It is important to understand that stroke is preventable.

There are many factors that can increase your chance of having a stroke. Some of these, such as age, gender and a family history of stroke, cannot be controlled.
 
However, there are a number of risk factors for stroke which you can control. Taking steps to control these risk factors can lower your chance of having a stroke.
 
You can reduce you risk of stroke by keeping your blood pressure low, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and being physically active. Stroke is also associated with diabetes and an irregular pulse.
 
Certainly the greatest prevention is to engage in a healthy lifestyle. However sometimes surgery and medication may be necessary.