An ischemic stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is restricted or cut off. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when there is bleeding in or around the brain. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is similar to an ischemic stroke, but occurs due to a more short-term blockage of blood flow to the brain.
Stroke is the fourth most common cause of death in the United States, according to the American Stroke Association. They also suggest that up to 80% of strokes are preventable.
Some recent studies have explored various factors that may help lower the risk of stroke.
For example, the Mediterranean diet may help reduce the likelihood of stroke in women, according to research published in Neurology Open Access. The Mediterranean diet focuses on plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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A study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26) in March 2026 suggests that the shingles vaccine may help reduce the risk of stroke. The study results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Additionally, the oral medication asundexian may reduce the risk of secondary stroke in people who have experienced an ischemic stroke or high risk TIA. This means it could help protect against an additional stroke.
Here’s what Medical News Today‘s coverage of these studies found.
A 2026 study published in Neurology Open Access looked at the possible benefits of the Mediterranean diet for reducing the risk of stroke in women.
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The research asked the 105,614 participants about their eating habits, and assigned them a Mediterranean diet score. A higher score meant that their diet was more closely aligned with that of the Mediterranean diet.
The research found that those who followed the Mediterranean diet or a similar diet had a reduced risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the greatest risk factor for stroke. However, diet can also play a significant role in blood pressure, with certain diets potentially helping lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of stroke.
While more research is necessary, this study suggests that focusing on a plant-based diet, with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, may help reduce the risk of stroke in some cases.
“Emphasis on extra-virgin olive oil, omega-3–rich fish, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds supports endothelial function, improves cholesterol quality, and helps regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation,” said Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a registered dietitian, who spoke to Medical News Today in an interview and was not involved in the study.
A recent study, the findings of which were presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26) in March 2026, looked at the effects of the shingles vaccine on heart health.
The study included 275,304 people who had received the shingles vaccine and 275,304 people who had not. It determined that people who had received the vaccine were less likely to experience major adverse cardiac events.
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However, as the study was observational, it cannot directly prove cause and effect for the shingles vaccine providing these benefits. The findings are also yet to be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
“We already recommend that all adults 50 and older receive the shingles vaccine. This study further supports this recommendation, especially in patients with established cardiovascular disease,” said Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, in an interview with MNT. Chen was not involved in the study.
Secondary stroke, or recurrent stroke, refers to a stroke that happens in somebody who has already had a stroke. Around 1 in 4 strokes in the United States each year are secondary ischemic strokes.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in April 2026 suggests that asundexian, an oral anticoagulant, may help reduce the risk of a second stroke in people who have experienced a noncardiometabolic ischemic stroke or high-risk TIA. “Noncardiometabolic” means that the blood clot or blockage formed outside of the heart.
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Asundexian works by inhibiting activated clotting factor XIa. This is a protein that plays a role in blood clots. Inhibiting the activity or factor XIa may help reduce blood clot formation, potentially lowering the risk of stroke.
“For about 50 years, the mainstay of secondary stroke prevention has been aspirin monotherapy. This represents the first significant improvement for most ischemic strokes apart from short-term use of dual antiplatelet therapy,” explained Ashkan Shoamanesh, MD, co‑principal investigator of the study and Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) senior scientist, in an interview with MNT.
If you’d like to read more about MNT’s coverage of these studies and explore them in detail, please visit our news hub.
