dizzy spell/balance problems. wish i had an answer for you but i like you am in the dark. i am 70 years old
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