Control high blood pressure (hypertension). Know your numbers and keep them low.
Quit tobacco. Smoking raises the risk of stroke.
Control diabetes. You can manage diabetes with diet, exercise, weight control and medication.
Manage a healthy weight. Weight loss of as little as 10 pounds may lower your blood pressure and improve your cholesterol levels.
Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. A diet containing five or more daily servings of fruits or vegetables may reduce your risk of stroke.
Exercise. Exercise can lower your blood pressure, increase your level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and improve the overall health of your blood vessels and heart.
Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. Heavy alcohol consumption increases your risk of high blood pressure, ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes.
Treat obstructive sleep apnea, if present. Your health care provider may recommend an overnight oxygen assessment to screen for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Avoid illicit drugs. Certain street drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamines, are established risk factors for a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a stroke.
Manage other medical conditions. If you have any of these conditions, seek treatment to help reduce your risk of stroke.