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Damage from stroke may be significantly reduced through emergency treatment. Knowing the symptoms of stroke is as important as knowing those of a heart attack. Patients with stroke symptoms should seek emergency treatment without delay, which may mean dialing 911 rather than their family physician.
The risk of stroke can be reduced through lifestyle changes:
- stop smoking
- control blood pressure
- get regular exercise
- keep body weight down
- avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- get regular checkups and follow the doctor's advice regarding diet and medicines
Treatment of atrial fibrillation may significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Preventive anticoagulant therapy may benefit those with untreated atrial fibrillation. Warfarin (Coumadin) has proven to be more effective than aspirin for those with higher risk.
Screening for aneurysms may be an effective preventive measure in those with a family history of aneurysms or autosomal polycystic kidney disease, which tends to be associated with aneurysms.
— Richard Robinson
