Post-Ischemic Stroke Cardiovascular Risk Prevention and Management

Abstract

Cardiac death is the second most common cause of death among patients with acute ischemic stroke (IS), following neurological death resulting directly from acute IS. Risk prediction models and screening tools including electrocardiograms can assess the risk of adverse cardiovascular events after IS. Prolonged heart rate monitoring and early anticoagulation therapy benefit patients with a higher risk of adverse events, especially stroke patients with atrial fibrillation. IS and cardiovascular diseases have similar risk factors which, if optimally managed, may reduce the incidence of recurrent stroke and other major cardiovascular adverse events. Comprehensive risk management emphasizes a healthy lifestyle and medication therapy, especially lipid-lowering, glucose-lowering, and blood pressure-lowering drugs. Although antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy are preferred to prevent cardiovascular events after IS, a balance between preventing recurrent stroke and secondary bleeding should be maintained. Optimization of early rehabilitation care comprises continuous care across environments thus improving the prognosis of stroke survivors.