Types of stroke
Find out more about the different types of stroke and why they happen.
Blood-thinning medication and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
You might be prescribed blood-thinning medication to reduce your risk of a TIA or stroke. This guide explains the two types of blood-thinning medication available, antiplatelets and anticoagulants, and how they are used after a stroke or for someone with atrial fibrillation.
Smoking and the risk of stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
Smoking doubles your risk of death from stroke, so quitting is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk. This guide explains the link between smoking and stroke, and what support is available to help you stop.
I've had a stroke
A stroke is not something you prepare for. So you’re going to have a lot of questions when it happens. That’s why we’re here. We’ve tackled some of the questions that you're likely to have, including details of how to find out more.
Migraine and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
Migraine has not been shown to cause stroke. However, if you have migraine with aura, you may have a slightly increased risk of stroke. This guide explains the link between migraine and stroke, and explains what some of the different types of migraine are.
Alcohol and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
Regularly drinking too much alcohol raises your risk of a stroke, so it's important that you don't regularly drink more than the recommended limit. This guide explains the link between alcohol and stroke and offers some useful tips for cutting down.
Diabetes and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
Diabetes doubles your risk of a stroke, so it's important that it's treated and controlled well if you have it. This guide explains what diabetes is, the link between diabetes and stroke, and how to make changes to your lifestyle to reduce your risk.
High blood pressure and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke. In the UK, 9.5 million people are diagnosed with high blood pressure, with a further 5.5 million cases undiagnosed. This guide explains the link between high blood pressure and stroke, the medication used to treat it and some steps you can take to lower your blood pressure.
How to reduce your risk of a stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
This guide can help you to understand your own risk of a stroke and what you can do to reduce your chances of having a stroke. It includes tips for stroke survivors, and offers some advice on healthy living choices for everyone.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke. It is a contributing factor in around half of all strokes.