Diet and BP Control Can Reduce Risk of First-Time Stroke

An updated guideline issued by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association says that eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts; regularly engaging in physical activity; and keeping blood pressure under control can reduce the risk of a first-time stroke.

The guideline offers tips for lowering the likelihood of experiencing a first stroke, such as eating a Mediterranean or DASH-style diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), supplemented with nuts. The authors’ other suggestions included monitoring blood pressure at home with a cuff device; getting more physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and managing weight in order to keep pre-hypertension from becoming high blood pressure; reducing the amount of sodium in one’s diet; and to stop or don’t start smoking.
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The authors explained that Mediterranean and DASH-style diets are similar in that both emphasize the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, poultry, and fish, and both diets are limited in red meat and foods containing saturated fats. Mediterranean-style diets are generally low in dairy products, while DASH-style diets stress low-fat dairy products, the authors note.

The most important overall message found in the recently published guideline may be that “stroke is a preventable condition, and primary care physicians are likely to be on the front lines in the prevention of stroke,” says Mitchell Elkind, MD, FAAN, FAHA, professor of neurology and epidemiology at Columbia University, and one of the guideline’s authors.

Overall, hypertension is the most important risk for factor for stroke, which makes efforts to identify and treat high blood pressure paramount in reducing stroke risk, says Elkind, who notes that other important risk factors include dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and smoking.

“Stroke should be thought of as part of the spectrum of cardiovascular disease, and many of the risk factors for heart disease also apply to stroke risk, with some exceptions,” he says. “The importance of recommending physical activity and a healthy diet also cannot be overstated.”

—Mark McGraw

Reference

Meschia J, Bushnell C, et al. Guidelines for the Primary Prevention of Stroke. A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2014.