Stroke Prevention Tips: How to Prevent Stroke? New recommendations appear with tips |

Hundreds of thousands of people suffer from stroke every year. But here’s some encouraging news: Many of these strokes are preventable. American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA) have released updated recommendations providing fresh insight into how preventative measures and lifestyle changes can reduce iron take a lot of risks. These newly released guidelines include a range of strategies, from medical screenings to specific lifestyle changes, designed to help people of all ages reduce their risk of stroke throughout their lives. Below are some of the most effective tips that can help us and our loved ones avoid strokes.

Early and regular screening of stroke risk factors

Most of the new recommendations emphasize the need for early and frequent identification of stroke risk factors. Doctors are advised to start screening for high blood pressure, cholesterol, high blood sugar and obesity as early as possible. These checks help detect anomalies before they get worse. Knowing your health statistics and working with your doctor to keep them under control can greatly minimize your risk of stroke. In particular, people with high blood pressure or cholesterol levels should consult their doctors to develop an appropriate risk management strategy.

Heart-healthy diet

The recommendations place little emphasis on a rich Mediterranean diet. This diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats such as olive oil. This diet contains high concentrations of nutrients that promote cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of stroke. Reducing your consumption of red meat, sugary foods, and processed snacks can significantly reduce your risk of stroke. Instead, choosing nutrient-dense foods rich in lean meats, whole grains and greens can help improve vascular health and reduce the risk of stroke.

Physical activity for stroke prevention

Physical inactivity is another leading risk factor for stroke, and guidelines emphasize the need for regular exercise. It is recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, such as running, each week. Regular movement not only benefits your heart and muscles—it strengthens your entire cardiovascular system, which is important for brain health. Even small changes, such as taking the stairs or walking daily, can help you reach these goals and significantly reduce your risk of stroke.

Unique risks for women

This update also highlights some of the gender-specific stroke risks women face, such as those associated with pregnancy, oral contraceptive use and menopause. Women with conditions such as endometriosis or early menopause may also be at increased risk and should discuss this with their healthcare providers. The guidelines encourage doctors to consider social factors that influence health, such as economic stability, access to health care and environmental conditions. Addressing these issues can help create a more equitable approach to stroke prevention, especially in resource-limited communities.