Progress in secondary stroke prevention.

OBJECTIVES

There are about 200,000 recurrent strokes each year in the United States. In addition, a large proportion of strokes are preceded by a transient ischemic attack. Therefore, secondary stroke prevention strategies are of great importance.

METHODS

Select ongoing and recently completed studies were reviewed, with emphasis on those completed since the publication of secondary prevention guidelines. Ongoing studies that have the potential to modify existing recommendations are also mentioned.

RESULTS

This review discusses recently completed and ongoing studies that have the potential to impact clinical practice. The topics discussed include hypertension, dyslipidemia, extracranial carotid and intracranial atherosclerotic disease, and antithrombotic therapy.

INTERPRETATION

Recent studies have provided evidence that impact secondary stroke prevention.