StrokePrevention.info https://strokeprevention.info/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 20:06:44 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://strokeprevention.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-icon-32x32.png StrokePrevention.info https://strokeprevention.info/ 32 32 ’You are what you eat’ with a twist: Do different types of food lead to different types of stroke? https://strokeprevention.info/blog/you-are-what-you-eat-with-a-twist-do-different-types-of-food-lead-to-different-types-of-stroke/ Wed, 26 Feb 2020 13:31:36 +0000 https://strokeprevention.info/?p=3247 According to a large study of more than 418,000 people in nine European countries, different types of food are linked to risks of different types of stroke. The study results we published this week in the European Heart Journal. Appart from being the largest study on this matter, it is also the first one that […]

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According to a large study of more than 418,000 people in nine European countries, different types of food are linked to risks of different types of stroke. The study results we published this week in the European Heart Journal. Appart from being the largest study on this matter, it is also the first one that investigated ischaemic stroke (the one that occurs when the blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a ctot) and haemorrhagic stroke (the brain bleed) separately. Just to put this data into context- about 85% of strokes are ischaemic and 15% are haemorrhagic and stroke still remains the second biggest killer, right behind the cardiovasular diseases.

The study found that while higher intakes of fruit, vegetables, fibre, milk, cheese or yoghurt were each linked to a lower risk of ischaemic stroke, there was no significant association with a lower risk of haemorrhagic stroke. However, greater consumption of eggs was associated with a higher risk of haemorrhagic stroke, but not with ischaemic stroke.

SO, IS IT ABOUT WHAT YOU EAT OR HOW MUCH YOU EAT?

Apparently, it is all about having a balance. In Europe, 51.6% of adults are overweight. Being obese not only increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, but also makes you more likely to have a stroke, particularly if you are carrying extra weight around your stomach. There are several ways you can reduce body fat, including introducing more exercise, lowering your salt intake, cutting down on alcohol and eating a healthy diet that’s low in saturated fat, and high in fruit and vegetables.

A quick overview of some interesting stats:

  1. Fruit and vegetables reduce stroke risk by up to 21%- Several studies have indicated that following a Mediterranean style diet is closely associated with reduced stroke risk.

  2. Vitamin C reduces stroke risk by up to 19%- Whilst fruit and vegetables are also rich in a wide range of micronutrients and antioxidants, it’s Vitamin C that is directly linked with a 19% reduction in risk. Furthermore, it’s important that this water-soluble vitamin is absorbed from food, rather than supplements, to have any tangible benefits.

  3. Olive oil reduces stroke risk by up to 18%- Olive oil has become a popular alternative to butter and offers many health benefits, not least of which is related to stroke. One study found that eating an extra 25 grams of olive oil could equate to reduced risk of up to 18%.

  4. Sweet drinks increase stroke risk by up to 16%- Sugar has hit the headlines in recent years due to the rise in obesity, especially in younger people, worldwide. Consuming less sugary foods not only helps to control weight and manage diabetes; it also lowers your risk of stroke. One study found consuming just one less sugar-laden, fizzy drink per day could reduce the chance of suffering a stroke by as much as 16%.

  5. Trans-fats increase stroke risk by up to 13%- It makes sense that a healthy diet shouldn’t be high in fat. But it’s the type of fat that seems to be more crucial when it comes to stroke. Polyunsaturated fats, as found in fish oils, are widely known to reduce your risk. While trans-fats, common in cakes, pies and biscuits, have been associated with an increased risk of stroke in men – up to 15%, according to one source.

  6. Red and processed meat increases stroke risk by up to 17%- Research shows, the more meat we eat; the higher our risk of stroke. Red meat (increased risk by 11%) contains large amounts of saturated fat, which is linked with higher cholesterol, another risk factor for stroke.

HOW RELEVANT IS THIS?

If you look into the World Stroke Organization „Global Stroke Fact Sheet“, there are over 13.7 million new strokes each year and globally, one in four people over age 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime. Also, we know now that just in Europe, around 9 million people live with the consequences of stroke and this doesn’t affect only individuals- it’s a life-changing event for the whole family.

Note: This blog post is currently available only in English language.

Image by Łukasz Cwojdziński from Pixabay

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SAFE’S WEBSITE ON STROKE PREVENTION NOW AVAILABLE IN FIVE MORE LANGUAGES https://strokeprevention.info/media-releases/safes-website-on-stroke-prevention-now-available-in-five-more-languages/ Tue, 17 Sep 2019 09:17:55 +0000 https://strokeprevention.info/?p=3083 A useful repository for reliable and easy to use information on 10 modifiable stroke risk factors translated to Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and French. Brussels, 17/09/2019: A SAFE-owned website on stroke prevention and modifiable stroke risk factors goes live today at www.strokeprevention.info in five additional European languages: Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and French. Increasing the […]

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A useful repository for reliable and easy to use information on 10 modifiable stroke risk factors translated to Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and French.

Brussels, 17/09/2019: A SAFE-owned website on stroke prevention and modifiable stroke risk factors goes live today at www.strokeprevention.info in five additional European languages: Polish, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and French.

Increasing the number of languages on this website will allow greater accessibility of its content for millions of people who speak these languages, alongside the website’s original language, English.

Around 17 million strokes occur worldwide each year, despite compelling evidence that it is a largely preventable condition. Stroke shares risk factors with other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and with many other non-infectious, or non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Addressing stroke risk factors requires both individual and society level interventions – addressing lifestyle and medical issues. This knowledge motivated SAFE to create the website www.strokeprevention.info. The aim of this website is to inform and inspire people to take individual interventions, such as giving up smoking or taking better control over their blood pressure and take an active role in preventing stroke.

Based on the INTERSTROKE study’s findings, ten modifiable risk factors are responsible for 90% of strokes. This website collates all relevant information on the most common risk factors such as: hypertension, physical activity, diet, obesity, smoking, cholesterol, heart disease, alcohol, stress and diabetes. In addition to being written in a lay-friendly language, all website information is in a format appropriate for people with disabilities.

This website is developed and owned by Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE), which retains full editorial control over the content.

The original version of this website was originally launched in English in 2018 and was supported by an educational grant from Amgen. The translation into five European languages was enabled by Boehringer Ingelheim in 2019. SAFE is grateful to the generous supporters of its work, which enables important stroke prevention information to reach wider audiences.

About SAFE

The Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) a non-profit-making organization formed in 2004. It is the voice of stroke patients in Europe, representing a range of patient groups from 30 European countries. SAFE’s goal is to decrease the number of strokes in Europe by advocating for better prevention, access to adequate treatment, post-stroke care and rehabilitation.

For more information about SSOFT and SAFE, please visit www.safestroke.eu.

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Podcast #5 – Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke https://strokeprevention.info/podcast/podcast-5-atrial-fibrillation-and-stroke/ Thu, 12 Sep 2019 15:16:10 +0000 https://strokeprevention.info/?p=1525 Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular heart rhythm with rapid and irregular beating. It is estimated to increase the risk of stroke 3 to 5-fold and to be associated with around a quarter of all ischaemic strokes. Additionally, AF is associated with more severe strokes leading to higher mortality and disability. We have discussed this […]

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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular heart rhythm with rapid and irregular beating. It is estimated to increase the risk of stroke 3 to 5-fold and to be associated with around a quarter of all ischaemic strokes. Additionally, AF is associated with more severe strokes leading to higher mortality and disability. We have discussed this topic with Prof. Dr Anita Arsovska, University Clinic of Neurology, Medical Faculty, University “Ss Cyril and Methodius”, Skopje, North Macedonia, FESO, SAFE Board Member.

 

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Podcast #4 – High blood pressure, small vessel disease and stroke https://strokeprevention.info/podcast/podcast-4-high-blood-pressure-small-vessel-disease-and-stroke/ Thu, 12 Sep 2019 13:15:13 +0000 https://strokeprevention.info/?p=1506 Europe is ageing and stroke is (still) predominantly happening to older people. Cerebral small vessel disease, a condition affecting small blood vessels in our brains is often called ‘the most common aging brain problem that you may have never heard of’. However, it is related to stroke (SVDs account for more than 30% of strokes) […]

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Europe is ageing and stroke is (still) predominantly happening to older people. Cerebral small vessel disease, a condition affecting small blood vessels in our brains is often called ‘the most common aging brain problem that you may have never heard of’.

However, it is related to stroke (SVDs account for more than 30% of strokes) and it would be beneficial for people to know more about it. SAFE spoke with Dr Alastair Webb, neurologist from University of Oxford about this condition and what is the relation between SVDs, high blood pressure and stroke.

 

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Podcast #3 – Three-dimension view on stroke https://strokeprevention.info/podcast/podcast-3-three-dimension-view-on-stroke/ Thu, 12 Sep 2019 13:12:39 +0000 https://strokeprevention.info/?p=1490 Stroke can happen to anyone, anytime. We spoke with Hrvoje Jurlina, MD, who has a unique perspective on stroke, being a medical professional, a young stroke survivor and a caregiver who recently lost his father to stroke. Hrvoje Jurlina is the Second Vice-President of Croatian Stroke Society, which is a SAFE member.

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Stroke can happen to anyone, anytime. We spoke with Hrvoje Jurlina, MD, who has a unique perspective on stroke, being a medical professional, a young stroke survivor and a caregiver who recently lost his father to stroke. Hrvoje Jurlina is the Second Vice-President of Croatian Stroke Society, which is a SAFE member.

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Podcast #2 – Stroke Prevention https://strokeprevention.info/podcast/podcast-2-stroke-prevention/ Thu, 12 Sep 2019 13:10:40 +0000 https://strokeprevention.info/?p=1468 Why is stroke so difficult to prevent even when we know which risk factors are responsible for around 90% of strokes? SAFE had a conversation about it with Dr Edo Richard, neurologist at the Radboud University medical center in Nijmegen, Netherlands. Dr Richard was the Chair of the 1st Domain Working Group – The Primary Prevention, […]

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Why is stroke so difficult to prevent even when we know which risk factors are responsible for around 90% of strokes? SAFE had a conversation about it with Dr Edo Richard, neurologist at the Radboud University medical center in Nijmegen, Netherlands. Dr Richard was the Chair of the 1st Domain Working Group – The Primary Prevention, within the Stroke Action Plan for Europe 2018-2030.

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Podcast #1 – Stroke and Women https://strokeprevention.info/podcast/podcast-1-stroke-and-women/ Thu, 12 Sep 2019 13:09:02 +0000 https://strokeprevention.info/?p=1440 Stroke is No. 1 cause of mortality in women in most countries. Some people say it’s because of statistics- we live longer than men. Does this mean that nothing can be done about it? Jelena Misita, SAFE Awareness and Advocacy Manager had an interview with Valeria Caso, MD, PhD, FESO. Valeria Caso is a stroke […]

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Stroke is No. 1 cause of mortality in women in most countries. Some people say it’s because of statistics- we live longer than men. Does this mean that nothing can be done about it?

Jelena Misita, SAFE Awareness and Advocacy Manager had an interview with Valeria Caso, MD, PhD, FESO. Valeria Caso is a stroke neurologist at the University of Perugia Stroke Unit and she is a past ESO President.

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SAFE LAUNCHES A WEBSITE FOR STROKE PREVENTION https://strokeprevention.info/media-releases/safe-launches-a-website-for-stroke-prevention/ Thu, 12 Sep 2019 13:08:28 +0000 https://strokeprevention.info/?p=1417 The post SAFE LAUNCHES A WEBSITE FOR STROKE PREVENTION appeared first on StrokePrevention.info.

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Reliable, easy to use information on 10 modifiable stroke risk factors all in one place: www.strokeprevention.info

Brussels, 17/09/2018: A SAFE-owned website on stroke prevention and modifiable stroke risk factors goes live today at www.strokeprevention.info.
“We know from the INTERSTROKE study that 10 modifiable risk factors are responsible for 90% of strokes. Our goal is to increase awareness and behaviour change by creating an online resource that will collate all relevant information on the most common risk factors such as: hypertension, low physical activity, poor diet, obesity, smoking, disturbed cholesterol metabolism, heart disease, alcohol, stress and diabetes.”- said Jon Barrick, the President of SAFE.

This website is a platform which contains all the relevant information on stroke risk factors in an easy and simple format for a range of audiences. All information presented here are in a form appropriate for people with busy lifestyles, unable to digest too much detail at one time, as well as people with disabilities.

Prior to developing this website, our research showed that it was difficult to find consistent and coherent information about stroke prevention in one place online. The problem is that the information is spread across a vast range of different locations: websites, blogs, news portals and e- documents. In addition, many of them are not in a format appropriate for people with disabilities, for example sight impairment.

Note: This website is developed and owned by Stroke Alliance for Europe – SAFE, supported by an educational grant from AMGEN. SAFE retains full editorial control over the content of this website.

About SAFE

The Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) a non-profit-making organisation formed in 2004. It is the voice of stroke patients in Europe, representing a range of patient groups from 30 European countries. SAFE’s goal is to decrease the number of strokes in Europe by advocating for better prevention, access to adequate treatment, post-stroke care and rehabilitation.
For more information about SAFE, please visit www.safestroke.eu.

About Amgen

Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology. Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.
For more information, visit www.amgen.com and follow www.twitter.com/amgen.

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5 Food Swaps to Reduce Your Risk of Stroke https://strokeprevention.info/risk-factor-obesity/5-food-swaps-to-reduce-your-risk-of-stroke/ Thu, 12 Sep 2019 10:50:19 +0000 https://strokeprevention.info/?p=340 As obesity continues to rise, so too does the incidence of stroke. But we can all do our bit to counteract this threat to our health by eating a diet full of fruit and vegetables, and by maintaining a healthy weight. Here are a few top tips on what to eat to lower your risk […]

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As obesity continues to rise, so too does the incidence of stroke. But we can all do our bit to counteract this threat to our health by eating a diet full of fruit and vegetables, and by maintaining a healthy weight. Here are a few top tips on what to eat to lower your risk of heart disease and/or stroke.

 

  1. Swap beef for low-fat turkey

Reducing the amount of fat you eat, especially the saturated kind, is associated with a lower risk of stroke (1). Avoid all the obvious foods such as butter, cheese, cakes and curry, and make a few simple swaps. For instance, using turkey mince instead of beef in your spaghetti Bolognese will help to reduce calories and fat content.

 

  1. Swap crisps for cholesterol-busting nuts

High cholesterol and obesity go hand in hand. Cholesterol is produced naturally by the body but is also found in many of the snacks we love to eat. It’s always worth having a few healthy snacks in at home, to help you resist the usual temptations. Unsalted nuts, such as walnuts and hazelnuts, are a good alternative to crisps, as they contain monounsaturated fats which are associated with a lower risk of stroke (2).

 

  1. Swap tomato ketchup for a low-salt sauce

Studies show that diets low in sodium, such as the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, are likely to reduce stroke risk (3). Many of the processed foods we eat contain high quantities of salt – but most of the time, you’ll find low-salt alternatives in your local supermarket. Swapping condiments, such as tomato ketchup, soy sauce and mustard for healthier options is an easy way to reduce the amount of salt you eat.

 

  1. Swap sweetened drinks for low-sugar varieties

We’ve all read the reports about popular fizzy drinks being laden with sugar – some containing as many as 13 teaspoons per 330ml can. Sugar-sweetened drinks containing caffeine not only make you put on weight, but also have a negative effect on your brain, and have been linked to stroke and dementia (4). Changing your favourite beverage to a sugar-free alterative will help to control your weight and reduce your risk of health problems.

 

  1. Swap fatty meat for healthy vegetables

If you want to lose weight, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables should be part of your healthy eating plan. As well as being naturally low in fat, the more you consume, the more beneficial nutrients you receive, including potassium, magnesium and fibre which may lower your risk of heart disease and stroke (3). You could try swapping one of your meat-based meals each week to a vegetarian alternative, as a low intake of animal protein has also been linked with a decreased stroke risk (5).

 

References

  1. Zhou-Qing Kang, Ying Yang, Bo Xiao. Dietary saturated fat intake and risk of stroke: Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2020 Feb 10 and 10.1016/j.numecd.2019.09.028., 30(2):179-189. doi:.
  2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000785.htm, 2. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Facts about Monounsaturated Fats. 26 May 2020.
  3. Stacey Colino. DASH diet for High Blood Pressure. Expert reviewed Jackie Newgent, R.D.N. Forbes Health. August 10, 2021.
  4. Cureus., Anjum l et al. Sugar Beverages and Dietary Sodas Impact on Brain Health: A Mini Literature Review. and 10.7759/cureus.2756., 10 (6): e2756. Jun 2018.
  5. Megu Y. Baden et al. Quality of Plant-Based Diet and Risk of Total, Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke. Neurology. First published March 10, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000011713.

 

Updated February 2022

New review 2024

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5 Easy Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure https://strokeprevention.info/risk-factor-high-blood-pressure/5-easy-ways-to-lower-your-blood-pressure/ Thu, 12 Sep 2019 10:47:18 +0000 https://strokeprevention.info/?p=204 5 easy ways to lower your blood pressure Health experts now know high blood pressure is the biggest single risk factor for stroke. Blood is carried around the body by the arteries. If blood pressure is too high, it puts a strain on your blood vessels, including the ones leading to your brain, which could […]

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5 easy ways to lower your blood pressure

Health experts now know high blood pressure is the biggest single risk factor for stroke. Blood is carried around the body by the arteries. If blood pressure is too high, it puts a strain on your blood vessels, including the ones leading to your brain, which could lead to stroke. However, there are some simple changes we can make to lower blood pressure and reduce our risk of stroke (1).

 

  1. Take medication

There are many different types of medication that can be used to lower high blood pressure. You may have to take this for the rest of your life, or you might come off it if your blood pressure lowers as a result of a change in diet and/or lifestyle. Some of the most common prescribed drugs are called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors. These work by increasing the amount of blood your heart pumps and raising blood flow, which helps to lower your heart’s workload and bring your blood pressure down (1) (2).

 

  1. Change your lifestyle

Several different lifestyle factors contribute to high blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke. Some simple changes you can make include introducing more exercise, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol. Binge drinking or regularly consuming more than the recommended amount per week is also known to contribute to high blood pressure, so try not to drink to excess (1).

 

  1. Improve your diet

People who eat a lot of salt, and not enough potassium (found in bananas and other foods), are more likely to have high blood pressure. Try not to add extra salt to your food – and avoid convenience foods that already have a lot of salt added. It’s important to maintain a healthy weight as obesity also increases your risk of stroke, so stick to a good diet which includes five portions of fruit and vegetables a day (3).

 

  1. Get regular checks

It’s important to be aware of what your blood pressure should be, based on your age and sex. A normal blood pressure level is 120/80 mmHg or less. Make sure you regularly have it checked to detect and treat high blood pressure. Starting at age 18, everyone should have their blood pressure measured regularly, at least once every five years, and every year for those with an increased risk of high blood pressure. Both arms should be tested to see if there is a difference (4).

 

  1. Look after yourself

People who suffer from chronic conditions (problems that need to be managed over a long period of time) can have a greater risk of developing high blood pressure. These conditions include as kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnoea. Keeping on top of other health issues and your general health by reducing stress and getting at least six hours of sleep a night can also help to reduce your risk of high blood pressure and stroke (1).

References

  1. https://www.stroke.org/-/media/stroke-files/lets-talk-about-stroke/risk-factors/stroke-and-high-blood-pressure-ucm_493407.pdf?la=en#:~:text=High%20blood%20pressure.
  2. https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/medicine-ace-inhibitors. Medically reviewed by James Beckerman, MD, FACC. 2020 Aug 24.
  3. Andrea Grillo et al. Sodium intake and hypertension. 2019 Aug 21. doi:10.3390/nu11091970.
  4. Paul Muntner et. al. Measurement of blood pressure in humans: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Originally published 4 Mar 2019.https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/HYP.0000000000000087.

 

Updated February 2022

Next review 2024

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