Early Detection and Prevention

Risk Factors for Stroke

There are many factors that influence an individual's risk for stroke, including heredity and lifestyle choices. Some factors cannot be influenced, but others can be changed, managed or treated.

Preventive Treatments

There are some treatments that may help reduce the risk of stroke.

• Treat existing medical conditions -
  Conditions such as diabetes, heart or blood pressure problems contribute to the risk of stroke. Taking medications prescribed to manage these conditions and following the physician's instructions will help.
• Carotid Endarterectomy - This surgical procedure removes plaque and clots from the carotid arteries located in the neck. These arteries supply the brain with blood from the heart. Endarterectomy may help prevent a stroke from occurring.
• Surgery to repair aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) - An aneurysm is a weakened, ballooned area on an artery wall that has the risk of rupturing and bleeding into the brain. An AVM is a congenital or acquired disorder that consists of a disorderly, tangled web of arteries and veins, and is at risk of rupturing and bleeding into the brain. Surgery may be helpful to prevent a stroke from occurring.