Primary prevention of ischemic stroke or TIA is similar to prevention of recurrent events. Key to preventing cerebrovascular events (primary and recurrent) is the optimization of lifestyle factors, including healthy diet and physical activity. This podcast will discuss the evaluation and management of vascular risk factors that are extremely important in stroke prevention, including diabetes, smoking cessation, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension—with goals of therapy tailored to the individual patient. We will also discuss specific recommendations for prevention strategies based on the ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack mechanism. Therefore, it is important to define ischemic stroke etiology and to identify targets for treatment to reduce the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke.
