Experts advise that regular exercise can help prevent strokes by increasing muscle mass and reducing body weight, which in turn helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. (Image created by AI/ChatGPT)
SEOUL, April 6 (Korea Bizwire) — As South Korea confronts the growing burden of stroke in its rapidly aging population, new research underscores the crucial role of regular physical activity in preventing the deadly condition.
Stroke—caused by blocked or ruptured blood vessels in the brain—affects between 110,000 and 150,000 people annually in South Korea and leads to more than 26,000 deaths each year. The risk is escalating as the country advances deeper into super-aged society status. According to the Korean Stroke Society’s 2024 fact sheet, the proportion of stroke patients aged 85 and older more than doubled over the past decade, confirming the disease’s deepening link with old age.
In a study published this month in BMC Public Health, researchers from Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Public Health analyzed data from over 416,000 Korean adults surveyed in 2014 and 2016. They found that individuals who engaged in regular exercise had a stroke risk reduction ranging from 15.4% to 43.9%, depending on intensity and frequency of activity.
Only 22.5% of participants met the World Health Organization’s recommended physical activity guidelines—150–300 minutes of moderate exercise or 75–150 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. Nonetheless, those who did showed a significant advantage. Access to nearby exercise facilities was also found to be a key motivator in encouraging consistent activity.
The researchers suggested that regular exercise lowers stroke risk by boosting levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)—a protein that supports neural protection and blood vessel regeneration—while improving cardiovascular function by reducing arterial stiffness and blood pressure.
The Korean Stroke Society recommends adults engage in physical activity at least three to five times a week, for 30 minutes per session, totaling a minimum of 150 minutes weekly. Ideal forms of exercise include walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming. For beginners, low-to-moderate intensity that allows conversation during activity is advised. Individuals with hypertension or a history of stroke are cautioned to avoid exercising in cold weather or early mornings.
For diabetic patients on medication, blood sugar should be monitored prior to activity, with post-meal exercise—preferably 30 to 60 minutes afterward—recommended for optimal safety and effectiveness.
“Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity, helps regulate blood sugar, reduces blood pressure, and supports weight management—all of which lower stroke risk,” said Dr. Kim Tae-jung, a neurologist at Seoul National University Hospital. “Even without a dedicated workout routine, daily habits like taking the stairs or walking short distances can make a meaningful difference.”
As South Korea’s population continues to age heading into 2026, experts stress that proactive, everyday measures like regular exercise could be among the most cost-effective tools in curbing one of the nation’s most pressing public health threats.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
