Stroke prevention news

Two different recent stories about stroke prevention...

Diet rich in antioxidants may cut stroke riskheheart.org

Women who eat an antioxidant-rich diet may significantly cut their stroke risk, particularly for those without a history of CVD, new research suggests.

The prospective study found that women with no history of CVD who consumed the highest amount of antioxidants in foods such as fruit, vegetables, tea, whole grains, and chocolate had 17% fewer strokes than those who ate the least amount. Among women with a history of CVD, those who consumed the most antioxidants had 45% fewer hemorrhagic strokes.

"This study suggests that eating a diet rich in antioxidants, especially from fruits and vegetables, may be of importance for stroke prevention," the study's lead author, Susanne Rautiainen (Karolinska Institutet, Sweden), said in an interview.

 (Chart from U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Stroke's teachable moment - NBC-2.com

It was his one and only stroke. To lower his chances of a second one, Al was forced to change his life.

"I was smoking the first time and then once you have the stroke you quit smoking. It's a drastic change and there's a lot of things that cause damage in your life and I've been fortunate enough that I've only had one stroke and one is enough."

About 25% of stroke victims will have another stroke within five years. But studies show following a set of established guidelines, aimed at prevention, can change the odds.