Antithrombotic therapy in stroke and transient ischemic attacks.

Approximately 85 percent of strokes are caused by infarction, with the remainder due to subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage. Eighty percent of ischemic strokes are attributed to cerebrovascular disease, 15 percent to cardiogenic embolism and 5 percent to more unusual causes. Risk factors for stroke include hypertension and lifestyle choices. Recommendations for anticoagulant prophylaxis, treatment and dosage are provided.