A stroke is a serious condition that affects many people every year.
According to the U.S. health authorities at the CDC, nearly one in four strokes occurs in people who have already experienced the condition once before.
Research published in the journal Stroke also shows that a recurrent stroke often carries a greater risk of severe complications or death than the first.
As a result, researchers are working to find better treatments for patients who have already been affected.
Also read: Passion fruit gains attention among nutrition experts
New method being tested
Today, many patients receive blood-thinning medication or cholesterol-lowering treatment after a stroke. The challenge is that these medications can increase the risk of bleeding.
According to Parade, researchers have now examined a blood protein called factor XI. People with low levels of this protein appear to have a lower risk of developing blood clots.
Researchers have therefore developed a drug called asundexian, which targets this protein in a new way.
Results offer hope
A large international study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, involving more than 12,000 participants, showed that asundexian reduced the risk of new strokes by 26 percent compared with a placebo.
Also read: Ice packs may slow the healing process, study finds
The drug is now being evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If approved, it could reach the market in early 2027.
Experts stress, however, that a healthy diet, exercise, good sleep, and reduced tobacco use remain important in preventing strokes.
Sources: Parade, CDC, Stroke, and The New England Journal of Medicine.
Also read: 150 minutes of exercise a week may not be enough, study finds
Also read: These foods may help reduce your belly fat