Stroke is Largely Preventable: Global Study

According to a study of 26,000 people worldwide, ten modifiable risk factors are responsible for 9 out of 10 strokes worldwide, but the ranking of those factors vary regionally.

Researchers found that the number of strokes would be practically halved (48%) if hypertension was eliminated; trimmed by more than a third (36%) if people were physically active; and shaved by almost one fifth (19%) if they ate more healthily.

In addition, there was a 12% reduction if smoking was eliminated: 9% for cardiac (heart) causes, 4% for diabetes, 6% for alcohol intake, 6% for stress, and 27% for lipids.

The study confirms that hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor and the key target in reducing the burden of stroke globally.