In late 2024, the American Heart Association (AHA) released updated stroke guidelines, marking the first major revision since 2014. These new recommendations aim to help people understand the lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce stroke risk.
“With research showing that more that 80% of strokes are preventable with proper lifestyle modifications, promoting awareness for stroke prevention is a top priority,” said Megan Brady, stroke program manager at Henry Ford Health. “These guidelines have been updated to align with standards already in place for reducing people’s risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.”
Below, Brady breaks down the biggest changes and what they mean for stroke prevention.
The 8 major stroke prevention
Many of the AHA’s updated recommendations are centered around Life’s Essential 8, a set of lifestyle habits proven to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease:
- Healthy eating. A Mediterranean-style diet -- rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains -- is recommended for lowering stroke risk.
- Staying active. Sedentary behavior is a known risk factor. Doctors are now encouraged to screen for inactivity and provide guidance on increasing movement.
- Avoiding tobacco. Nicotine and tobacco products harm blood vessels, raising the risk of clots and strokes. This applies to direct users and those exposed to second- or third-hand smoke.
- Prioritizing sleep. Quality sleep is now officially recognized as essential. Consistent, restful sleep helps regulate blood pressure and reduce stroke risk.
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Managing weight helps prevent obesity and Type 2 diabetes -- both major stroke risk factors.
- Managing cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to artery-clogging plaque, which raises the likelihood of a stroke.
- Controlling blood sugar. High blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes, can damage blood vessels over time.
- Lowering blood pressure. The definition of healthy blood pressure has been revised: now, a target of under 130/80 mmHg is recommended (down from 140/90).
Social factors and stroke risk
The updated guidelines also emphasize the impact of social determinants of health -- like income, housing and neighborhood conditions. Limited access to resources can increase the likelihood of developing serious conditions like heart disease and stroke.
Routine screenings for these factors can help identify at-risk individuals and guide appropriate interventions.
Stroke risk and sex-specific screening
Another new component of the 2024 guidelines is the recommendation for sex-specific risk assessments. Research shows that hormonal changes in women and gender-diverse individuals may affect stroke risk. Additional screenings are advised for:
- Pregnant and postpartum individuals, or those with pregnancy complications.
- People with endometriosis.
- Women who experienced early or premature menopause (before age 45).
- Transgender women taking estrogen as part of gender-affirming therapy.
Lower your risk
“If you already have risk factors for a stroke, make sure to maintain a good relationship with your primary care provider,” Brady said. “Your provider knows your health history and can work with you to establish prevention measures and help you better understand and manage your risk.”
While prevention is key, recognizing the signs of a stroke can save lives. Use the acronym F.A.S.T.:
- Face drooping.
- Arm weakness.
- Slurred speech.
- Time to call 911.
Even if symptoms go away quickly, don’t ignore them -- they could signal a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which often precedes a more serious stroke.
To learn about stroke care at Henry Ford Health, click or tap here.