Purpose of review: To summarize lifestyle interventions including pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods targeting modifiable risk factors and their impact on the future cardiovascular events in patients who have suffered transient ischemic attack (TIA) and/or ischemic stroke (IS).
Recent findings: The latest research indicates that secondary prevention measures can decrease the risk of recurrent stroke, cardiovascular events, and even death. Modifiable risk factors also require behavioral change which can be challenging. There is limited data demonstrating the impact of lifestyle interventions, alone or as part of an integrated care pathway, based on cardiovascular events. There is some support for lifestyle interventions such as increased exercise participation that when delivered as part of a comprehensive care package post stroke leads to minor reductions in blood pressure. High-quality, robust trials are required with longer-term follow-up and clear documentation of mortality, morbidity, and cardiovascular risk profile outcomes.
Keywords: Lifestyle; Stroke; Transient ischemic attack.