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According to the Spanish Ministry of Health [1], stroke continues to be a public health problem worldwide, associated with high mortality and disability if not treated properly.
About 120,000 people suffer a stroke and around 25,000 die each year in Spain from this cause. Furthermore, it is a disease that brings with it enormous suffering and an impact on all spheres of life.
It is estimated that one in six people in the world will suffer a stroke during their lifetime, being the leading cause of disability in Europe and one of the main causes of death.
It can occur at any age. In fact, in recent years its incidence has increased by 25% in ages between 20 and 64 years, although it is more frequent after 65 years.
The disease, however, can be prevented: in up to 80-90% of cases, if action is taken in time on lifestyles and modifiable risk factors. The problem with these recommendations lies in the fact that many times people, when they feel well, do not take them into consideration at the time, and only remember them when a stroke of this type occurs.
But, in addition, the advancement of science is also showing us other alternative paths, such as detecting the degree of a person’s risk of suffering a stroke with a blood test.
A simple test can save a life
According to a new study from the University of California, Los Angeles (USA), published in the journal Stroke, a simple blood test could allow doctors to determine whether a person may be at increased risk of an accident. have an increased risk of stroke or cognitive impairment during stroke or cognitive impairment during their lifetime.
It is possible thanks to the measurement of the concentrations of a network of inflammatory molecules in the blood, which would allow a risk score calculation for suffering from cerebral small vessel disease, which is usually a common cause of strokes and which Furthermore, it impacts and contributes to cognitive deterioration.
The study has focused on a biologically connected network of inflammatory molecules (interleukin-18 or IL-18 network), which includes proteins and signaling molecules used to combat various infections.
Using blood samples and medical records from participants, specialists have created a mathematical model that generates a risk score based on concentrations of IL-18 network molecules. Of the more than 2,200 Framingham residents included in the study, those whose risk scores were in the top 25% had an 84% chance of suffering a stroke during their lifetime.
6 basic recommendations to prevent stroke
The recommendations of health authorities and professionals who help us prevent stroke are very similar to those they could recommend to control obesity or diabetes: they are key to leading a healthy life, ultimately. Adopting them will help our health to avoid a multitude of diseases and pathologies, including stroke.
The Spanish Society of Neurology[2] recommends that we follow its guidelines in this regard:
- Abstinence or cessation of smoking
- Cessation of excessive alcohol consumption
- Avoid exposure to chronic stress
- Avoid being overweight or obese
- Follow a Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil and nuts
- Practice regular physical activity