There’s things you can do to prevent one side of your body getting permanently crippled.
Life is hard when only one side of your body works. Stroke can also be fatal.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either due to a blocked blood vessel (ischemic stroke; the more common) or a ruptured vessel.
This interruption prevents the brain from receiving the oxygen it needs, leading to damage that can result in significant disabilities, such as difficulty with thinking, speaking and mobility.
In the U.S., stroke is the fifth leading cause of death, claiming nearly 160,000 lives annually.
Over 600,000 people – many only in middle age – suffer their first stroke each year, although up to 80% of strokes are preventable.
Cheryl D. Bushnell, MD, chair of the guideline writing group for the American Stroke Association, emphasizes the importance of primary prevention to reduce stroke occurrence.
Unfortunately, many individuals do not receive the necessary screenings by their primary care physician to identify their individual risk.
The new “2024 Guideline for the Primary Prevention of Stroke” updates the previous version from.
The guidelines provide recommendations to support brain health and prevent strokes throughout a person’s life by promoting healthy behaviors and preventive care.
Don’t Get Struck by Stroke: Prevention Measures
National Heart Lung and Blood Insitute
- Regular health screenings
- Identifying risk factors, lifestyle interventions, and, when appropriate, medications.
- Unmanaged cardiovascular disease risk factors can cause significant damage to arteries and the brain before any symptoms arise.
- Primary care professionals should encourage brain health through education, screenings and risk factor management from childhood through old age.
Modifiable risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, obesity, elevated cholesterol and high blood sugar, can be detected through physical exams and blood tests.
Addressing these factors with lifestyle changes is crucial and may include medications for certain patients.
Antihypertensive drugs can help reduce blood pressure if all other conservative measures have failed, while statins can lower cholesterol in those whose attempts at lifestyle modification have failed.
A new recommendation suggests considering glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for those with obesity or type 2 diabetes to help reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Lifestyle modifications: How many can you check off?
The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 cardiovascular health metrics detail the most common, treatable behaviors.
- Is your diet mostly non-processed foods?
- Do you have a consistent, structured exercise regimen?
- Do you avoid tobacco?
- Do you get at least seven hours of sleep?
- Is your doctor happy with your weight?
- Do you have good cholesterol numbers?
- Is your blood pressure good?
- Is your blood sugar normal?
Exercise (housework doesn’t count)
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Regular exercise can improve key health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol and insulin resistance.
The guidelines urge healthcare professionals to routinely assess patients for sedentary behavior, a known risk factor for stroke, and to encourage engagement in regular physical activity.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, spread throughout the week.
Specific Recommendations for Women
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The new guidelines also introduce specific recommendations for women.
Healthcare professionals should screen for conditions that may increase stroke risk in women, including the use of oral contraceptives and pregnancy-related hypertension.
Managing elevated blood pressure during pregnancy is critical in reducing the risk of stroke.
Women need to speak to their doctors about the effects of any hormone treatments on their risk of future stroke.
Mini Strokes
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is also called a mini-stroke and can occur for only a minute, hence the name.
A mini-stroke can be a person’s first experience with an ischemic blockage in their brain.
Preventive measures and risk factors for TIAs are the same as for stroke.
For More Information
How high must blood pressure get to cause a stroke?
TIA symptom: body pulling to one side?
Lorra Garrick is a former personal trainer certified through the American Council on Exercise. At Bally Total Fitness she trained women and men of all ages for fat loss, muscle building, fitness and improved health.
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