Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of an anti-clotting medication. Heart disease increases the risk of stroke between 2 and 25 times depending on the type of heart condition. Generally this is recommended if there are other risk factors for stroke. Hormone replacement therapy has been proven to reduce risk of heart attacks and stroke, especially if combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Eating a healthy diet will not only reduce your cholesterol level, it will also help to maintain a healthy body weight.
Obesity is a significant secondary risk factor for stroke.
Obese people are much more likely to develop hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease, which increases their risk for developing a stroke. Be sure your healthy diet includes at least six servings of fruits or vegetables a day. Researchers have found that they may help reduce the risk of stroke more than 30 percent. Conversely, researchers found that people who ate fewer than three servings of fruits and vegetables a day had a higher risk of stroke. The lowest risk of stroke was found with broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, spinach, and citrus fruits.