Prevention of Ischemic Stroke

The purpose of this chapter is to provide the latest evidence-based practice guidelines on the primary prevention of ischemic stroke. The guidelines are adapted from major professional societies, including the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA). The ACC/AHA considers ischemic stroke as one of the outcomes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), alongside acute coronary syndromes, myocardial infarction, stable or unstable angina, and peripheral arterial disease of atherosclerotic origin. Hence, the common risk factors for stroke are largely the same as those that are implicated in cardiovascular disease. This chapter focuses on nine vascular risk factors and their conferred stroke risk. For each risk factor, major randomized controlled trials and observational studies are included, with emphasis placed on key findings that are important for ischemic stroke prevention.