This week, experts have identified new potential risks and released updated recommendations aimed at preventing strokes, which remain one of the main causes of death and disability in the U.S.

For the first time in ten years, health professionals from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association have published major updates to their guidelines. The report, released on Monday, emphasizes the effects of Ozempic, along with other GLP-1 medications and hormones used in gender-affirming treatments, while also outlining gender-specific stroke risks.

Dr. M. Shazam Hussain, who leads the Cerebrovascular Center at the Cleveland Clinic’s Neurological Institute, mentioned that this study provides an opportunity to enhance public understanding of strokes and “help make our communities healthier.”

Ozempic, GLP-1 Medications, and Stroke Risks

The updated guidelines recommend that healthcare providers consider prescribing Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications to lower stroke risk in diabetic patients who are also at a higher risk of heart disease.

The new recommendations are based on data from the previous year, which indicated that the weight-loss medication Wegovy could help decrease stroke risk. The study found that patients with a body mass index (BMI) categorized as “overweight” or “obese” experienced a 20% reduction in the risk of heart attack and stroke when taking the drug.

This report, backed by the drug’s manufacturer Novo Nordisk, also led to the FDA approving Wegovy in March for lowering the chances of strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular issues.

Tailored Guidance for Men and Women

Notably, this report presents specific recommendations for men and women for the first time in the history of AHA and ASA’s stroke prevention guidance.

Hussain pointed out that historically, all individuals were treated as a monolith, assuming that stroke risk factors for men applied equally to women, which was not accurate.

For women, the report notes that factors such as pregnancy, endometriosis, and menopause can elevate stroke risk. Although hormonal birth control also raises this risk, research indicates that stroke occurrence is lower among women using it compared to during pregnancy.

Furthermore, the report draws attention to the use of testosterone in men aged 45 to 80, pointing out it may be linked to an increased risk of stroke. While studies have shown mixed findings regarding testosterone’s effects, the FDA issued a warning in 2015 about its possible increased risk of strokes and heart attacks, as noted by the authors.

The authors also mention that individuals taking estrogen for gender-affirming care might face a heightened stroke risk, though research in this area is sparse due to a lack of studies on transgender and gender-diverse populations.