Updated guidelines may help reduce the risk of a first-time stroke, according to the American Stroke Association

Over 600,000 individuals in the US are expected to experience their first stroke this year. New guidelines have been released to help healthcare professionals prevent strokes through updated screening practices. Americans at high risk typically have multiple, uncontrolled risk factors. The guidelines focus on supporting brain health and lowering stroke risk. These include new dietary suggestions, social and economic considerations, and acknowledging the risks women face.

The guidance encourages healthy behaviors to reduce risks such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It highlights the potential benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists, known for aiding weight loss and blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes patients. Additionally, a Mediterranean diet and the MIND diet are recommended for heart health and cognitive well-being.

Beyond individual health choices, the guidelines consider how factors like neighborhood walkability and access to healthy foods affect stroke risk. Social determinants of health, like education and economic stability, are emphasized as nonmedical factors influencing stroke prevention.

The risk of primary stroke is notably higher among specific demographic groups, such as non-Hispanic Black adults and Pacific Islanders, who often encounter structural barriers to healthcare. Gender and sex-specific recommendations address factors like pregnancy and contraceptive use, which may elevate high blood pressure risks in women.

The guidelines also advise individuals to be vigilant about stroke warning signs using the B.E. F.A.S.T. mnemonic: balance, eyes, face, arms, speech, and time, urging a quick response to potential symptoms.

With stroke being a leading cause of death and disability, these recommendations aim to foster life-saving, healthier lifestyle changes across diverse communities.