New guideline: Preventing a first stroke may be possible with screening, lifestyle changes
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Guideline Highlights:
Each year in the U.S., over half a million people have a first stroke; however, up to 80% of strokes may be preventable.
The new primary prevention of stroke guideline from the American Stroke Association urges health care professionals to screen people for stroke risk factors, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, high blood sugar and obesity.
Increasing public awareness and knowledge about healthy lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, increased physical activity, improved dietary habits and better sleep, may also help people reduce their stroke risk.
The new guideline highlights the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 health metrics for optimal cardiovascular and brain health, medications for risk factor management, risks specific to women and ways to address social determinants of health.
