A study by Monash University has revealed that lifestyle changes and medication are more effective at combating the risk of stroke than invasive procedures.
One of the leading causes of stroke is advanced carotid stenosis, a disease caused by the build-up of fatty deposits or plaques in the main artery that delivers blood to the brain.
According to Monash University, carotid stenosis affects 1 in 10 people by 80 and is the third-biggest cause of death, occurring when blood supply to the brain is restricted.
Analysing more than four decades of data relating to common treatments for carotid stenosis, a researcher from Monash University has found that surgery and stents have very limited impact, if any, in preventing stroke.
The analysis, which has been published in the open science journal, Frontiers in Neurology, reveals that lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and smoking cessation, have a significant impact on reducing stroke risk when combined with appropriate medication.
Study author, Associate Professor Anne Abbott from Monash University’s Central Clinical School says the findings dispel a common misconception that surgery or stenting is the best treatment for carotid artery stenosis. She says, these 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,” says Associate Professor Abbott.
“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.”
