Next Steps

Prevention

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.

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