Secondary Prevention Of Stroke

The secondary prevention of stroke involves identifying and treating the people with the established disease and the people with the high risk of developing the disease. They are identified through screening. The major risk factors for stroke are hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.

The high blood pressure is the most common cause of ischemic stroke. Hence, it is very essential to control the blood pressure if you already have the hypertension. Lowering blood pressure can prevent the ischemic stroke. Excessive body weight, stress and alcohol intake are the main causes of high blood pressure. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, limited alcohol intake, managing stress and limiting the sodium intake. Along with these preventive measures, it is necessary to take the medications such as angiotensin receptor blockers, diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzymes recommended by the physician.

The lipid management is very important for the prevention of risk factor for stroke. Elevated levels of LDL and VLDL cholesterol can cause the atherosclerosis which is one of the risk factors for the stroke. It leads to narrowing of the blood vessels. To control the cholesterol level, intake of food having high saturated fat should be avoided. Along with diet, you should take the cholesterol-reducing medications prescribed by your doctor. The HDL cholesterol level should be elevated by taking the exercise which is helpful to decrease the risk of heart problems.

Elevated blood sugar levels due to diabetes are one of causes of the stroke. The diabetic people are at the high risk for stroke. You should manage the diabetes with weight control, exercise, diet and medication. Strict control of the blood sugar can reduce the damage of brain due to stroke.

If there are some abnormalities related to heart such as atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation, they should be immediately treated. The anticoagulant medications such as warfarin help to prevent the risk of formation of the blood clot which can lead to stroke. It is necessary to get the treatment for sleep apnea. It is recommended to take aspirin or some other antiplatelet agents to prevention of blood clots.

The patients with the high risk of stroke should strictly avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking and try to maintain the healthy weight.

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