Risk factors and prevention of stroke in the Chinese population.

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and the second-leading cause of death in China. Stroke is now a major public health burden for China. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, abnormal lipid metabolism, smoking, and other definite risk factors of stroke are becoming of increasing concern. Prevention strategies for stroke occurrence and recurrence in China remain insufficient. This article reviews recent studies on modifiable risk factors and strategies for primary and secondary prevention of stroke in the Chinese population.