New Guidelines Aim to Prevent First Strokes Through Screening and Lifestyle Changes

The American Stroke Association has unveiled new guidelines for preventing first-time strokes, highlighting the critical role of health screenings and lifestyle changes in reducing stroke risk. The '2024 Guideline for the Primary Prevention of Stroke' replaces the 2014 version and provides evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals to implement various prevention strategies.

According to the guideline, up to 80% of first strokes may be preventable through proper screening and management of risk factors. Key recommendations include regular health screenings to identify modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, high blood sugar, and obesity. The guideline also emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors, including good nutrition, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, and adequate sleep.

Dr. Cheryl D. Bushnell, chair of the guideline writing group, stated, 'The most effective way to reduce the occurrence of a stroke and stroke-related death is to prevent the first stroke—referred to as primary prevention.' The guideline introduces new recommendations, including consideration of glucagon-like protein-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medications for certain patients and addressing social determinants of health that may impact stroke risk.

The updated guideline also includes sex- and gender-specific recommendations for women, highlighting the need to screen for conditions that can increase stroke risk, such as oral contraceptive use, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and other pregnancy-related complications. Additionally, it addresses the potential increased stroke risk for transgender women and gender-diverse individuals taking estrogens for gender affirmation.

Implementing these recommendations could significantly reduce the risk of first-time strokes and potentially decrease the incidence of dementia, another serious health condition related to vascular issues in the brain. The guideline serves as a comprehensive resource for healthcare professionals to promote brain health and prevent strokes throughout a person's lifespan.

With stroke currently being the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in nearly 160,000 deaths annually, these updated guidelines offer a crucial roadmap for healthcare providers and individuals alike to take proactive steps in stroke prevention. By focusing on early identification of risk factors and promoting healthy lifestyle changes, the American Stroke Association aims to reduce the burden of stroke on individuals, families, and the healthcare system as a whole.