VIDEO: Consider preventable stroke risk factors in every patient

BOSTON — In honor of Stroke Awareness Month, two vascular neurologists from the University of Virginia spoke with Healio at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting about the importance of recognizing risk factors in all patients.

According to Necrisha Roach, MD, MS, stroke is a preventable disease, with key risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, history of cancer and atrial fibrillation.

Andrew M. Southerland, MD, MSc, FAHA, emphasized that clinicians should monitor patients for these risk factors and prescribe appropriate stroke prevention therapy when indicated.

And while most strokes are preventable, Southerland noted the importance of recognizing acute stroke signs and symptoms and quickly getting patients to the ED.