Associate Professor, Department of Neurology
Director, Vascular Neurology Fellowship Program
McGovern Medical School
Director of Stroke Prevention, Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease at UTHealth Houston
Stroke Prevention
Stroke is a preventable disease with devastating consequences. The risk of stroke can be decreased by addressing and controlling risk factors. Risk factors are medical conditions or lifestyle practices that can increase one's chance of having a stroke.
The Stroke Prevention Program addresses the concerns patients, families and health professionals may have and provides resources and services to control risk factors. The program is directed by Dr. Anjail Sharrief, Associate Professor of Neurology and the Director of Stroke Prevention for the Institute of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease.
Stroke Prevention Program Leadership
The STEP Clinic was developed in order to address the multiple needs of patients and caregivers after a stroke or TIA occurs. The clinic takes an integrated approach to post-stroke care by providing education, risk factor screening and management, and assessment and treatment of post-stroke complication. We also connect patients and caregivers to our partner clinics, community programs, and community resources that help address post-stroke needs.
Our clinic provides services such as:
- stroke and TIA education
- Screening for stroke risk factors
- Management of hypertension, high cholesterol, and tobacco use
- Screening and treatment of fatigue, depression, memory/cognitive disorders, and post-stroke pain
- Referrals for management of diabetes, nutrition programs, and intensive tobacco cessation programs
- Referrals for driving assessments and programs to assist with returning to work
Our Patients
We serve patients who have had or at high risk for having the following conditions:
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
- Ischemic Stroke resulting from the blockage of an artery
- Hemorrhagic Stroke or Bleeding Stroke often resulting from high blood pressure
Many of our patients have the following risk factors:
- Hypertension or High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Tobacco Use
- High Cholesterol
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Poor Diet
- Lack of Exercise
- Obesity or Overweight
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
To book an appointment
Please visit the UTHealth Neurosciences site here for more information on clinic appointments.
Stroke Prevention Research
The Stroke Prevention Program's Research department is a pioneering center dedicated to advancing our understanding of stroke and developing effective strategies for prevention. Areas of interest also include stroke disparities, and health services. Welcome to a space where innovation meets compassion, and together, we strive to make a lasting impact on stroke prevention worldwide.
Stroke Prevention Studies
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SleepSMART
Sleep for Stroke Management and Recovery Trial
The primary goals of this study are to determine whether treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with positive airway pressure starting shortly after acute ischemic stroke or high risk TIA (1) reduces recurrent stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and all-cause mortality during 6 months after the event, and (2) improves stroke outcomes at 3 months in patients who experienced an ischemic stroke.
Prior studies have shown a clear independent association between OSA, which has a prevalence similar to hypertension among stroke patients, and development of stroke and poor outcomes after ischemic stroke. If the Sleep SMART hypotheses are confirmed, a new strategy to prevent stroke recurrence and improve stroke recovery will be available.
To learn more about this trial, please fill out this short online form »
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VIRTUAL
Video-based Intervention to Reduce Treatment and Outcome Disparities in Adults Living with Stroke or TIA
This randomized trial strives to provide care over telehealth channels with remote blood pressure monitoring. Patients are asked to check blood pressure daily and also meet with their outpatient stroke provider at designated times either in person or through video visits. Benefits include a free blood pressure monitor and enhanced post-stroke blood pressure monitoring that is not typically provided to stroke patients.
To learn more about this trial, please fill out this short online form »
Education and Training
Stroke Prevention Fellowship
The one year Stroke Prevention Fellowship is directed by Dr. Anjail Sharrief. The fellowship program focuses on giving physicians exposure and training in primary and secondary stroke prevention through risk factor management and stroke complication management. Fellows will be trained to provide patient-care and comprehensive preventive care.
Vascular Neurology Fellowship Training
We provide a one or two-year vascular neurology fellowship, both fostering the development of leaders in stroke field, be it in research, education, administration, quality improvement, and/or community outreach.
Medical Student and Public Health Student Opportunities
More information coming soon about our opportunities and resources available to medical students and public health students.
Publications
Dr. Anjail Sharrief's PubMed publications can be found here.
Racism and Stroke
Dr. Sharrief has recently coauthored an American Heart Association Presidential Advisory major publication addressing structural racism and health disparity in the US. Read more.
Outreach: Let's Learn About Stroke
Let's Learn About Stroke informational video below.