Stop Stroke in Its Tracks: The 10 Commandments of Brain Health

Did you know that most strokes can be prevented? The 2024 Guideline for the Primary Prevention of Stroke—published by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association—emphasizes that your brain health starts with regular visits to your primary care provider and small, consistent changes in your daily habits.

Whether you're managing chronic conditions or looking to boost your long-term health, here are 10 key takeaways from the latest guidelines:

1. Start with Primary Care

From childhood to old age, everyone should have access to regular care. Primary care providers help manage blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, smoking, and other stroke risk factors early—before a stroke ever occurs.

2. Address Social Determinants of Health

Where and how you live matters. Screening for challenges like housing insecurity, access to healthy food, and healthcare barriers is now recommended to improve stroke prevention.

3. Follow a Mediterranean Diet

This heart-healthy eating pattern—rich in nuts, olive oil, fruits, veggies, and lean proteins—has been proven to lower stroke risk, especially for people at higher cardiovascular risk.

4. Move More, Sit Less

Too much sitting is linked to stroke. Regular physical activity and reducing sedentary time throughout your day are both key prevention strategies.

5. Explore New Medications if You Have Type 2 Diabetes

New drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists help manage diabetes, support weight loss, and reduce stroke and heart disease risk. Ask your doctor if they’re right for you.

6. Manage Blood Pressure With the Right Medications

One medication often isn’t enough. Most people need two or more drugs to effectively lower their blood pressure and reduce stroke risk.

7. Autoimmune Conditions Require Special Attention

If you have lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome, your provider may recommend targeted therapies—like antiplatelet medication or vitamin K antagonists—to prevent strokes.

8. Take Pregnancy-Related Risks Seriously

High blood pressure during pregnancy or shortly after can be dangerous. Early treatment reduces the risk of stroke and future vascular problems. Screening for past pregnancy complications is also recommended.

9. Women’s Hormonal Health Matters

Endometriosis, early menopause (before age 45), and premature ovarian failure (before age 40) are all linked to increased stroke risk. Early screening can help reduce long-term risks.

10. Support Inclusive Care for Transgender Individuals

Transgender women taking estrogen may face a higher stroke risk. Evaluating and modifying risk factors is essential for inclusive and effective care.

Bottom Line: Prevention is Power

Stroke doesn’t have to be inevitable. With strong primary care, lifestyle changes, and inclusive health practices, we can protect brain health in every community.

At Volunteers in Medicine, we’re here to help the working uninsured take control of their health—one step at a time.

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📚 Reference:

Meschia JF, et al. 2024 Guideline for the Primary Prevention of Stroke: A Guideline From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2024;55:eXXX–eXXX. doi:10.1161/STR.0000000000000430