IN a comprehensive new study using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999 to 2020, researchers have identified strong links between specific lifestyle factors and the risk of stroke in U.S. adults. Smoking, larger waist circumference, and higher creatinine levels were associated with an increased likelihood of stroke, while vigorous physical activity appeared to offer significant protective benefits.
Analyzing data from 28,226 individuals, the team used weighted multivariate logistic regression to explore these relationships. Smoking was one of the strongest predictors of stroke, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.653 (95% CI, 1.310–2.084; p < 0.001), followed by waist circumference (OR = 1.010; 95% CI, 1.001–1.019; p = 0.046) and creatinine levels (OR = 1.400; 95% CI, 1.183–1.657; p < 0.001). Notably, engaging in vigorous activities such as exercise or recreational sports was associated with a lower stroke risk (OR = 0.572; 95% CI, 0.342–0.961; p = 0.037). To further explore causality, the researchers performed bidirectional two-sample and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. These methods confirmed a causal relationship between stroke and both smoking (OR = 1.237; 95% CI, 1.130–1.354) and waist circumference (OR = 1.239; 95% CI, 1.149–1.335). The findings suggest that efforts to reduce stroke risk should prioritize smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy waist size, and promoting vigorous physical activity. With stroke remaining a leading cause of disability and death in the U.S., these results offer actionable insight into how lifestyle changes could directly influence patient outcomes. Reference: Feng X et al. Lifestyle risk factors and stroke: findings from the national health and nutrition examination survey (1999-2020) and a Mendelian randomization analysis. Neurol Res. 2025 Apr:1-12.
