What can i do to prevent stroke?

Risk factors: Control hypertension, high blood fats, especially triglycerides, avoid elevation of homocysteine, treat heart disease vigorously, careful control of diabetes, and exercise regularly, and foliow mediterranean diet. If prior stroke or tia, take Aggrenox and a statin.

Control risk factors: Risk factors include nicotine use, high blood pressure, high blood lipids, obesity. Control these risks and you will be in good shape. Have your family doc check for hypercoagulable state (genetic condition where the blood is "too thick"). Exercise is good, "mediterranean diet" is good. Aspirin keeps blood from clumping and is considered a good prevention.

Multi-factorial: There are no approved medications for primary stroke prevention. Blood pressure control, tight blood sugar control and no smoking reduce risk. For secondary prevention, aspirin, a cholesterol lowering agent (statin) and the above will reduce your risk of a second stroke. If you have atrial fibrillation, anti-coagulation is indicated. Co-morbid medical conditions may modify the above.

Stay fit: Exercise regularly. Avoid diet high in fats. Get enough sleep. Don't smoke. Have your blood pressure and blood sugar checked regularly. You're not too young to have high cholesterol or triglycerides, so get them checked soon. If you have heart valve or rhythm problems, see your doctor. Keep your weight in normal range.

Reversible risk: The primary way to prevent stroke is to check for and control reversible risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Certain other medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, arrthythmias, and clotting disorders also increase stroke risk and should be managed aggressively. Daily low-dose Aspirin is useful in some cases- ask your pcp if it is a good idea for you.