The American Stroke Association (ASA) has released new guidelines to help lower the risk of strokes, focusing on prevention through screening and lifestyle changes.
Strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and a major cause of disability, but the ASA says up to 80% of them can be prevented.
Published in the journal Stroke, the guidelines mark the first update in a decade, reflecting new research and advancements in stroke prevention strategies.
The guidelines highlight a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and targeted care for specific at-risk groups, including women and those facing barriers to healthcare.
Dr. Cheryl Bushnell, Dr. Cheryl Bushnell, neurology professor and stroke division chief at Wake Forest University, explained that understanding individual risk factors is key to stroke prevention.
“The key to preventing stroke is to understand what the risk factors are and have access to care to address the ones that may require medications, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes,” she told Fox News Digital.
In addition to medication, the guidelines stress the importance of lifestyle changes. Recommendations include weight loss, increased physical activity, smoking cessation, and treating sleep apnea.
Dr. Bushnell noted that simple adjustments, such as avoiding prolonged periods of sitting during the day and eating a healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet, can significantly lower stroke risk.
Since the last guidelines in 2014, groundbreaking clinical trials have introduced new medications that reduce stroke risk.
For example, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonists, initially developed to manage diabetes, have been shown to lower blood sugar levels while also promoting weight loss — both key factors in reducing the likelihood of stroke.
Another promising option includes PCSK9 inhibitors, which are highly effective at lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and have been proven to reduce the risk of stroke. These medications provide more tools for healthcare providers to help patients manage their risk.
Physical activity remains a core recommendation for stroke prevention, with the ASA advising 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. However, the updated guidelines also add a focus on reducing sedentary behavior.
Dr. Bushnell noted that screening for inactivity and encouraging patients to stay active throughout the day are now recommended as part of stroke prevention.
For the first time, the guidelines offer tailored advice for specific groups, including women. Recommendations include monitoring blood pressure during pregnancy and being aware of conditions that can elevate stroke risk.
The guidelines also address social determinants of health, such as access to healthcare and medication affordability. Dr. Bushnell pointed out that these factors can create barriers to prevention, especially in underserved communities, increasing the risk of stroke.
Many of the same risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, are also linked to dementia.
By addressing these risks early, individuals can improve both heart and brain health. These updated guidelines offer a clear path for reducing stroke risks and improving overall well-being.