Lifestyle changes such as improving diet and increasing the amount of exercise, combined with medication, can be more effective in combating the risk of stroke than invasive surgery, according to a new study by Monash University in Melbourne.
One of the leading causes of stroke is carotid artery stenosis, a disease caused by the build-up of fatty deposits (plaques) in the main artery that delivers blood to the brain.
The disease affects one in 10 people by the age of 80 and is a major cause of stroke – the third-biggest cause of death, occurring when blood supply to the brain is restricted.
The result? The risk of a stroke in symptom-free patients with advanced carotid stenosis fell by at least 65 per cent to just one per cent or less in those using non-invasive measures alone. This is similar to, or lower than, the stroke rate in patients who underwent carotid surgery or stenting in past trials.
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he study’s author Associate Professor Anne Abbott, (pictured) from Monash University’s Central Clinical School, analysed more than four decades of data relating to common treatments for advanced carotid artery stenosis.
The result? The risk of a stroke in symptom-free patients with advanced carotid stenosis fell by at least 65 per cent to just one per cent or less in those using non-invasive measures alone. This is similar to, or lower than, the stroke rate in patients who underwent carotid surgery or stenting in past trials.
Assoc. Prof. Abbott said her findings dispel a common misconception that surgery or stenting is the best treatment for carotid artery stenosis, when the procedures often cause more harm than good.
“This is a widespread furphy that leads to inappropriate patient care, causing large-scale harm and premature death, while wasting vital health resources.
“People need to understand that they have the greatest power to prevent their own stroke. Healthy life habits, including physical activity, diet and quitting smoking, combined with appropriate medication, help mitigate major risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, and very effectively reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.”
Good to know that there is action you can take to reduce your stroke risk.
