Healthy Living and Risk Reduction after TIA and Stroke

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Healthcare focuses on non-surgical, non-pharmacological, stroke secondary prevention. Following transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke, rates of recurrence are high: 8.1% within 48 hours following TIA, and at 10 years following stroke, the cumulative risk of recurrence is 39.2%. The high rate of recurrence of stroke and other cardiovascular events indicates the need for early implementation of effective secondary prevention measures that address modifiable risk factors, including: hypertension, abnormal blood lipids, smoking, diet, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and psychosocial stress and depression.

International best practice guidelines for stroke secondary prevention, while aetiology-dependent, generally include medication prescription (anti-hypertensive, lipid lowering, anti-platelet/coagulant); high-level evidence supports this recommendation. Conversely, recommendations for lifestyle modifications have lower levels of evidence, largely drawn from primary prevention studies, and as a result, some population-attributable stroke risk factors (e.g., psychosocial stress) are inadequately addressed. Conclusive evidence is lacking on how best to support stroke survivors to engage in risk-reducing behaviours. This issue aims to help to redress the evidence imbalance and promote awareness of this important, under-researched topic.

All types of study design are of interest. We are particularly keen to include papers reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods studies, case studies and other designs, in accordance with relevant quality guidelines and checklists. All healthcare settings, including acute stroke care, rehabilitation, and long-term care and support, are welcome, but the study population should be TIA or stroke.

Prof. Maggie Lawrence
Dr. James A. Faulkner
Dr. Olive Lennon
Guest Editors

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