What strategies have been shown to reduce the annual stroke recurrence rate?
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of secondary stroke prevention therapies published from 1960 to 2009 showed a reduction in annual stroke recurrence from 8.7% in the 1960s to 5.0%, with the reduction driven largely by improved blood pressure (BP) control and use of antiplatelet therapy. The changes may have been influenced by changes in diagnostic criteria and differing sensitivities of diagnostic tests over the years. The overwhelming majority of strokes can be prevented through BP control, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and smoking cessation.