Stroke patients recommended to get genetic test to optimise treatment

A genetic test could help cut down the chances of getting another stroke for patients with the CYP2C19 gene variant by preventing doctors from giving them an ineffective medication. — PA Wire/dpa

People who suffer the most common type of stroke should be given a genetic test to find out which drugs can prevent future attacks, a British watchdog has said.

The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) said people who have had an ischaemic stroke – where a clot blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain – or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) should be tested.