New approaches to fight risk factors for stroke

Recent guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA) provide new ways of combating some established risk factors for stroke. For example, the organizations now recommend that people with high blood pressure—a major risk factor for stroke—lower it by consuming at least 4,700 milligrams (mg) of potassium per day and restricting sodium (salt) intake to no more than 2,300 mg per day. In addition, individuals with diabetes should control their blood pressure and perhaps take cholesterol-lowering statin drugs as well. The guidelines also endorse low-dose aspirin for high-risk women who have never had a stroke, provided the drug’s use does not present potential outstanding disadvantages for the individual woman. And, doctors are urged to evaluate people for sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep), as sleep apnea treatment can lower blood pressure. (AHA and ASA)