Stroke recurrence

[jake 2.0]

Hi, Ifound out recently that my father had his first  minor stroke 2 years ago. the symptoms were a slight paralysis  of his right hand, which recovered after a week. When I found out however (he did not tell me), i was shocked and began worrying that he might have a recurrence.
   He has changed his diet since the incident, exercises 2 times a week and is on statin drugs. But I have read articles that a worse recurrent stroke usually  happens in within 5 years. Is this true, even though he has has changed his lifestyle? what is the chance of a recurrence and what else can my father do about it?

   Thank you.

[vega1318]

I don't think there is such a statistic that you will have a worse recurrent stroke in 5 years.  Granted, some things that caused his stroke are already irreversible but with good risk factor control and exercise routine, he can extend the time to his next stroke for his whole lifetime.  If all of his risk factors have been identified and he goes to regular check ups  (a visit to a neurologist could be useful every year or 6 months), he should really be ok.

[vega1318]

p.s.  Your father should also be taking at least an aspirin a day.