The aim of this trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a stroke risk factor education program at reducing future stroke risk in patients who have experienced a transient ischemic attack or mild stroke. The effectiveness of the program will be measured through changes in the overall blood pressure in patients taking part in the education program compared to patients who receive the usual care. This study is being conducted in New York City.
The details
Secondary stroke prevention programs have not been very successful, particularly in patients who have had mild strokes or transient ischemic attacks (a brief stop of the blood flow in the brain), as these patients often have shorter hospital stays and do not always follow-up with a neurologist. This lack of prevention education can lead to second, more severe strokes.
The current trial will examine whether a prevention education program prior to hospital discharge can decrease the risk of a second stroke. Possible risk reduction will be measured by comparing blood pressure changes in patients who receive this extra education and patients who receive the usual care provided by hospitals.
Who are they looking for?
This study will enroll 800 patients diagnosed with a mild stroke or transient ischemic attack, with risk factors for stroke including hypertension (high blood pressure), smoking, or diabetes. Patients must live in the New York City area.
Patients will be excluded if they require 24-hour care or are discharged to a nursing home following their first stroke; if they have a history of dementia; or if their life expectancy is less than one year due to another medical condition.
How will it work
Patients will be randomly assigned to one of two education groups. One group will receive detailed information on stroke preparedness, risk factor reduction, and physician communication. The usual care group will receive the standard written materials on stroke preparedness used by the hospital.
Blood pressure will be tracked, as well as medication adherence and stroke knowledge. After the first year, patients will be followed once a year for up to three years to track further stroke activity.
