Reducing the Risk of Stroke

This chapter discusses measures to reduce stroke risk and impact on several levels: population measures aimed at reducing stroke risk and raising stroke awareness; primary prevention for those at risk of stroke; and secondary prevention to reduce risk of recurrent stroke. Primary prevention, via identifying and addressing risk factors before stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) occurs, is a major part of many primary care initiatives, but is challenging to implement successfully. After stroke or TIA, an individualised plan for secondary prevention should be implemented immediately and continued long-term to reduce the risk of future stroke and other vascular events. The chapter considers interventions to address common medical and behavioural risk factors for stroke, challenges to reducing stroke risk for populations and individuals, interventions for specific medical conditions for both primary and secondary prevention, and management of ongoing stroke risk where no specific cause has been identified.