Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key if stroke survivors want to avoid suffering another stroke, experts have said.

According to updated guidelines, issued by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, controlling blood pressure and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels are essential, as are maintaining a healthy weight and undertaking moderate physical activity.

"A vast amount of new research is revealing new and improved ways to protect patients with an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (mini-stroke) from having recurrent events and further brain damage," noted Dr Walter Kernan, lead author and chairperson of the guideline writing group.

The guidelines state that probably the most important issue for stroke survivors is high blood pressure. Some 70% of people who recently suffered a stroke have high blood pressure and it is essential that this is treated.

Lowering cholesterol levels is also important for patients whose stroke was caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

The experts also recommend that stroke survivors who are capable of exercising should take part in three or four moderate or vigorous sessions of aerobic exercise per week, such as cycling or a brisk walk.

"The key to staying healthy after a stroke is careful and rapid assessment of the cause of the event and identification of stroke risk factors so that appropriate preventive interventions can be quickly provided. Then, patients must work with their doctors regularly to stay on their prevention programme. With this approach, every patient can look forward to a healthier future," Dr Kernan of Yale University said.

The Guidelines for the Prevention of Stroke in Patients with Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) are published in the journal, Stroke.