Secondary prevention of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. What is the evidence?

Angiology. 2005 Sep-Oct;56(5):539-52. doi: 10.1177/000331970505600504.

Abstract

Patients who had a transient ischemic attack or stroke are at increased risk of experiencing recurrent cerebrovascular events. For this reason, secondary prevention of ischemic cerebrovascular disease is essential. Several modifiable, lifestyle-associated risk factors have been implicated, such as physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Established and emerging vascular risk factors are associated with an increased risk of stroke. Pharmacologic treatment, including the use of antiplatelet, antihypertensive, and lipid-lowering agents, has also been shown to reduce the risk of secondary cerebrovascular events. Surgical intervention, either open or endovascular, may be the preferred therapeutic option in well-defined subsets of patients. It is important to establish specific measures for the early detection and prevention of recurrent cerebrovascular disease. Therefore, further research and greater awareness in this field are needed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain Ischemia / etiology*
  • Brain Ischemia / prevention & control*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Life Style*
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors