About Stroke

Prevention

Stroke Is Largely
Preventable — Start Today

Up to 80% of strokes can be prevented with the right knowledge, care, and action. Prevention starts with understanding your risk and making a plan.

About Prevention

Prevention Starts with Awareness

Most strokes don’t come out of nowhere — they build silently over time. High blood pressure, poor diet, smoking, and lack of movement are all common contributors. But many people don’t realize they’re at risk until it’s too late.

That’s why awareness is the first line of defense. Knowing your risk factors, recognizing early warning signs, and staying informed can help you take control of your health before a stroke happens.

Small changes in what you know today can shape what your life looks like tomorrow.

And you don’t have to do it alone. With the right information, support, and simple steps, stroke prevention becomes a realistic and empowering part of daily life — not just a medical goal. Prevention starts with awareness, but it continues with community, consistency, and care.

Prevent Stroke

6 Key Ways to Prevent Stroke

Stroke prevention doesn’t have to be overwhelming —it starts with daily decisions. These six proven strategiescan dramatically reduce your risk.

Together, these steps address most of the modifiable stroke risk factors — giving you powerful tools for prevention.

Manage Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is the #1 cause of stroke. Monitor it regularly, reduce salt intake, stay active, and follow your doctor’s advice if you’re on medication.

Quit
Smoking

Smoking doubles your stroke risk.Quitting improves blood vessel health almost immediately and continuesto lower risk over time.

Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. A stroke-prevention diet is also heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory.

Get
Active

Just 30 minutes of movement a day — walking, stretching, biking — improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and supports brain health.

Control Diabetes and Cholesterol

If you have diabetes or high cholesterol, keeping your numbers in a safe range is crucial. Work with your healthcare provider to stay on track.

Limit Alcohol Intake

Drinking too much raises blood pressure and weakens blood vessels. If you drink, do so in moderation: no more than one drink a day for women, two for men.

Protecting Your Recovery

Reducing the Risk of a Second Stroke

If you’ve already had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA) — often called a "mini-stroke" — your risk of having another is significantly higher. But that also means prevention becomes even more critical.

Recovery and prevention go hand in hand. Here’s how to protect yourself moving forward:

Follow Your Care Plan
Stick to your treatment plan exactly as prescribed. Medications, therapy, and check-ins are key to preventing a second stroke.
Monitor Your Health Regularly
Track your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Keep a log and review it with your doctor to stay ahead of any changes.
Make Lifestyle Changes Last
Healthy habits aren’t just for recovery — they’re for life. Keep eating well, staying active, and avoiding smoking or excess alcohol.
Know Your Warning Signs
A second stroke can look different from the first. Learn the signs and act fast if something feels off — don’t wait and see.
Stay Connected to Your Team
Follow up with your healthcare providers regularly. Don’t skip appointments, and speak up about any concerns or new symptoms.
Lean on Support
Recovery takes more than medical care — emotional support matters too. Whether it's friends, caregivers, or a support group, don’t go it alone.

Preventing a second stroke is absolutely possible — and The Stroke Foundation is here to support you every step of the way.

Have Questions About Stroke Symptoms Or Recovery?

FAQs

You’re Not Alone in This

We’ve answered the questions that stroke survivors, caregivers,and families ask most — so you can feel informed and supported.

Is it really possible to prevent a stroke?

Up to 80% of strokes can be prevented by managing key risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and lack of physical activity. Making healthy lifestyle choices—like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol—can significantly reduce your risk. Regular check-ups and working with your doctor to manage any medical conditions are also critical steps in prevention.

What should I do to reduce my stroke risk?

To lower your stroke risk, focus on managing key health factors: keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet (like the Mediterranean or DASH diet), exercise regularly, avoid smoking, limit alcohol, manage diabetes if applicable, and treat conditions like atrial fibrillation. Regular checkups and following your doctor’s advice can make a big difference.

Should I take aspirin to prevent stroke?

You should not take aspirin to prevent a stroke unless your doctor specifically recommends it. While aspirin can help prevent blood clots, it also carries a risk of bleeding, especially in people who do not have a history of stroke or heart disease. In some cases—such as for individuals with a high risk of stroke or those who have already had a stroke or heart attack—aspirin may be beneficial. However, for most people, the risks can outweigh the benefits. Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting aspirin or any other medication for stroke prevention.

How does diet influence stroke risk?

Diet plays a significant role in your risk of having a stroke. Eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and added sugars can increase your chances of developing conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes—all of which are major stroke risk factors. On the other hand, a healthy, balanced diet can help protect against stroke. Consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports overall heart and brain health. Reducing your intake of processed foods, salt, and sugary drinks can help manage blood pressure and weight, both of which are key to lowering stroke risk. Simply put, what you eat every day can either increase or decrease your chances of having a stroke—making nutrition one of the most powerful tools for prevention.

What can I do if I’ve already had a stroke or TIA?

If you’ve already had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), taking action to prevent another one is critical. Start by working closely with your healthcare team to understand the cause of your stroke and follow their treatment plan carefully. This may include taking prescribed medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, or prevent blood clots. Making lifestyle changes is also essential. Eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing stress can all lower your risk of another stroke. Attend all follow-up appointments, participate in any recommended rehabilitation programs, and monitor your health conditions closely. A TIA or stroke is a serious warning sign—but with the right steps, you can significantly reduce the chance of it happening again.

Explore FAQ

The Stroke Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting stroke survivors, caregivers, and families through every stage of recovery. We provide access to stroke recovery funding, educational stroke resources, mental health support, and tools for prevention. Whether you’re looking for guidance after a stroke, seeking help with therapy costs, or searching for ways to give back — we’re here to help. Join us in raising stroke awareness and making recovery possible for everyone.