Strokes affect nearly 800,000 Americans annually, often leading to severe disability or death. To combat this, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA) have released updated stroke prevention guidelines. These emphasize lifestyle adjustments, tailored risk assessments, and the management of medical conditions that elevate stroke risk.
Updated Guidelines for Stroke Prevention
The 2024 Guideline for the Primary Prevention of Stroke, published in the journal Stroke, updates its 2014 predecessor. It incorporates the latest research, addressing emerging risk factors and individual health considerations. The guidelines highlight that adopting healthier lifestyles and collaborating with healthcare providers can significantly reduce stroke occurrences.
Doctors are encouraged to use these recommendations to identify risk factors such as high blood pressure, poor diet, diabetes, smoking, and lack of exercise. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of social determinants of health, such as access to nutritious food and healthcare.
Emerging Risk Factors
The new guidelines shed light on unexpected contributors to stroke risk, such as migraines, endometriosis, and hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause. For instance:
Women with migraines are advised to avoid high-estrogen contraceptives and focus on managing vascular risk factors.
Pregnant individuals are urged to monitor blood pressure, particularly in the postpartum period, to prevent severe complications like intracerebral hemorrhage.
Screening for conditions like early menopause and endometriosis can help detect increased stroke risks early.
Transgender women undergoing hormone therapy are also encouraged to consult their doctors for risk assessments and preventive strategies.
Lifestyle Modifications for Prevention
The guidelines recommend practical steps to reduce stroke risk, centered on the AHA’s “Life’s Essential 8” for heart health. Key recommendations include:
Diet: Following a Mediterranean diet and reducing salt intake can lower blood pressure and stroke risk.
Exercise: Adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly.