Stroke prevention is still the best medicine. The most important, treatable conditions linked to stroke are:

• Atrial Fibrillation. Manage It. Your doctor can treat your atrial fibrillation and may prescribe medication to help prevent the formation of clots. If you are over 50, you and your doctor should make a decision about aspirin therapy. Learn about treating atrial fibrillation at the Heart Rhythm Center
  www.americanheart.org
• Diabetes. Control It. Managing your blood sugar can decrease your risks for stroke.
  Diabetes and Nutrition at www.diabetes.org
  Diabetes and Weightloss and Exercise at www.diabetes.org
• High Blood Pressure. Treat It. Eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise to reduce blood pressure. Discuss medications with your physician.
  www.nlm.nih.gov
• High Cholesterol. Lower It. Diet, exercise, and medication therapy can reduce your cholesterol and lower your risk for atherosclerosis.
  www.americanheart.org
  www.nlm.nih.gov
• Smoking. Quit. Medical help is available to quit.
  www.californiasmokershelpline.org
• Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs). Seek Help. TIA’s are “mini strokes” which last less than 24 hours. Treatment can help prevent more TIA’s or a larger stroke.
  www.strokeassociation.org

Find out if you are at risk for a stroke.