Chapter 17 - Prevention of Stroke by Modification of Additional Vascular and Lifestyle Risk Factors

Summary

RCTs provide evidence that stroke risk is reduced by several risk factor control strategies reviewed in this chapter: adhering to a Mediterranean Diet , avoiding long-term estrogen hormone replacement, and treating severe obesity with gastric balloons or bariatric surgery. In addition, observational evidence suggests stroke risk is reduced by quitting smoking, controlling blood glucose, losing weight in moderately obese individuals, exercising regularly, abandoning heavy alcohol consumption, and improving diet (less salt and more unsaturated fats) via other approaches. Optimal goals for risk factor control are delineated in the American Heart Association Life’s Simple 7 ideal targets. The beneficial effects of these measures are likely largely mediated by amelioration of well-established risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and coagulation status. To achieve these lifestyle changes, both the individual and the community must contribute. Governments have a responsibility to: improve public education; increase access to healthy foods and built environments with pedestrian, bicycle, and exercise infrastructure; and use regulation, legislation, and taxation to discourage hazardous lifestyle behaviours (e.g. smoking, alcohol, and perhaps salt or sugar in foods). Continued cultural change is also required among individuals and communities to promote regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and minimal exposure to smoking in everyday life.