New strategies help patients manage stroke risk

Every 45 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Like a thief in the night, stroke strikes suddenly, potentially stealing speech, causing paralysis, and changing one's life forever. Scientists working in laboratories, offices, and clinical settings around the world, however, are searching for clues to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. These millions of hours of energy each year have fueled an explosion of research identifying new and effective strategies for preventing and treating these diseases. Amazing progress has been made.

In 2006, a study of more than 37,000 women age 45 or older participating in the Women’s Health Study found that a healthy lifestyle consisting of abstinence from smoking, low BMI, moderate alcohol consumption, regular exercise, and healthy diet were associated with a significantly reduced risk of total and ischemic stroke, which accounts for 87 percent of all strokes. Other studies and clinical trials are producing similar findings, with discoveries being made literally every day of the week that may make a difference to someone.

This Information Center will help you learn more about the cadre of researchers and clinicians who are collaborating to understand how stroke works, how it can be prevented and how it can be treated. For the latest headlines about stroke-related research, check out the links featured under What's Hot. For an introduction to the biology of strokes, visit The Basics section. And get access to additional resources, such as books and helpful links, under Learn More.

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