Nikolai Steffenhagen MD, Calgary Stroke Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.
Michael D. Hill, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Calgary Stroke Program, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.

The majority of strokes occur among the older adult population. Typically, ischemic stroke can be classified by mechanism, and this is the most practical way to think about stroke since it has a direct bearing on the approach to prevention. It is not enough to simply consider that a past stroke implies a need for antiplatelet therapy or anticoagulant therapy without consideration of cause. In this article, we discuss the use of preventive strategies within the context of antithrombotics and according to stroke mechanism.
Key Words: stroke prevention, geriatric, octogenerian, vascular risk factors, carotid stenosis, atrial fibrillation.