Primary Prevention

Primary prevention is about preventing the development of stroke risk factors and preventing a first stroke from occurring.

The risk factors for stroke are well known:

• High blood pressure doubles the risk of stroke.
• Smoking more than triples the risk of stroke.
• Obesity increases the incidence of stroke by more than 6 per cent.
• High cholesterol increases risk of stroke by 20 – 30 per cent.
• Diabetes elevates the risk of stroke by three times.
• Irregular heart rhythm contributes to half of strokes caused by blood clots.
• Physical activity could prevent 25 per cent of strokes in Canada.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon is an excellent source for information about strokes. Online resources include:

• Prevention and Risk Factors
• High Blood Pressure
• Stroke Risk Assessment
• Stress Test.