Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death, impacting millions each year. In the United States alone, around 795,000 people suffer a stroke annually, with about 610,000 of these being first-time cases. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the #5 killer in the U.S. In Canada, stroke affects over 89,000 people annually, a number that’s expected to rise due to an Aging population.

In response to these concerns—and for the first time in a decade— the American Stroke Association (ASA) has released updated guidelines to help reduce first-time stroke incidence and support brain health, as well as improve outcomes for those at risk.

“The people at the highest risk of having a stroke are those who have multiple risk factors that are not well-controlled,” Dr. Cheryl Bushnell, lead author of the recommendations and vice chair of research at Wake Forest University’s School of Medicine, told CNN. “Stroke is preventable, and without the awareness of care of a provider for these risks, a stroke could be deadly or severely disabling.”

A stroke, which occurs when blood flow to your brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain bursts, increases with age, but they can—and do—occur at any age, per the CDC.

The updated guidelines emphasize preventive Lifestyle choices and awareness of the warning signs of stroke, as early intervention remains one of the most powerful tools in reducing the severity and recovery time of stroke. Let’s unpack it all here.

5 ways to reduce your risk

In terms of prevention, here are some highlights from the new ASA guidelines:

Watch your numbers. Managing blood pressure is a primary focus, as hypertension is the leading risk factor for stroke. Regular monitoring, a low-sodium Diet, and appropriate medication, if prescribed, are essential for keeping blood pressure within a healthy range. Other key numbers to keep an eye on include cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

The guidelines also mention the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as popular weight-loss and Diabetes drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro for lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke by helping with healthy weight management and blood sugar control for people with type 2 diabetes. (Read our story on the potential benefits of GLP-1 agonists here.)

Keep moving. Physical activity also plays a major role. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate Exercise per week can help lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and reduce stroke risk. (Read: The big benefits regular exercise brings to longevity.)

Be mindful of your diet. Additionally, adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can prevent risk factors like high cholesterol and diabetes, both of which contribute to stroke risk. The ASA guidelines specifically mention the big benefits of the Mediterranean Diet. (Visit the SuperAging Kitchen for foods that can boost our overall health and longevity.)

Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol intake are also key recommendations from the ASA. Smoking accelerates the hardening of arteries, while excessive alcohol use can raise blood pressure. If individuals choose to drink, the ASA advises moderation—up to one drink per day for women and two for men.

Moreover, regular medical checkups are another important preventive measure, allowing for early detection and treatment of conditions that may increase stroke risk, such as atrial fibrillation, which causes irregular heartbeats and can lead to blood clots.

Recognizing the warning signs of stroke  

The ASA uses the acronym “FAST” to make it easy to remember these symptoms: Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services. Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, difficulty seeing, confusion, dizziness, or loss of balance are also common signs. A quick response is crucial, as treatments are most effective within a few hours of symptom onset, significantly lowering the likelihood of long-term disability or death.

The bottom line

Stroke has a significant impact on lifespan and long-term health, particularly because it can lead to serious disability or death if not treated quickly. The updated ASA guidelines point out that stroke prevention is not limited to a single solution but is a combination of lifestyle choices and medical management. By following these recommendations, we can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and improve overall brain and cardiovascular health at the same time.

More on healthy aging:

Foods and other tips to reduce breast cancer risk as we age, plus new therapies to help with the fight

Good for brain and body: Why you should eat more apples, plus healthy recipes

Debunking 8 medical myths about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

How a healthy gut boosts longevity, plus tips to get your gut in top shape

It’s a buzzy wellness trend right now, but can cold therapy also boost our longevity?

Content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition.

David Cravit SuperAging News

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