Stroke Prevention

After you have a stroke, you're at risk for having another one. Make important lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of stroke and improve your overall health.

Don't smoke. Smoking can more than double your risk of stroke. Avoid secondhand smoke whenever you can.
Eat a heart-healthy diet that includes plenty of fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, high-fiber grains and breads, and olive oil. Eat less salt, too.
Get exercise on most or, even better, all days of the week. Your doctor can suggest a safe level of exercise for you.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
Keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible if you have diabetes.
Limit alcohol. Having more than 2 drinks a day increases the risk of stroke.
Do not use illegal drugs, such as a stimulant, like cocaine. Cocaine increases blood pressure and causes the heart to beat more rapidly, thereby increasing your risk of stroke.
Do not take birth control pills if you have other risk factors. If you smoke or have high cholesterol or a history of blood clots, taking birth control pills increases your risk of having a stroke.
Take a daily aspirin or other medicines, if your doctor advises it.
Avoid getting sick from the flu. Get a flu shot every year.
Avoid hormone replacement therapy. In women who have gone through menopause, hormone replacement therapy has been shown to slightly increase the risk of stroke.
Work closely with your doctor. Go to all your appointments and take your medications just the way your doctor advises.