Stroke can largely be prevented

Stroke is a very serious life threatening event. Initiatives to prevent stroke are therefore vitally important. McMaster University has reported via EurekAlert a global study has shown that stroke is often preventable. The 10 primary risk factors for stroke are the same across the world with regional variations. The authors of this study have written that stroke is a major public health priority, however the variation by region should influence what strategies are used to decrease the risk of stroke. Worldwide stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. This is particularly true in low-income and middle-income countries. 85% of strokes are ischaemic which means they are caused by blood clots. 15% of strokes are haemorrhagic stroke or bleeding into the brain.Researchers have confirmed that hypertension is the most significant modifiable risk factor for stroke in all regions.

Hypertension is therefore the primary target in decreasing the burden of stroke across the world. It has been estimated if hypertension was eliminated the number of strokes would be cut by about 48%. It people were more physically active strokes would be cut by about 36%. It people had better diets there would be about 19% fewer strokes. It smoking was eliminated the number of strokes would be cut by about 12%. With less cardiac disease there would be about 9% fewer strokes. If diabetes was better controlled there would be about 4% less strokes. If alcohol consumption was cut there would be 6% less strokes. If stress was reduced there would be about 6% less strokes. If lipid profiles were better it is estimated there would be 27% fewer strokes. 

There were regional variations found with some risk factors. Consider that the importance of hypertension ranged from about 40% in Western Europe, North America, and Australia to about 60% in Southeast Asia. Risk associated with alcohol intake was lowest in Western Europe, North America and Australia but was highest in Africa and south Asia. In China the impact of physical inactivity was highest. This study has been published in The Lancet. The findings from the study support the development of both global and region-specific programs aimed at preventing stroke. What is of most importance here is an understanding that stroke can be prevented and an awareness of the risk factors for stroke can be with prevention.