Understanding Stroke Prevention: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes

Overview

Stroke prevention involves multiple treatment strategies that can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a stroke. This guide outlines the main approaches available.

Medication Options

Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)

• Warfarin (Coumadin®)
• Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs)
  • Apixaban (Eliquis®)
  • Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®)
  • Dabigatran (Pradaxa®)

Antiplatelet Medications

• Aspirin
• Clopidogrel (Plavix®)
• Combination therapies

Blood Pressure Management

Medications

• ACE inhibitors
• ARBs
• Calcium channel blockers
• Diuretics

Target Blood Pressure

• General target: Below 130/80 mmHg
• Individual targets may vary based on health status

Cholesterol Management

Statin Therapy

• High-intensity statins for high-risk patients
• Moderate-intensity statins for moderate-risk patients

Lifestyle Modifications

Essential Changes

1. Regular physical activity
2. Heart-healthy diet
3. Smoking cessation
4. Limited alcohol consumption
5. Weight management

Surgical Options

• Carotid endarterectomy
• Stenting procedures
• Closure of patent foramen ovale (when indicated)

Regular Monitoring

• Blood pressure checks
• Cholesterol testing
• Coagulation monitoring (if on blood thinners)
• Regular medical check-ups