Prevention

There are many risk factors that increase the chance of stroke, including high cholesterol, family history of stroke and medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes. 

High blood pressure damages the walls of arteries which can result in a blockage or cause the artery to split, increasing the risk of having a stroke. You may not even know if you have high blood pressure, so you should have it checked regularly.

Healthy living habits such as not smoking, drinking in moderation, healthy eating and regular exercise are proven ways to reduce the risk of stroke and stroke recurrence for those who have had a stroke before.

You should speak with your doctor or a specialist to see if you are at higher risk of a stroke and to receive information on how to reduce your risk if applicable.