A new study has revealed that three risk factors are associated with severe strokes, two of which can be managed by lifestyle changes. The research, published this week in the Neurology journal, analysed data collected between 2007 and 2015 as part of the INTERSTROKE study.
This global study involved patients from 142 centres across 32 countries who were asked standardised questions to assess their stroke risk factors. A total of 13,460 stroke patients were observed, with cases divided into those who had experienced a severe stroke and those with a milder stroke.
A six-point scale was used to measure the degree of disability in patients. Ultimately, it was found that three factors significantly increased the risk of a severe stroke, two of which can be controlled through behavioural changes.
Dr Catriona Reddin, the first study author, told CNN: "This study looked at the association between modifiable risk factors with severe and mild-moderate stroke. Three risk factors — high blood pressure, smoking and atrial fibrillation (which is an irregular heart rhythm) were linked with higher risk of severe compared to mild-moderate stroke. This emphasises the importance of managing these risk factors, along with other risk factors of stroke.”
This highlights the importance of not smoking and managing blood pressure through a healthy and balanced diet. Previous research has linked obesity, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol to strokes - backing up the new study's findings.
Dr Reddin, who is geriatric medicine specialist registrar at University Hospital Galway and research fellow at University of Galway in Ireland, added: "Our study highlights that some risk factors are particularly important for severe stroke. We hope that hearing the results of our study may emphasise the importance of managing risk factors of stroke."
Symptoms of a stroke
According to the NHS, the main symptoms of a stroke can happen suddenly. They may include:
- face weakness – one side of your face may droop (fall) and it might be hard to smile
- arm weakness – you may not be able to fully lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm
- speech problems – you may slur your words or sound confused
The easiest way to remember these symptoms is the word FAST. This stands for: face, arms, speech and time to call 999.
Other symptoms of a stroke
There are other signs that you or someone else is having a stroke. These include:
- weakness or numbness down 1 side of your body
- blurred vision or loss of sight in 1 or both eyes
- finding it difficult to speak or think of words
- confusion and memory loss
- feeling dizzy or falling over
- a severe headache
Symptoms of a stroke can sometimes stop after a short time, so you may think you're OK. Even if this happens, get medical help straight away. A stroke is more likely to happen if you're older, but it can happen at any age.
If you think you're having, or have had a stroke, or have had signs of a stroke within the last 24 hours even if they've now stopped, you should call 999.