Introduction
Secondary prevention of stroke refers to preventing second, third, and additional strokes in individuals who have had a first stroke. If you have had a first stroke, there is bad news and good news with regard to secondary prevention. The bad news is that you are at increased risk for a second stroke. The good news is that there is a great deal you and your doctor can do to minimize this risk.
How much is the risk increased? The magnitude varies greatly from individual to individual. In general, however, individuals who have had a first ischemic stroke (stroke due to blockage or plugging of a blood vessel) have about a one-in-three chance of having another stroke during the next five years. Individuals who have had a transient ischemic attack (a blocked blood flow episode for which the symptoms last less than 24 hours) have about a one-in-four chance of having a stroke during the next five years. Clearly, everyone who has had a first stroke or a transient ischemic attack should take steps to reduce this substantial risk by adopting the risk-reducing strategies discussed below that apply to their particular condition.
Modifying Risk Factors
Major risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol use, physical inactivity, and high cholesterol levels. Treating these risk factors can help prevent both first stroke and recurrent strokes. If you have had a transient ischemic attack or stroke, the time for action is now.
Copyright 2009 NBC Health
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