AHA releases new stroke prevention guidelines

New guidelines issued from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association are intended to help clinicians with management and prevention for patients with no history of stroke. The new guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for strategies to support brain health and prevent stroke throughout an individual’s life. Key stroke prevention recommendations from the guidelines include regular health screenings, identifying risk factors, lifestyle interventions, and medications when indicated, said AHA.

“This guideline is important because new discoveries have been made since the last update 10 years ago. Understanding which people are at increased risk of a first stroke and providing support to preserve heart and brain health can help prevent a first stroke,” said Cheryl D. Bushnell, MD, who chaired the guideline writing group, in an AHA press statement. “Some populations have an elevated risk of stroke, whether it be due to genetics, lifestyle, biological factors and/or social determinants of health, and in some cases, people do not receive appropriate screening to identify their risk.”

The guidelines, which replace the 2014 version, provide recommendations based on current evidence for strategies to prevent stroke throughout a person’s lifespan. The guidelines’ “Top 10 Take-Home Messages” focus on brain health; screening for and addressing adverse social determinants of health; diet; physical activity; GLP-1 receptor agonists; BP management; antiplatelet therapy; prevention of pregnancy-related stroke; endometriosis, premature ovarian failure, and early-onset menopause; and the importance of understanding transgender health.