UNITED STATES – The American Stroke Association has introduced new guidelines aiming to lower the risk of stroke for millions of Americans. This marks the first update in a decade, providing fresh insights into stroke prevention.
The association’s guidelines highlight the importance of regular exercise and a healthy diet, with a specific focus on following a Mediterranean diet. These lifestyle changes are emphasized as crucial steps in reducing stroke risks.
For the first time, the guidelines also suggest that certain weight-loss and diabetes medications can decrease stroke risk among people with diabetes and a high risk of heart disease. This is a notable addition aimed at providing more comprehensive preventive measures.
Women are advised to monitor their blood pressure, particularly those who are pregnant or using birth control, as part of their stroke prevention strategy. The guidelines also stress that individuals using hormones for gender-affirming care could experience increased stroke risks and should undergo regular monitoring.
These updated recommendations were published in the journal “Stroke” and aim to provide clearer directions for both healthcare providers and the general public in taking proactive steps against strokes.
