New guidelines published in the journal Stroke give the most updated advice for stroke prevention in 2024.
The guidelines, which were last updated in 2014, use the most recent scientific data to give recommendations for preventing strokes throughout one’s lifetime. The guidelines also align with the American Heart Association’s recommendations for optimizing heart and brain health. Strokes occur when the brain stops receiving sufficient blood flow, which usually occurs due to blockages or ruptures in blood vessels. Strokes can cause significant damage to the brain and may lead to disabilities such as problems with thinking, speaking, or walking. However, up to 80% of strokes are preventable through strategies such as screenings and lifestyle changes.
The key recommendations in the new guidelines include regular health screenings, identification of risk factors for stroke, lifestyle interventions such as changes to dietary and exercise patterns, and use of medications for some higher-risk individuals. Health screenings should check for risk factors such as high blood pressure, unhealthy weight, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. The guidelines also recommend screening for and addressing adverse social determinants of health, such as economic instability and lack of healthcare access, which can increase stroke risk.
For all people, especially those at elevated risk of stroke, lifestyle modifications recommended in the guidelines and by the American Heart Association can improve heart health and lower stroke risk. These include improving dietary quality (the guidelines specifically recommend the Mediterranean diet), getting regular exercise, avoiding tobacco use, getting enough sleep, and monitoring and correcting health markers such as weight, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. For individuals at heightened risk, medications such as statins and antihypertensive medications are recommended. GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are popular for controlling weight, are also recommended for some individuals.
The chair of the guideline writing group noted that following the guideline recommendations will significantly reduce the risk of having your first stroke, and it is also likely to reduce your risk of developing dementia and cardiovascular issues.
Sources: Stroke, Science Daily
