Transient ischaemic attack and stroke prevention

Stroke and transient ischaemic attacks are intrinsically linked and, although they warrant discussion as separate entities, they have a shared pathophysiological basis that includes them under the single umbrella of cerebrovascular disease. Stroke is Australia’s second most common killer after coronary heart disease, and a leading cause of disability. In 2011, Australians will experience about 60,000 new and recurrent strokes, which equates to one stroke every 10 minutes. Strokes cost Australia an estimated $2.14 billion a year, underscoring the magnitude of the adverse public health impact and the need to improve outcome after stroke.