Can you believe it’s already May—and with it comes American Stroke Month!

For the first time in years, the American Heart Association has updated its guidelines for the primary prevention of stroke. Research has shown that more than 80% of strokes are preventable through lifestyle changes! Seriously, that’s a huge percentage! Many of the updates to the stroke guidelines are directly from AHA’s Life’s Essential 8, a list of lifestyle practices tied to a decreased risk for heart disease and stroke. The 8 essentials are:

1. Eating a healthy diet: A Mediterranean-style diet is recommended for the prevention of stroke. This diet focuses on lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Sounds like mom had a vote in this!

2. Getting more exercise: The guideline encourages physicians to discuss the advantages of exercise and the increased risk with a sedentary lifestyle. Many physician visits today do not include this, so it is new and improved!

3. Don’t use tobacco: Even second and third hand exposure can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of developing a stroke-causing clot!

4. Sleep hygiene: This is a new essential in the AHA’s stroke prevention guide. Consistent, good-quality sleep helps lower blood pressure and reduce stroke risk.

5. Healthy weight: Here’s mom again! Manage your weight as it can help lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and stroke!

6. Monitor cholesterol: Cholesterol can cause fatty buildups to form, narrowing your arteries and increasing the risk for blockages to develop!

7. Manage blood glucose: Over time, elevated blood sugar can cause damage to blood vessels.

8. Blood pressure: This is a given! The previous guidelines recommended keeping blood pressure below 140/90. The new guidelines recommend keeping your blood pressure below 130/80.

Remember the signs of a stroke B.E.F.A.S.T.

• Balance, sudden loss of balance

• Eyes, sudden vision loss or double/blurred vision

• Facial drooping

• Arm weakness

• Slurred speech

• Time to call 911

If you have symptoms that “go away”, still seek medical care immediately as it could be a warning sign of a transient ischemia attack (TIA) which could precede a more severe stroke!

Stay well and stay informed!