Newly released guidelines are highlighting the potential for the majority of strokes to be avoided, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures both individuals and healthcare providers can take.
Stroke ranked as the fourth leading cause of death in the United States in 2023, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Annually, over 500,000 Americans experience strokes, yet experts suggest that up to 80% of these cases could be prevented through improved nutrition, physical activity, and the identification of risk factors.
This marks the first update in a decade from the American Stroke Association, a subsidiary of the American Heart Association, offering fresh insights on stroke prevention. Enhanced knowledge of stroke dynamics and the advent of new pharmaceutical options have shaped these recommendations, which serve to better educate both patients and healthcare professionals.
To mitigate stroke risks, maintaining a healthy lifestyle remains crucial. This includes indulging in a nutritious diet, staying physically active, and refraining from tobacco use. However, sustaining these positive changes can pose a challenge, especially given societal influences that promote a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits.
Dr. Sean Duke, a stroke specialist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, points out that modern conveniences, such as smartphones and the availability of inexpensive, unhealthy food, contribute to these complications. “Our world is stacked against us,” he mentioned, highlighting the tide of obstacles individuals face.
Understanding what a stroke consists of is essential. It occurs when blood flow to a region of the brain is obstructed or when a blood vessel ruptures, leading to a shortage of oxygen. This deficiency can cause irreversible brain damage, affecting cognitive functions like thinking, speaking, and moving, and in severe cases, even resulting in death.
A nutritious diet plays a significant role in lowering stroke risk by managing various contributing factors such as high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar levels, and obesity. The heart association advocates for the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil to maintain cholesterol levels. It also advises limiting red meat and saturated fat sources while opting for more nutrient-rich proteins like beans, nuts, poultry, fish, and seafood. Reducing intake of highly processed foods and sugary beverages can also help maintain a healthy weight.
Incorporating physical activity into daily routines is another effective method for reducing stroke risk. Dr. Cheryl Bushnell, a neurologist at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, underscores that even a ten-minute walk daily can significantly lower risks. Regular exercise is linked to a reduction in blood pressure, a critical stroke risk factor. The heart association suggests aiming for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly, with flexibility in choosing the activity — whether it’s a gym session, a neighborhood jog, or home workouts.
Managing weight is vital for stroke risk reduction, and dietary adjustments combined with physical activity can effectively control body weight. Recently approved medications designed to assist with significant weight loss provide additional options for those combating obesity, as emphasized in the new guidelines. Physicians are encouraged to consider prescribing medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound for patients dealing with obesity or diabetes. However, experts insist on the importance of sustaining healthy eating and physical activity alongside these treatments.
For the first time, the updated guidelines recommend that healthcare professionals assess patients for higher stroke risks based on various factors, including gender and socioeconomic status, as well as access to healthcare services. Notably, data indicates that Black adults in the U.S. have nearly double the risk of experiencing a stroke compared to their white counterparts.
Bushnell explains that factors like lack of insurance or inadequate transportation to medical facilities can hinder effective stroke prevention efforts. Healthcare providers can guide patients to low-cost healthcare options and suggest cost-effective ways to incorporate physical activity into their routines.
The guidelines also stress the importance of evaluating conditions that may elevate stroke risk for women, including high blood pressure during pregnancy or early menopause.
Recognizing the signs of a stroke is critical, as timely intervention can limit brain damage and enhance treatment outcomes. Common symptoms include weakness in the face, arms, and difficulty with speech. To aid in recognition, experts have introduced the acronym FAST: F for face, A for arm, S for speech, and T for time. If a stroke is suspected, immediate medical help should be sought by calling emergency services.
