What can be done to prevent a second stroke?

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You can help prevent a second stroke by managing health conditions and behaviors that make it more likely that a second stroke will occur. High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is the #1 risk factor for stroke. It is also the #1 "modifiable" risk factor. In other words, controlling high blood pressure is the one of the best things a person can DO to prevent a stroke. Another way to prevent a second stroke is to seek treatment for other conditions that are risk factors for stroke, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, carotid artery disease, and atrial fibrillation (also called a-fib or irregular heart beat).

A third way to lower the chances of having a second stroke is to stop smoking, increase physical activity, and maintain normal body weight. If the stroke survivor is overweight or obese, discussion with his or her doctor (or PCP) regarding an approach for reasonable weight loss is recommended.

(Prepared by Lynn O'Donnell)

-- Anonymous, February 06, 2004


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