If you have a high genetic risk for stroke, does lifestyle matter? New research suggests that prioritizing healthy lifestyle to support cardiovascular health improves stroke risk, regardless of genetics.

Study Summary

The study, which included 11,568 middle‐aged adults, found that:

• Individuals who have poor cardiovascular health and higher genetic risk of stroke have the highest risk of stroke.
• Despite genetic risk of stroke, those who have optimal cardiovascular health due to modifying 7 risk factors (smoking status, physical activity, healthy diet, body mass index, total cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose levels) have a significantly decreased risk of stroke.

It is important to note that participants had a regular intermittent fasting routine of 5+ years.

The Hearty Take

This research suggests that regardless of genetics, individuals can impact stroke risk with healthy lifestyle choices. This is more evidence that genetics and epigenetics are both crucial in disease pathology. To better understand your genetics and how you can work with them to modify your risk of disease, reach out to us today. Remember, your genes are not your destiny.