Women and pressure .. New guidelines for stroke prevention
High blood pressure is one of the most dangerous diseases that threaten health
Recent amendments issued by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association to the stroke prevention guidelines focused on high-risk groups, including women, with an escalating approach to blood pressure management.
According to "Health Day", the recent amendments indicated that women, especially those who suffered from high blood pressure during pregnancy, or entered menopause before the age of 45, are among the most vulnerable to stroke.
Important tips for prevention
The amendments also suggested new GLP-1 weight loss medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, as an option for diabetics, because this group has a higher risk of heart disease.
Dr. Alexis Simpkin of Cedars-Sinai Hospital said: "The goal of these guidelines is to promote brain health and reduce the risk of individual stroke, so that we can all live healthy lives, with a great quality of life as we age."
The guidelines are intended to guide discussions between patients and healthcare providers to help prevent a first stroke.
Blood pressure problems
Simpkins noted the importance of controlling high blood pressure.
“Blood pressure goals are a little more important now than they used to be,” she said. “Maintaining a healthy weight and reducing salt intake are important, but many people need help with medications to achieve these goals. If one type of medication doesn’t work, providers and patients shouldn’t hesitate to add another.”
“The updated guidelines encourage people to follow a Mediterranean diet,” Simpkins added. “It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, and healthy fats like olive oil.”
Promoting women’s health
Simpkins noted that the new guidelines highlight groups at increased risk.
These groups include women with endometriosis, women whose ovaries stopped working before age 40, and pregnant women who developed high blood pressure during or immediately after pregnancy.
"We don't yet understand the reasons behind this increased risk, especially in cases of endometriosis and early menopause," Simpkins said, adding that more study is needed.
