In this podcast, experts discuss three case studies where they explore the indications for lipid lowering therapy in multi-risk patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. They identify cardiovascular risk modifiers for stroke that are specific to women. They will also explore the guideline for lipid management in the secondary Stroke prevention.

Primary prevention of ischemic stroke or TIA is similar to prevention of recurrent events. Key to preventing cerebrovascular events (primary and recurrent) is the optimization of lifestyle factors, including healthy diet and physical activity.  This podcast will discuss the evaluation and management of vascular risk factors that are extremely important in stroke prevention, including diabetes, smoking cessation, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension—with goals of therapy tailored to the individual patient. We will also discuss specific recommendations for prevention strategies based on the ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack mechanism. Therefore, it is important to define ischemic stroke etiology and to identify targets for treatment to reduce the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke.

Drs. Eliza Miller, Jose Fernando Triana, and Virginia Howard introduce the epidemiology of stroke in younger women with a focus on women of reproductive age and discuss the work-up of spontaneous cervical artery dissection as a common cause of stroke in young women, and the consideration of hypertension as a top modifiable risk factor for stroke. Learn about how hypertension is often underdiagnosed in younger women, the importance of assessing and monitoring blood pressure and how to deliver guideline-based management of hypertension, especially during pregnancy.