The updated guidelines stress primary prevention through improved diet, exercise, avoiding tobacco, and managing known risk factors.

The report emphasizes the impact of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and hormones used in gender-affirming care on stroke risk, highlighting the need for appropriate screenings.

These guidelines, the first major revision in a decade, emphasize lifestyle changes and better management of high blood pressure as key prevention strategies.

Strokes, which occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, are the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., with nearly 160,000 deaths annually, and up to 80% of strokes are preventable.

The guidelines also recommend the use of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) for patients with diabetes and high cardiovascular risk due to their benefits in managing diabetes and lowering cardiovascular disease risk.

New gender- and sex-specific recommendations include screening for conditions that may elevate stroke risk in women and transgender individuals, such as endometriosis and early-onset menopause.

Recognizing stroke warning signs is crucial; the American Stroke Association advises using the F.A.S.T. method to identify symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

The American Stroke Association has released new clinical guidelines aimed at preventing first strokes through healthy lifestyle behaviors and routine health screenings.

Dr. Cheryl D. Bushnell, chair of the guideline writing group, highlights the importance of understanding stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes to prevent strokes.

Public awareness and education on healthy lifestyle choices are crucial, aligning with the American Heart Association's 'Life's Essential 8,' which advocates for smoking cessation, increased physical activity, healthy eating, and better sleep.

Key recommendations include adopting a Mediterranean dietary pattern, which reduces stroke risk, especially when supplemented with nuts and olive oil.

Primary care professionals are encouraged to promote stroke prevention from an early age by managing risk factors like high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol.