“We have confirmed the 10 modifiable risk factors associated with 90 percent of stroke cases in all regions, young and older and in men and women,” stated one of the lead researchers, Dr. Martin O’Donnell, a principal investigator for the PHRI and professor of translational medicine at HRB-Clinical Research Facility, NUI Galway. “The study also confirms that hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor in all regions, and the key target in reducing the burden of stroke globally.”
Each risk factor varied differently by region, but all risk factors similarly affected people across the board. When all 10 risk factors were combined together, they found that these are responsible for 91% of strokes.
“The regional differences between populations is partly explained by genetics, but can be further helped or hurt by lifestyle choices,” says Dr. Melvin Wichter, a neurologist affiliated with Advocate Christ Medical Center’s Neurosciences Institute. “Diet, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, diabetes and smoking all lead to heart disease, which in turn causes stroke.”
“The risk factors outlined in the article have universal application for all populations worldwide,” says Dr. Wichter. “The estimate that more than 90 percent of strokes could be eliminated if these risks could be reduced is profoundly important for the health of all people.”
Making healthier lifestyle choices can prevent you from developing these conditions, which put you at risk for stroke and heart disease.
American Heart Association: 1 in 3 Americans Die From Heart Disease