Tag: stroke

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Regional Variations Impact Stroke and Co-Morbidities

The study points out that the majority of public health researchers interpret the burden of stroke from a socio-economic perspective while biomedical researchers investigate stroke in isolation…reports Asian Lite News

A study conducted by the prestigious national institute  Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology ( RGCB) here has pointed out that while stroke has emerged as one of the leading causes of death globally, the genetic factors of different ethnic groups and regional disparities in co-morbidities play a critical role in influencing the burden of the disease.

Moinak Banerjee, who is associated with the Neurobiology Division of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) said the underlying genetic factors are very critical in determining and defining the regional variations in influencing stroke and its co-morbidities which, in turn, can define the burden of stroke.

“The findings of the study, one of the largest ever performed globally covering 204 countries, were based on the data collected from 2009-19 for stroke and its major co-morbid risk. A total of eleven diseases were studied, and these included overall stroke, its subtypes ischemic stroke (IS), intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), along with its co-morbid factors like ischemic heart disease (IHD), diabetes type 1 & type 2, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, high body mass index (BMI), and high LDL cholesterol,” said Banerjee.

The research, published in the prestigious biomedical publication eLife, demonstrated that metabolic risk in America and Europe and vascular risk in Asian and African regions are the major drivers for stroke risk, in proof that stroke and its co-morbid factors show strong regional disparities and ethnic and region-specific genetic factors.

“Co-morbidities in stroke can amplify the risk of stroke and its outcome. Stroke affected over 101 million people worldwide and caused over 6.55 million deaths in 2019, making it one of the leading causes of mortality,” added Banerjee.

The study points out that the majority of public health researchers interpret the burden of stroke from a socio-economic perspective while biomedical researchers investigate stroke in isolation.

“We demonstrate that the stroke and its co-morbid factors show strong regional disparities. Co-morbidities in stroke can amplify the risk of stroke and its outcome. Thus, prevention of stroke needs to mainly focus on the management of its co-morbid factors and reduce the burden of these factors,” it points out, signifying population-specific risk,” states the study

The study stressed the need for understanding the epidemiological observation of major conditions or their co-morbid conditions from its genetic viewpoint, which can help health policymakers understand the areas of concern.

RGCB Director Prof Chandrabhas Narayana said it is an important study that can significantly contribute to the prevention and management of stroke, as it views the disease from a population point of view.

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Loneliness Increases Stroke Risk by 56%, Study Finds

The study, published in the eClinicalMedicine journal, was based on 8,936 participants aged 50 and above who never had a stroke…reports Asian Lite News

Older adults who remain lonely for a prolonged period may be at 56 per cent higher risk of suffering a stroke, according to a new study on Tuesday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2023 declared loneliness as a pressing global health threat with a mortality effect equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

While previous research has linked loneliness to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, the new study by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, US, examined the association between loneliness changes and stroke risk over time.

The “study suggests loneliness may play an important role in stroke incidence, which is already one of the leading causes of long-term disability and mortality worldwide,” said lead author Yenee Soh, research associate in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

The study, published in the eClinicalMedicine journal, was based on 8,936 participants aged 50 and above who never had a stroke.

The results showed that participants lonely for a short duration had a 25 per cent higher risk of stroke. However, those in the “consistently high” loneliness group had a 56 per cent higher risk of stroke than those in the “consistently low” group, even after accounting for a broad range of other known risk factors.

In the study, people experiencing loneliness at one time had higher stroke risk, and those who experienced remitting or recent onset loneliness did not show a clear pattern of increased risk of stroke.

It “suggests that loneliness’ impact on stroke risk occurs over the longer term,” the researchers said.

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Lack of Awareness Puts Lives at Risk

In simple terms, the sooner the blockage causing the stroke is cleared, the less damage occurs. Among the primary treatments for stroke is Thrombolytic therapy, also known as clot-busting therapy…writes Dr Pawan Ojha

A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood flow to a part of your brain is stopped or reduced, leading to a rapid death of brain cells. In stroke care, the term “Golden Hour” refers to the critical 4.5 hours immediately following the onset of stroke symptoms. Acting swiftly within this timeframe is vital as it can significantly improve the chances of recovery and minimize permanent damage to the brain. A recent study by Boehringer Ingelheim India revealed that only 22 percent of respondents were aware of the risks and signs of a brain stroke, with awareness about treatment options dropping even lower, to just 10 percent.

The Golden Hour in Stroke Treatment: The lack of awareness concerning stroke risks, symptoms, and treatment options gravely impacts the efficient utilization of the Golden Hour. When individuals fail to recognize the early signs of a stroke, precious moments within this critical window are lost, diminishing the chances for a full recovery and minimizing the damage. This 4.5-hour window becomes a race against the clock, where each passing moment can have a huge impact on recovery results. It’s like a ticking clock where timely actions can halt or even reverse the damage, much like watering a wilting plant just in time to revive it. Swift diagnosis using MRI and CT Scans during this period allows medical professionals to ascertain the extent and location of the stroke, facilitating a tailored and effective treatment plan. This prompt action could dramatically alter the patient’s journey, potentially transitioning from a scenario of enduring long-term impairments to regaining a substantial, if not complete, quality of life.

Science of Stroke Care: In simple terms, the sooner the blockage causing the stroke is cleared, the less damage occurs. Among the primary treatments for stroke is Thrombolytic therapy, also known as clot-busting therapy. It involves administering a drug that dissolves the blood clots obstructing blood flow to the brain. This therapy is most effective when initiated within the Golden Hour, as it dramatically improves the chances of a full recovery.

Another treatment for ischemic stroke is mechanical thrombectomy, where a device is used to physically remove the clot from the blood vessel, and antiplatelet agents like aspirin, help prevent further clotting by inhibiting platelet aggregation.

Advancements in Stroke Care: Recent developments in stroke care are forerunning a new era of enhanced interventions and better outcomes. Among these advancements, Intraoperative Digital Subtraction Angiography stands out, which is employed for real-time evaluation post-surgery to ensure procedural success[1]. Furthermore, in the face of a large area of the brain affected due to stroke, Osmotic Therapy has proven instrumental in managing cerebral edema and intracranial pressure, thereby potentially alleviating the severe outcomes associated with cerebral swelling[2]. These advancements, in conjunction with prompt action during the critical “Golden Hour,” play a vital role in enhancing the outlook and enhancing the well-being of individuals affected by strokes.

Recognizing and Reacting to Stroke: The mnemonic BE FAST is an easy way to remember common stroke symptoms and the necessary actions to take. It stands for Balance (loss of balance), Eyes (blurred vision), Face (face drooping), Arms (arm weakness), Speech (speech difficulty), and Time (time to call emergency services). Recognizing these signs early and seeking immediate medical attention within the Golden Hour can significantly improve outcomes.

The Golden Hour, extending 4.5 hours post the onset of stroke symptoms is a critical period where every second counts. A timely response, accurate diagnosis, and immediate medical intervention within this timeframe can significantly alter the course of recovery, potentially saving lives and reducing the long-term impact of stroke. Through education and awareness, we can better equip ourselves and our communities to act decisively in the face of this medical emergency, ultimately urging individuals and those around a person suffering a stroke to BE FAST in the Golden Hour.

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