Pre-hospital blood pressure lowering in undifferentiated stroke is not recommended as it worsens outcomes in ischemic stroke despite benefiting hemorrhagic cases. Smoking cessation can normalize stroke risk within approximately two years. Mediterranean diet with sodium restriction to 1.5 g/day is recommended post-stroke. Sleep apnea treatment independently reduces stroke risk beyond standard risk factor control.

Updated guidelines emphasize high-intensity statin therapy over specific LDL targets for high-risk individuals.Non-statin agents (ezetimibe, niacin) improve lipid profiles but lack consistent stroke-reduction evidence.Pre-hospital BP lowering in undifferentiated stroke is not recommended; it worsens ischemic stroke outcomes despite benefiting hemorrhagic cases.Intensive glycemic control reduces microvascular complications but has not clearly reduced macrovascular stroke risk.Insulin resistance is an independent stroke risk factor; trials are ongoing to assess treatment benefit.Sleep apnea independently increases stroke risk; treatment reduces risk beyond standard risk factor control.Key behavioral risk factors: smoking, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity.Smoking cessation normalizes stroke risk to non-smoker levels within approximately two years.Mediterranean diet with sodium restriction to 1.5 g/day is recommended post-stroke.Alcohol follows a J-shaped relationship: 1-2 drinks/day may lower risk; heavy use increases it.