- Just one thing for physicians in particular is to consider the number of medications that patients are taking for secondary or primary stroke prevention. Issues of side effects, compliance, and cost should always be part of the decision-making around whether or not to start an additional agent. Several studies have demonstrated that elevated levels of triglycerides can increase stroke risk by as much as 50 to 200%, so this is not a trivial risk factor by any means. I think it's also important to point out that the adverse side effect profile for this new medication was favorable, but it can increase the risk of minor bleeding.