Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) is an extremely dangerous disease with a high fatality rate upon onset. Fortunately, many actions have been scientifically proven to be effective in prevention. Specifically, “Smoking Cessation” and “Strict Blood Pressure Management” are the most powerful strategies to reduce the risk of SAH by more than half.
SAH Prevention Ranking: Actions That Can “Almost Certainly Reduce” Risk Rank Prevention Method SAH Risk Reduction Specific Action Steps (What you can start today) 1 Complete Smoking Cessation (Including e-cigarettes)Approx. 70–80% ↓(Most Powerful! ) Zero cigarettes starting today. Use smoking cessation clinics + nicotine gum/patches. 2 Keep Blood Pressure Below 130/80 mmHg Approx. 50–60% ↓ Measure BP every morning at home. Start medication immediately if the 2-week average is ≥135. 3 Treat Unruptured Aneurysms Before Rupture Almost 100% Prevention Get a Brain Checkup (MRA) at least once when you turn 40. 4 Moderate Alcohol Consumption (Women ≤12g/day, Men ≤25g/day)Approx. 30–40% ↓ Limit to one gou (180ml) of sake per day. Have two completely alcohol-free days per week. 5 Drink 3–4 Cups of Coffee Daily Approx. 20–30% ↓(Surprising New Fact ) Black, caffeinated coffee is fine. 6 Consume ≥400g of Vegetables/Fruits Daily Approx. 20% ↓ Banana + vegetable juice in the morning, salad at night. 7 Treat Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS) Approx. 25% ↓ If you snore heavily, get a sleep test → Use CPAP if apnea is confirmed.
“Must-Do Today” Checklist Based on Your Situation Your Situation Absolute Action to Start Today (Priority) Age 40+ with family history (parent/sibling) of SAH Book a Brain Checkup (MRA + Neck MRA) within 1 year → Immediate treatment if an unruptured aneurysm is found. Smoker (even 1 cigarette a day) Make today your last day. Use smoking cessation clinics + Chantix or nicotine patch. Blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg Buy a home BP monitor → Measure every morning. If 2-week average is ≥135, consult Internal Medicine/Neurosurgery immediately. Drinking ≥1 large bottle of beer or ≥2 gou of sake daily Reduce intake by half this week → Limit to 1 gou next month. Heavy snoring / sleepy during the day Get a simple sleep test (home kit available) → Use CPAP if apnea is present. Woman aged 30–50s who has never had a Brain Checkup Get an MRA at least once this year (Women have 2x the risk!).
Latest Prevention Topics in 2025 New Fact / New Technology Effect Coffee/Green Tea Habit ≥3 cups/day reduces risk by approx. 30% (JPHC Study 2024). SGLT2 Inhibitors (e.g., Jardiance)Expected SAH prevention effect due to BP lowering + vascular protection (Consult with a doctor). Wearable BP Monitor + AI App Automatically detects nighttime hypertension → Prevents early morning aneurysm rupture. Genetic Testing (e.g., 9p21)Identifies individuals with a 10x risk → Recommend Brain Checkup starting at age 30.
Daily Routine to Drastically Reduce SAH Risk Time Action Morning: Measure BP → Drink 1 cup of coffee. Noon: Lunch box rich in vegetables. Evening: Limit alcohol to 1 gou of sake (or non-alcoholic beer). Before Bed: Measure BP → Absolutely do not smoke.
By maintaining this routine, your risk of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in 10 years will be reduced to less than one-fifth .
