Prevention Of Stroke

• Main Authors: Nagaraja D, Ravi V T, Panikkar Jalesh, Panda Samhita
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2005-01-01
• Series: Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology
• Online Access: http://www.annalsofian.org/article.asp?issn=0972-2327;year=2005;volume=8;issue=3;spage=123;epage=131;aulast=Nagaraja;type=0

Stroke is an important cause for neurological morbidity and mortality. Prevention of ischemic stroke involves identification and prevention of risk factors and optimal use of pharmacotherapy. Risk factors have been classified as modifiable and non-modifiable; control of modifiable factors should prevent stroke occurrence. Stroke prevention has been described at three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary. Prolonged hypertension increases an individual′s risk for developing fatal or nonfatal stroke by three times and its control has been shown to prevent stroke. Diabetes mellitus is an important cause for microangiopathy and predisposes to stroke. Statin trials have shown significant reduction in stroke in those who were treated with statins. Stroke risk can be reduced by avoiding tobacco use, control of obesity and avoiding sedentary life style. Anti platelet medications are effective for secondary prevention of stroke. Educating society regarding modifiable risk factors and optimal use of pharmacotherapy form the cornerstone for the prevention of stroke.