The best way to prevent stroke is to reduce the risk factors. Some factors that increase the risk are hereditary. Others are a function of natural processes. Others result from lifestyle. Factors resulting from heredity or natural processes can't be changed, but environmental factors can be modified with a doctor's help.
Hypertension is the most important risk factor for stroke.
In fact, stroke risk varies directly with blood pressure. Hypertension afflicts about one in four American adults, both men and women, of all ages. Controlling high blood pressure reduces the risk stroke significantly. Often blood pressure can be controlled by eating a healthier diet and maintaining proper weight, Drugs that control blood pressure are also available. Many experts believe that the death rate from stoke has declined over the past decade is due to better control of hypertension.