American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have released new Stroke prevention guidelines, with focus on pregnant women and those consuming GLP-1 drugs. Each year, over 140,000 Americans die from stroke. These new guidelines put spotlight on population with higher risk like women, especially those who had high blood pressure during pregnancy or entered menopause before age 45. In addition, new GLP-1 weight-loss drugs as an option for patients with diabetes, because this group has a greater risk for heart disease.A stroke is a disruption of blood flow to your brain. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds or when there's a blockage in the blood supply to the brain. This impedes the supply of blood, nutrients and oxygen to the brain, prompting brain cells to die within minutes. Stroke is the third largest cause of death in people, after heart attack and coronavirus. The number of people worldwide having a new stroke rose to 11.9 million in 2021—up by 70 per cent since 1990. Meanwhile, stroke-related deaths rose to 7.3 million—up by 44 per cent since 1990.Dr. Alexis Simpkins, an associate professor of neurology at Cedars-Sinai, explained that the goal of these guidelines is to improve brain health and ensure a better quality of life as people age. She emphasized the need for ongoing discussions between patients and healthcare providers to prevent primary strokes, particularly focusing on the management of high blood pressure. These guidelines also advocate for the Mediterranean diet, which includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, and healthy fats like olive oil.Who Are At High Risk? The new guidelines count women with early menopause, endometriosis, or pregnancy-related hypertension, transgender women receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy at high risk of getting stroke. The reasons behind this elevated risk are not fully understood and further research is needed. Social determinants of health, such as race, income, and access to healthcare, are also important factors in assessing stroke risk. What To Do When Someone Gets A Stroke?In case a person gets a stroke, taking quick action is the key. Medics recommend following the BE FAST method of assessment. Here are the details:Balance: Are they having trouble with balance or coordination?Eyes: Are they experiencing visual symptoms, like double vision or blurry vision?Face: Does one side of their face droop if they try to smile?Arms: Can they lift both arms or is one arm weak or numb?Speech: Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?Time: If any of the above symptoms are present, time to call 911 or your local emergency services.Key Prevention TipsAnyone can mitigate their risk of getting a stroke by taking steps to keep their brain healthy. You can-Stay connected and engaged in social bonds- Avoid tobacco use- Pay attention to your diet- Maintain regular physical activity- Prioritize good sleep hygiene- Monitor waist measurement- Keep track of cholesterol levels- Manage blood sugar levels- Control blood pressure