People who have had one heart attack or stroke run a high risk of having another. But a surprisingly high percentage of survivors don't do anything to reduce their risk.

Interviewers assessed control of hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and high cholesterol among 1,252 people who had survived a heart attack, stroke, or both. Their findings:

• High blood pressure was not controlled in 53% of the people with hypertension.
• 18% were still smoking.
• 46% with high cholesterol levels before their illness had not reduced them afterwards.

The researchers suggested that doctors should treat these people more aggressively. If you have survived one such event, talk to your doctor about reducing your risks for another. And click on the links below for more specific information you can benefit from.

Related information: Consequences | Other risk factors | High blood pressure: How to lower it | Quit smoking