Secondary Stroke Prevention

Introduction

Overview

Those who experience a stroke are at a higher risk for subsequent cardiac and cerebrovascular events including recurrent stroke. Of those who have already had a stroke, 14% will have a second stroke within a year and have a 20% higher chance of having another stroke within 2 years compared to the general population. Recent evidence suggests that comprehensive behavioral risk factor management will potentially improve quality of life and reduce the risk of subsequent stroke.

Risk factor management includes:

1) Patient education

2) Exercise

3) Diet modification

4) Stress management skills

5) Smoking cessation

NOTE: While pharmacological interventions play an important role in secondary stroke prevention, this review focuses on the behavioral management.

Authors*: Sabrina Godbout; Jessica Goldberger; Genevieve Dupont; Sabrina Mansour; Stephanie Rosenthal; Valerie Robert

NOTE: *The authors have no direct financial interest in any tools, tests or interventions presented in StrokEngine.