EC Neurology

Introduction

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide, yet it is largely preventable. With the release of the 2024 Guideline for the Primary Prevention of Stroke by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, the landscape of stroke prevention has evolved to encompass a more holistic and inclusive approach. The updated guidelines emphasize not only traditional risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes but also address emerging threats like sedentary behavior, social determinants of health, and specific risk factors for vulnerable populations. This editorial explores the key strategies outlined in the 2024 guidelines and their potential to reshape how we approach stroke prevention in the years ahead. By combining medical advancements with a greater understanding of social, environmental, and behavioral influences on health, these guidelines offer a comprehensive framework to reduce stroke risk across diverse populations and improve long-term brain health for all.

1. Bushnell C., et al. “2024 guideline for the primary prevention of stroke: a guideline from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association”. Stroke12 (2024): e344-e424.