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Stroke Prevention

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This can cause brain cells to die, leading to problems with movement, speech, or thinking. Stroke is a leading cause of disability, but many strokes can be prevented.[1][2]

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Types of Stroke:

- Ischemic stroke: The most common type, caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain.

- Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by bleeding in the brain from a burst blood vessel.

- Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Sometimes called a "mini-stroke," it causes temporary symptoms and is a warning sign for future strokes.[3]

older couple sitting together in front of the window watching out .jpg

Preventing a First Stroke (Primary Prevention):

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- Control blood pressure: Keeping blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg is one of the most important ways to lower stroke risk.[1][4][5]

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- Manage cholesterol: Lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol with medicines like statins helps prevent stroke. A healthy target is less than 70 mg/dL for people at risk.[4][5]

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- Treat diabetes: Keeping blood sugar (A1C) below 7% helps reduce complications.[4][5]

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- Quit smoking: Smoking doubles stroke risk. Quitting is one of the best things you can do.[2][4]

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- Limit alcohol: No more than two drinks per day for men and one for women.[4]

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- Eat healthy: A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, is recommended. Reducing salt can help lower blood pressure.[4]

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- Exercise: Aim for at least 40 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking.[4]

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- Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even a small amount of weight can help lower risk.[2][4]

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Preventing Another Stroke (Secondary Prevention):

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- Take prescribed medicines: These may include blood thinners (antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs), blood pressure medicines, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and diabetes medicines.[2][3][4][5][6]

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- Follow up with your neurologist: Regular check-ups help manage risk factors and adjust treatment as needed.[3][6]

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- Lifestyle changes: The same healthy habits that prevent a first stroke are important after a stroke. Quitting smoking, eating well, staying active, and limiting alcohol all help lower the chance of another stroke.[2][4][5][6]

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- Special treatments: Some people may need surgery or procedures, such as opening blocked neck arteries or closing a hole in the heart, depending on the cause of their stroke.[1][4]

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Key Takeaways:

- Most strokes are preventable. Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and making healthy lifestyle choices are proven ways to lower risk.[1][2][4][5][6]

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- If you have had a stroke or TIA, your risk of another stroke is higher. Taking medicines and making lifestyle changes can greatly reduce this risk.[2][3][5][6]

 

Talk to us about your personal risk factors and the best plan for you.

 

References

  1. Primary and Secondary Prevention Of Ischemic Stroke and Cerebral Hemorrhage: JACC Focus Seminar. Diener HC, Hankey GJ. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2020;75(15):1804-1818. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2019.12.072.

  2. Secondary Prevention after Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack. Davis SM, Donnan GA. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2012;366(20):1914-22. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1107281.

  3. Ischemic Stroke Management: Posthospitalization and Transition of Care. Larson ST, Ray BE, Wilbur J. American Family Physician. 2023;108(1):70-77.

  4. Secondary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke: Updated Guidelines From AHA/ASA. American Academy of Family Physicians (2022).

  5. Stroke. Hilkens NA, Casolla B, Leung TW, de Leeuw FE. Lancet (London, England). 2024;403(10446):2820-2836. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00642-1.

  6. Primary Care of Adult Patients After Stroke: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Kernan WN, Viera AJ, Billinger SA, et al. Stroke. 2021;52(9):e558-e571. doi:10.1161/STR.0000000000000382.

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