Simple Lifestyle Modifications May Slash Stroke Risk

Researchers involved in the Interstroke study, Involving 22 countries, find that ten leading risk factors may account for 90% of risk of stroke.  Comparing the lifestyle of 3,000 stroke patients with a matched group of 3,000 healthy counterparts (serving as the control group), Martin J O’Donnell, from McMaster University (Ontario, Canada), and colleagues observed that high blood pressure, smoking, a fat stomach, poor diet and lack of exercise accounted for 80% of stroke cases.  Five additional factors of diabetes, excess alcohol, stress and depression, heart disorders and the presence of apolipoproteins in the blood were found to account for 10% additional stroke cases. Noting that many of the risk factors coincide with those linked to heart attack risk, the team concludes that: “Our findings suggest that ten risk factors are associated with 90% of the risk of stroke. Targeted interventions that reduce blood pressure and smoking, and promote physical activity and a healthy diet, could substantially reduce the burden of stroke.”