Stroke (cont.)

Medical Author:

Dexter Morris, MD

Medical Editor:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Thomas Rebbecchi, MD, FAAEM

Strokes are preventable! The most important thing you can do is to get your blood pressure checked and treated if it is high.

Have your blood pressure checked and monitored by a doctor. Even moderately high blood pressure over years can lead to a stroke.
Treat high cholesterol with diet and exercise and then medication to reduce the risk of stroke. High levels of blood cholesterol known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) increase risk for stroke and may cause the formation of artery-narrowing plaque.
In people with certain irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, the use of blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke.
For the general population, aspirin has not been shown to reduce stroke risk. It may be useful if prescribed by a doctor for people who have an increased risk of stroke.
Control diabetes.
Stop smoking or never smoke.
Know the symptoms of stroke. Act quickly when someone exhibits the signs of a stroke. Stroke is a medical emergency.