Risk factors that can be treated
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Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- The greatest risk factor for stroke. Medication can be prescribed to lower blood pressure.
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Previous stroke or TIA
- Greatly increases the risk of a recurrent stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack) and long-term medication is essential to reduce this risk.
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Diabetes
- Blood glucose levels should be carefully monitored.
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Heart disease
- Atrial fibrillation (AF), in particular, increases the risk of stroke. Medication to thin the blood (for example, warfarin) or to reduce cholesterol (for example, statins) may be prescribed.
