CardioSource WorldNews | Page 11

Not-So-Secret Recipe for Reducing Stroke 10 The number of modifiable risk factors responsible for 9 out of 10 strokes worldwide. According to researchers the number of strokes worldwide would be reduced by the following percentages if these risk factors were eliminated: Don’t Blame Your Genes The possible over-estimation of the impact of genes on disease risk, according to recent findings in the journal Nature Genetics. These findings indicate that shared lifestyles and surroundings may play as strong a role as genetics in diseases that run in families. 47% Source: University of Edinburgh. News release. July 20, 2016. 48% if hypertension was eliminated 36% if people were physically active 27% if lipids were controlled 19% if diets were improved 12% if smoking was eliminated 9% if cardiac causes were reduced 6% if alcohol intake decreased 6% if stress was Student Athletes Not Necessarily Healthier Additionally, 20% were overweight and 14.8% had higher than normal blood pressure. These numbers are comparable to the general adolescent population. The percentage of student athletes in Philadelphia who were obese. 24% Source: Thomas Jefferson University. News release. August 17, 2016. A Little Exercise Goes a Long Way 25% The decreased risk of coronary heart disease in women under the age of 50 who worked out just 2.5 hours per week. Levels of physical activity do not have to be strenuous to be beneficial – activity such as brisk walking is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. Source: Circulation. News release. July 25, 2016. reduced 4% if diabetes risk decreased However, the ranking of these risk factors varies across regions. Source: Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) of McMaster University. News release. July 15, 2016. ACC.org/CSWN CardioSource WorldNews 9