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Factors Predominantly Connected with Severe Stroke Outcomes

Severe strokes can drastically alter one's life, with recovery often impossible. Act promptly to manage the primary risk factor associated with severe strokes.

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A mild stroke might serve as a warning sign. However, a severe stroke drastically alters one's...
A mild stroke might serve as a warning sign. However, a severe stroke drastically alters one's life, usually irreversibly. Act swiftly to tackle the principal risk associated with severe stroke before it's too early.

Factors Predominantly Connected with Severe Stroke Outcomes

A stroke might appear as an unexpected and unforeseen event, yet numerous factors are known to contribute to its occurrence. Fortunately, many of these conditions often display obvious signs well in advance, and can be addressed through lifestyle changes or medication.

One study from the University of Galway in Ireland has identified certain conditions that can lead to severe stroke, and the single most important modifiable risk factor.

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Let's first review the differences among the three types of stroke: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a "mini-stroke."

The majority of strokes are ischemic, during which the arteries supplying blood to the brain become blocked by a clot or severe narrowing. Plaque can break off the walls of a blood vessel and can cause this blockage.

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery in the brain ruptures or leaks, causing excess pressure in the skull and swelling of the brain, resulting in damage to brain cells and tissues.

A TIA is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain caused by a blood clot. Although TIAs can resolve on their own and usually cause no permanent damage, prompt medical attention is crucial when one occurs, as it serves as a warning sign of an impending full stroke.

The Galway study has pinpointed the risk factors that not only increase stroke risk but also may lead to more severe strokes, defined as outcomes ranging from being unable to walk or care for oneself without assistance, requiring constant nursing care, or death. A mild or moderate stroke was defined as having less severe outcomes, such as no symptoms or requiring some assistance with personal care, but being able to walk without needing another person's help.

The research consisted of 26,948 individuals aged 62 on average from 32 countries, half of whom experienced a stroke. Researchers compared the importance of risk factors for severe stroke and mild to moderate stroke to those who did not suffer a stroke, as well as comparing the importance of risk factors in individuals with stroke, especially focusing on those with severe stroke compared to mild to moderate stroke.

After examining the data, it was found that:

  • 74% of those with severe stroke had high blood pressure, compared to 72% of those with mild to moderate stroke.
  • 11% of those with severe stroke had atrial fibrillation compared to 9% of those with mild to moderate stroke.
  • People who smoked were 1.9 times more likely to have severe stroke and 1.7 times more likely to have mild to moderate stroke than people who did not smoke.
  • People with atrial fibrillation were 4.7 times more likely to have severe stroke and 3.6 times more likely to have mild to moderate stroke than people without atrial fibrillation.

After adjusting for age, sex, country, and type of stroke, researchers found that:

  • People with high blood pressure were 3.2 times more likely to have a severe stroke and 2.9 times more likely to have a mild to moderate stroke than people without high blood pressure.
  • People with atrial fibrillation were 4.7 times more likely to have severe stroke and 3.6 times more likely to have mild to moderate stroke than people without atrial fibrillation.

So, what can you control? Based on the data, high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke, followed closely by atrial fibrillation and smoking. However, these three factors often go hand in hand, as high blood pressure is a major risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation, and smoking contributes to high blood pressure.

In summary, here are the beginnings of a stroke-avoidance plan:

  • Avoid smoking and, if you do, seek help to quit.
  • Consult a doctor regularly to monitor blood pressure and consider investing in a high-quality at-home monitor to track blood pressure outside of appointments.
  • Take steps to maintain a consistently healthy blood pressure range.

Adopting these measures will put you in a better position to avoid a stroke.

Editor's note: There are safe and natural ways to reduce your risk of blood clots, including a common 25-cent vitamin that acts as a natural blood thinner and a powerful herb that helps clear plaque. Discover these secrets and more for long-lived hearts by [clicking here for Hushed Up Natural Heart Cures and Common Misconceptions of Popular Heart Treatments!].

References:

Which risk factors are linked to having a severe stroke?* - Science Daily

Association of Vascular Risk With Severe vs Non-Severe Stroke* - Neurology

High blood pressure, atrial fibrillation and your risk of stroke* - heart.org

  • The Galway study identified high blood pressure as the single most important modifiable risk factor for severe strokes.
  • A TIA, or "mini-stroke," is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain and serves as a warning sign for an impending full stroke, which could be more severe.
  • Maintaining cardiovascular health through fitness and exercise, nutrition, and other health-and-wellness practices can help reduce the risk of both mild and severe strokes.

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