The American Stroke Association has released the 2024 Guideline for the Primary Prevention of Stroke, marking the first update in a decade since the 2014 version.

Key recommendations include regular health screenings to identify modifiable risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, elevated cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar, which can be addressed through lifestyle changes and medications.

Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., causing nearly 160,000 deaths annually, yet up to 80% of strokes are preventable, highlighting the critical need for effective prevention strategies.

Regular physical activity is vital for reducing stroke risk, with adults encouraged to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week.

The guidelines introduce gender- and sex-specific recommendations, including screening for conditions that may elevate stroke risk in women and transgender individuals.

Learning the warning signs of stroke, summarized by the F.A.S.T. acronym, is crucial for early intervention and prevention.

The guidelines promote lifestyle changes such as improved diet, exercise, and smoking cessation as essential strategies for stroke prevention.

The new guidelines emphasize the role of primary care professionals in educating patients about stroke risk reduction through healthy lifestyle behaviors and routine health screenings.

Cheryl D. Bushnell, MD, stresses the importance of understanding risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes in preventing first strokes.

The updated guidelines also address social determinants of health, advocating for accessible patient education and resources to mitigate health inequities.

New medications that treat diabetes and obesity also show promise in reducing stroke risk, according to the guidelines.

Implementing these recommendations could significantly reduce the risk of first strokes and also help lower the risk of dementia related to vascular issues.