Primary Prevention
Primary prevention is an individually based clinical approach to disease prevention, directed toward preventing the initial occurrence of a disorder in otherwise healthy individuals.
Primary prevention is usually implemented in the primary care setting, and the physician, advanced practice nurse, pharmacist, other health care provider or patient may initiate a discussion of stroke risk reduction.
Primary prevention and health promotion recommendations related to stroke (lifestyle and risk factor management, hypertension screening, dyslipidemia screening, diabetes management, management of atrial fibrillation, and asymptomatic carotid stenosis) emphasize the importance of screening and monitoring those patients at high risk of a first stroke event.
Primary prevention strategies are also promoted through health-oriented organizations and agencies such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cardiovascular Society, Hypertension Canada, Canadian Diabetes Association, District Health Units and Health Canada.