Preventing a Second Stroke

Q: My mother just had a mild stroke. What can she do to prevent it from happening again?

A: Because your mother has already experienced a stroke, her risk of having another is higher than someone who hasn’t had a stroke. It is important that she work closely with her doctor to control her modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes. Following a healthful diet and getting adequate physical activity are also essential.

If your mother has memory problems or other cognitive impairment, you need to take that into consideration and make sure she gets adequate support. For caregiving tips, visit the American Heart Association’s Web site.

Jennifer H. Mieres, M.D., is director of nuclear cardiology and associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University. She’s also a spokesperson for the American Heart Association.