When the blood flow slows down, it has a tendency to form clots. By preventing the blood clot formation, the drug is capable of reducing the risk of stroke. At this point, there are not, but new drugs are being discovered and implemented nearly every day. A heart healthy diet is probably the best recommendation for anyone at risk for stroke. Yes, they are different procedures.
Stents are metallic implants that allow blood vessels that are narrowed to be opened and kept open.
Coils are small wire meshes that are placed within aneurysms to make them close up. Now how frequent are they depends upon the patient population one considers, as well as the medical practice that one is taking into consideration. However, there is an increasing tendency for both of these devices to be used in the prevention and treatment of stroke. There are many things that can be done to prevent stroke. It requires management of the existing risk factors for the patient, including control of blood pressure, management of diabetes, lowering cholesterol, and so on.