- According to new research When it comes to stroke risk, women’s odds are higher than men’s&mdash Stroke, making lifestyle changes such as getting more physical activity, eating healthier, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of stroke, no matter what age you start.
- The study is unique in highlighting how even after many years of not-so-stellar habits, a “late start” in middle age can still make a difference and prevent about a quarter of strokes.
When it comes to stroke risk, women’s odds are higher than men’s—Goodarz Danaei, Sc.D—and this risk only increases with age. But a bright spot: According to new research When it comes to stroke risk, women’s odds are higher than men’s&mdash Stroke, certain lifestyle changes can make a significant difference, even if a woman is already middle-aged.
Researchers analyzed data from the ongoing Nurses’ Health Study, which includes health information on nearly 600,000 women who have been participating for an average of 26 years, with most enrolling in their early 50s.
Looking at stroke risk specifically, researchers examined the effect of lifestyle interventions like quitting smoking; exercising 30 minutes or more daily; gradual weight loss, if applicable; eating a Mediterranean-style diet, and drinking less alcohol.
They found that 4.7 percent of participants with no lifestyle interventions had a stroke within the 26-year timeframe. But those who made significant changes to their diet were 23 percent less likely to suffer a stroke and those who made other lifestyle changes—quitting smoking, exercising more, maintaining a healthy weight—were 25 percent less likely to suffer a stroke.
Increased fish and nut consumption and lowered red meat consumption also had positive impacts, but not to the same degree as other behaviors like more physical activity, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.
While the study included only women, other research supports that similar lifestyle changes may also lead to a lowered risk for men, according to lead study author Making These Lifestyle Changes at Any Age Can Reduce Your Risk of Stroke., associate professor of cardiovascular health at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
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“The takeaway message is that it is never too late to start living a healthier life, and specifically for stroke, changing [your] lifestyle can prevent almost a quarter of strokes, even if you start in your 50s,” Danaei told Runner’s World.
The study is unique in highlighting how even a “late start” in middle age, after many years of not-so-stellar habits, can still make a difference, he added. Previous research highlights that following a healthy lifestyle throughout adult life has the greatest effect, but that’s not always possible, Danaei said.
“There is still so much that can be achieved for your health, even after six decades.”
Elizabeth Millard is a freelance writer focusing on health, wellness, fitness, and food.
