Guidelines for the primary prevention of stroke: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

Stroke. 2014 Dec;45(12):3754-832. doi: 10.1161/STR.0000000000000046. Epub 2014 Oct 28.

Abstract

The aim of this updated statement is to provide comprehensive and timely evidence-based recommendations on the prevention of stroke among individuals who have not previously experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack. Evidence-based recommendations are included for the control of risk factors, interventional approaches to atherosclerotic disease of the cervicocephalic circulation, and antithrombotic treatments for preventing thrombotic and thromboembolic stroke. Further recommendations are provided for genetic and pharmacogenetic testing and for the prevention of stroke in a variety of other specific circumstances, including sickle cell disease and patent foramen ovale.

Keywords: AHA Scientific Statements; atrial fibrillation; diabetes mellitus; hyperlipidemias; hypertension; intracranial aneurysm; ischemia; prevention and control; smoking; stroke.

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • American Heart Association
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Primary Prevention / methods*
  • Risk Factors
  • Stroke / prevention & control*
  • United States