Many people ask how to avoid a stroke after a TIA. Your doctor can give you individual advice, but there are some steps everyone can take that can help reduce the risk of a stroke.

Follow treatments for your health conditions

If you have been diagnosed with a health condition following a TIA, such as high blood pressure, you will be offered medication and advice. Taking your medication is a really important way to cut your risk of a stroke.

You might need to start taking one or more types of long-term medication. Many of the conditions linked to stroke have few or no symptoms. So when you start taking medication, it probably will not have a noticeable effect on how you feel physically. But taking these medications could significantly reduce your chance of a stroke.

If you have any problems, like side effects or forgetting to take your medication, talk to your pharmacist or GP. Do not stop any medications before speaking to your GP or pharmacist. Stopping treatment can increase your risk of a stroke and may have side effects. 

Make healthy lifestyle changes

After a TIA, you should get advice on making any lifestyle changes you may need to help reduce your stroke risk.

These include being as physically active as you can, eating a healthy diet and stopping smoking.

You can find more information and practical tips in our Managing Risk section.

Attend any follow-up appointments

It can be very worrying to be told you had a TIA. But by attending medical appointments and following any treatment and advice, you have a chance to make a real difference to your future health.

Seek support for staying healthy

The changes in your life after a TIA might feel like a lot to deal with. For example, you might need to take several types of medication long-term. On top of that, you might be trying to make lifestyle changes such as giving up smoking or reducing your alcohol intake. These challenges, along with the shock of having a TIA, may have an emotional impact.

Try to get support for anything you’re struggling with. This could mean sharing your feelings with family or friends. They might be able to help by joining in with healthy lifestyle changes or giving practical support with taking medication.

Ask your GP for support and advice about your health after a TIA. They can also help with medication reviews and provide check-ups for health conditions, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Will I have a stroke after a TIA?

It’s difficult to tell for sure. But having a TIA is a major sign that you have a much higher than normal risk of having a stroke. This can feel worrying. But doctors work hard to find out what caused it and help you improve your health. By following treatments and making healthy lifestyle changes, you can actively reduce your risk of a stroke.

Your risk of a stroke goes down over time following a TIA. So by looking after your health, you can give yourself the best possible chance of staying well in the long-term.