Prevention of stroke in primary care

Stroke is a clinical syndrome that is characterised by rapidly developing signs of global or focal disturbance of cerebral function and lasting for more than 24 hours. Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the UK and a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Half of strokes occur in patients over 70 years in age. Strokes and the associated disability have a major socioeconomic impact, and prevention of stroke is an important challenge for primary care. Important modifiable risk factors for stroke have been identified. This article briefly outlines the types of stroke that occur, before detailing how GPs and other health professionals can prevent strokes by lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy