CINCINNATI (WKRC) — New guidelines from the American Stroke Association aim to reduce the risk of stroke, a condition that affects more than half a million people experiencing their first stroke each year. A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a brain blood vessel bursts, leading to the death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen.
Dr. Chris Zammit, the department chair of critical care at Good Samaritan Hospital, emphasized the importance of managing high blood pressure as a key step in stroke prevention. “What that does over time silently is that adds extra stress to those blood vessels, those blood vessels can be anywhere in our body – but especially in our brain,” Zammit said.
The new guidelines also recommend regular screening for high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. A significant update includes the incorporation of new weight loss drugs, which have been shown to not only reduce weight but also objectively lower the risk of strokes and heart attacks. “Really the profound thing with these medications is that they’ve not just been shown to reduce weight but to objectively reduce your risk of strokes and heart attacks,” Zammit said.
Additionally, the guidelines promote the “Essential Eight,” which includes lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a low-fat, high-fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and getting at least eight hours of sleep each night.
For those unsure where to begin, consulting a primary care doctor is advised, as each step contributes to reducing stroke risk.
If you don’t have a primary care doctor you can call 513-853-2100 or click here.