Abstract

BRITO G, María Isabel; GOLLO R, Maria Elena  and  TROCCOLI H, Marcos Luis. Prevención de la enfermedad cerebrovascular o ictus isquémico. Gac Méd Caracas [online]. 2003, vol.111, n.1, pp.1-10. ISSN 0367-4762.

Prevention is the fundamental strategy in the fight against cerebrovascular diseases. In this review we try to analyze the principal measures of primary and secondary prevention of stroke, according to scientific evidence levels. In order to prevent a first stroke: hypertension, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, elevated serum lipids, cigarette smoking, alcohol, exercise, diet, body weight control, antiplatelet drugs, endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid stenosis, are all dealt with. To prevent a recurrence of stroke: hypertension, lipid abnormalities, antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulation and endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis, are also discussed.

Keywords : Stroke; Prevention; Evidence levels; Primary, secondary.