There are several factors you cannot change that increase your risk of stroke. But there are also several things you have some control over that can help you avoid another stroke, including:

• High blood pressure.
• Heart disease.
• High cholesterol.
• Diabetes.
• Obesity.
• Excessive use of alcohol.
• Use of tobacco products.
• Too much caffeine.
• Use of certain illegal drugs, such as cocaine.

To prevent another stroke and to maintain good health, you may need to take medicines, and you may need to make lifestyle changes. These changes may include:

• Getting regular exercise that increases your breathing and your heartbeat.
• Limiting your intake of caffeine, animal fats, sugars, and processed foods and eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods.
• Quitting the use of tobacco products.
• Limiting your alcohol consumption.

These simple steps may help you live a longer, healthier life. It is never too late to enjoy the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices. They can reduce your risk for another stroke and can also help prevent a heart attack and many other health problems. Talk with your doctor or other members of your rehab team to determine what type of exercise, diet, or other lifestyle choices are best for you.

If you or your loved one has already had a stroke, you need to watch carefully for symptoms of another stroke. Immediate medical attention and treatment with t-PA (tissue plasmogen activator) within 3 hours may help prevent or reduce permanent brain damage. If signs of a stroke develop suddenly, call911or other emergency services immediately. For more information on stroke symptoms and when to seek medical attention, see the topic Stroke.