About 10-15% of ischaemic stroke survivors will develop another stroke within 5 years of their TIA / stroke. It is therefore important that the underlying pathophysiological cause of stroke be identified in a timely manner and treated appropriately to minimise the risk of another stroke. There are a number of ways that a doctor can help.
Pay attention to your body
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Monitor blood pressure. Make sure you comply with your drug regimen as instructed by your doctors
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Stop smoking > Reduce alcohol intake > Exercise regularly > Reduce your stress
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Pay attention to the risk factors of stroke including diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and history of stroke
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Eat a balanced diet. Apps such as ‘Foodswitch’ may help you make better choices when purchasing foods from the supermarket
Medications to Control Risk Factors
Common medications for secondary stroke prevention include:
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E.g. Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor
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Main effect: inhibit platelet adhesion and aggregation, prevent thrombosis and block blood vessels to minimise the risk of recurrent stroke
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Potential side effects of gastro-intestinal upset, gastrointestinal bleeding, skin bruising, bleeding gums or nosebleeds
Antiplatelet agents
Anticoagulants
Lipid lowering therapy
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Statins, Ezetrol, PCSK9 inhibitors
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Low-density lipoprotein cholesterols
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Reduce the risk of stroke by protecting blood vessels
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Usually prescribed to patients with atrial fibrillation. Antiplatelet agents are not effective in preventing ischaemic stroke in this group of patients
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Inhibition of coagulation mechanism can prevent thrombosis and blockage of blood vessels, reducing the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation by about 60%
Blood pressure lowering tablets
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The usual blood pressure target after stroke is <130/80mmHg unless otherwise specified by your doctor
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Follow doctors' instructions and take medications on time
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Regular monitoring of blood pressure recommended. Do not increase or decrease the dose or stop taking the drug unless told to do so by your doctor
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If you feel unwell or have abnormal blood pressure after taking blood pressure tablets, seek medical attention immediately
Medications for diabetes
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Prevent recurrent ischaemic stroke
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Carotid endarterectomy
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Carotid or vertebral artery stent insertion for recurrent ischemia
Surgical Treatment
