Doctors Give New Guidelines for Preventing Stroke

01From VOA Learning English, this is the Health and Lifestyle Report.

02New guidelines have been issued in the United States for preventing stroke, the nation's fourth biggest killer.

03The U.S.

04Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, says that in 2023, stroke was the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.

05An estimated half a million people suffer strokes in the U.S.

06each year.

07But the CDC notes that up to 80% of strokes could be prevented.

08With better nutrition and exercise.

09Along with improved risk identification.

10A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, or if a blood vessel in the brain breaks open, or bursts.

11The event keeps oxygen from getting to the brain.

12This can result in the person having difficulty thinking, talking, and walking.

13In some cases, a stroke can even cause death.

14Stroke is a major health problem across the world.

15On its website, the World Stroke Organization says the condition is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.

16Over 100 million people worldwide have suffered a stroke.

17It is estimated that 25% of adults over 25 will have a stroke during their lifetime.

18The new guidelines on stroke prevention came from the American Stroke Association.

19They are the first to be issued in 10 years.

20The advice includes suggestions for people and doctors, and are based on improved information about who has strokes and why.

21The guidelines also include new drugs that can help reduce risk.

22Health researchers say the best way to reduce the risk of stroke is the same as reducing risks for many other conditions.

23These include eating a healthy diet, moving the body often, and not smoking.

24Here is what to know about stroke and the newly issued guidelines.

25Experts say eating healthy can help control possible stroke risks.

26The goal is to prevent or reduce high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and obesity, the condition of being extremely overweight.

27The advice urges people to choose foods in the so-called Mediterranean diet.

28These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil.

29Eating these foods can help keep cholesterol levels down.

30Red meat should be limited, along with saturated fats.

31Additional protein can come from beans, nuts, poultry, and seafood.

32Highly processed foods and drinks with a lot of added sugar should also be avoided.

33Getting up and walking around for at least 10 minutes a day can greatly reduce a person's stroke risk, said Dr.

34Cheryl Bushnell.

35She is a neurologist at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina.

36Bushnell was part of the group that came up with the new guidelines.

37She said regular exercise can help reduce blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke.

38However, health experts say more movement is better.

39The Stroke Association suggests at least 150 minutes of moderate, aerobic, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise activity every week.

40Such exercise could include going to the gym, taking a walk, or running.

41People can also use exercise machines at home, dance, or play a sport.

42The guidelines include a new group of drugs that have been proven to help people lose weight.

43The drugs, designed for people with obesity or diabetes, had not been approved when past guidelines were issued.

44But the advice now suggests doctors consider these drugs for patients at risk for stroke.

45These include versions sold under the names Ozembic, Wegovi, Munjaro, and Zepbound.

46The new guidelines also help doctors identify people who might be at higher risk for stroke.

47For the first time, the advice suggests doctors screen patients for other risk factors.

48They could include gender or non-medical factors, such as economic issues or the availability of quality health care.

49The new guidelines also suggest that doctors screen for conditions that may increase a woman's risk for stroke.

50These could include high blood pressure during pregnancy or early menopause.

51Three of the most common stroke signs include face weakness, arm weakness, and difficulty speaking.

52Also, time is important when a person suffers a stroke.

53Brain damage can happen quickly, but it can be limited if a stroke is treated quickly.

54If you think you or a loved one may be having a stroke, call the emergency response number in your area immediately.

55And that's the Health and Lifestyle Report.

56I'm Ana Mateo.

57And I'm Brian Lynn.