DONATE
/ Introduction / Lifestyle modifications

Lifestyle modifications

Up to 87% of stroke risk is linked to risk factors we can change; therefore, making lifestyle changes can be an effective stroke prevention measure1,2,3.Getting more physical activity, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and eating a healthy, balanced diet can all lower your stroke risk1,4,5,6.

Clinicians and medical practitioners also have a vital role to play. They will prescribe the best prevention programme (this could be through detection of risk factors or through preventive medicine). They will also ensure that stroke survivors get the support they need to follow to the programme that has been prescribed. Survivors with physical and mental symptoms from their stroke may need extra support. Regular post-stroke reviews and check-ups are very important, especially as many stroke survivors feel they do not get the support they need to stay healthy7.

Reducing the risk of further stroke often falls heavily on the stroke survivor. Given the many changes these survivors are already facing7, sticking to lifestyle changes can be a significant challenge for many without support8. Support services may be available in your country to help you make these changes9.

More information on what lifestyle changes are important and how you might make them can be found here.

References

  1. Govori V, Budinčević H, Morović S, Đerke F, Demarin V. Updated Perspectives on Lifestyle Interventions as Secondary Stroke Prevention Measures: A Narrative Review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2024;60(3):504. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60030504
  2. Martin SS, Aday AW, Allen NB, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CA, Arora P, Avery CL, Baker-Smith CM, Bansal N, Beaton AZ, Commodore-Mensah Y. 2025 heart disease and stroke statistics: a report of US and global data from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2025 Feb 25;151(8):e41-660. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001303
  3. Chiuve SE, Rexrode KM, Spiegelman D, Logroscino G, Manson JE, Rimm EB. Primary prevention of stroke by healthy lifestyle. Circulation. 2008;118(9):947–954. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.781062
  4. Meschia JF, Bushnell C, Boden-Albala B, Braun LT, Bravata DM, et al. Guidelines for the Primary Prevention of Stroke: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2014;45(12):3754–3832. https://doi.org/10.1161/str.0000000000000046
  5. O’Donnell MJ, Xavier D, Liu L, Zhang H, Chin SL, Rao-Melacini Pet al. INTERSTROKE Investigators. Risk factors for ischaemic and intracerebral haemorrhagic stroke in 22 countries (the INTERSTROKE study): a case-control study. Lancet. 2010;376:112–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(16)30506-2

  6. O’Donnell MJ, Chin SL, Rangarajan S, Xavier D, Liu L, Zhang H, et al. Global and Regional Effects of Potentially Modifiable Risk Factors Associated with Acute Stroke in 32 Countries (INTERSTROKE): A Case-Control Study. Lancet. 2016;388(10046):761–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30506-2

  7. McKevitt C, Wolfe CDA. A life saved is a life worth living. Stroke Alliance for Europe / King’s College London. 2023. https://www.safestroke.eu/life-saved-is-a-life-worth-living/.
  8. Bailey RR. Lifestyle Modification for Secondary Stroke Prevention. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2016;12(2):140–147. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827616633683
  9. Webb A, Heldner MR, Aguiar de Sousa D, Sandset EC, Randall G, Bejot Y, et al. Availability of Secondary Prevention Services after Stroke in Europe: An ESO/SAFE Survey of National Scientific Societies and Stroke Experts. Eur Stroke J. 2018;4(2):110–118. https://doi.org/10.1177/2396987318816136

STROKE RISKS

Read about risk factors we can change 

LIFESTYLE

ENVIRONMENT

MEDICAL
CONDITIONS

Read about risk factors we cannot change 

AGE

BIOLOGICAL
SEX

ETHNICITY

GENETICS

MEDICAL
CONDITIONS

Translate
Skip to content