Stroke risk is influenced by a number of factors.

Some of these stroke factors, 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, as an individual, can control and in doing so help to reduce the chances 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.

Medication to prevent stroke

A number of different medications may be prescribed by your doctor to prevent a further stroke. These include medication to:

• reduce the risk of blood clots forming. Examples of these types of drugs include aspirin, dipyridamole, clopidogrel, or warfarin.
• control your blood pressure. Examples of these types of drugs include perindopril, indapamide, or ramipril.
• control your cholesterol. The group of medications used here are called ‘statins’.

Your doctor will determine which drugs may be best for you and talk to you and your family about them.

If your doctor prescribes medication, it is important to continue taking it unless your doctor tells you to stop. Your General Practitioner (GP) will prescribe and monitor your medications when you leave the hospital. It is important that you and your family know what treatments you are given and why. Keep asking your doctor until you are satisfied with the answer.

Medications after a stroke fact sheet   (PDF)

Lifestyle changes

Your diet, level of exercise, level of alcohol intake and smoking all impact on your health and your risk of further strokes. These factors are some of the practical ways you can help yourself to improve after a stroke and prevent further strokes. Your doctor or other team members should discuss these with you and help you plan changes if needed.

Diet: food that is low in fat (especially saturated fat), and low in salt but high in fruit and vegetables will reduce your risk of stroke. High salt foods can increase your blood pressure whereas high fat foods lead to high cholesterol (fatty tissue in the blood vessels).

Exercise: people who participate in regular, moderate activity are less likely to have a stroke. Exercise lowers blood pressure and helps with your weight.

Alcohol: low alcohol intake (1-2 glasses a day) may reduce the risk of stroke. However large amounts increase your risk of stroke.

Smoking: smoking increases your risk of stroke. Stopping smoking, especially after a stroke, will reduce your risk of having another stroke.