Enhancing primary stroke prevention: a combination approach

Abstract

Stroke can be prevented through effective management of risk factors. However, current primary stroke prevention approaches are insufficient and often fragmented. Primary stroke prevention strategies are predominantly targeted at behavioural (eg, smoking cessation and lifestyle modifications) and pharmacological interventions (ie, prevention medications). There is also a need to consider interrelating structural factors that support, or hinder, prevention actions and behaviours of individuals. Without addressing these structural factors, it is impossible to maximise the benefits of behavioural and pharmacological interventions at the population level. We propose a tripartite approach to primary stroke prevention, comprising behavioural, pharmacological, and structural interventions, which is superimposed on the socioecological model. This approach could minimise the current fragmentation and inefficiency of primary stroke prevention.