Antiplatelet and Anticoagulation Strategies in the Prevention and Treatment of Ischemic Stroke

Stroke prevention is highly effective but underutilized in medical care. Lifestyle modification, in the form of diet, exercise, smoking cessation, antihypertensive therapy, close control of diabetes and hyperlipidemia, can prevent most strokes. Selected subgroups can benefit from carotid surgery or stenting, anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation, and antiplatelet therapy. Evidence for these approaches and alternative management strategies are discussed.