• Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year and if it is high (for your age) take prescribed medication diligently to keep it under control.
• If you smoke, chew or snuff tobacco- STOP immediately
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation
• Include exercise in your daily routine
• Eat a low-salt, low-fat diet
• Eat whole grains and whole pulses
• Eat a fistful (40 gms) of unsalted non-fried nuts everyday
• If you have diabetes, follow your doctor’s advice to control the condition
• Ask your physician if you have circulatory problems that could increase the risk of stroke
• Find out from your doctor, whether you have ‘atrial fibrillation’, which encourages the formation of blood clots that could cause a stroke
• Get a blood test- Find out if you have high cholesterol and if you do then, lower it by lifestyle changes like regular exercise and change in diet. If despite the lifestyle changes being adopted, high levels persist then consult a doctor for medication to lower your cholesterol.
• If you are recovering from illness or a surgery and are in bed, then make sure you exercise your legs by raising them up and down about 10-15 times every day

Taking aspirin isn't advised during a stroke, because not all strokes are caused by blood clots.  Most strokes are caused by clots, but some are caused by ruptured blood vessels.

Aspirin should be given as first-aid to decrease damage to the heart during a heart attack. Aspirin for prevention is used for patients who've had a myocardial infarction (heart attack), unstable angina, ischemic stroke (caused by blood clot) or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or "little strokes"), only if not contraindicated. Aspirin helps prevent the recurrence of such events as heart attack, hospitalization for recurrent angina, second strokes, etc. (secondary prevention).

Aspirin should be consumed only when prescribed by your doctor. You should not start taking it on your own. The risks and benefits of aspirin therapy vary for each person, which the doctor will assess.

If you're taking aspirin, on a regular basis, and you are to undergo even a simple surgical procedure or a dental extraction, you must tell the surgeon or dentist your aspirin usage and dosage. Aspirin needs to be stopped for a few days before you go in for surgery.

People who regularly take aspirin shouldn't drink alcohol.   Patients who have heart disease should stop drinking alcohol while they have been advised to take aspirin by their doctor as part of the treatment plan for their heart condition.  Don't stop taking aspirin without talking to your doctor first.