scholarly journals Depression as the cause and consequence of cerebrovascular diseases

2007 ◽  
Vol 60 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 255-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara Rabi-Zikic ◽  
Marija Zarkov ◽  
Aleksandra Nedic ◽  
Petar Slankamenac ◽  
Zeljko Zivanovic ◽  
...  

Inbtroduction: Recent epidemiological, clinical, neuroimaging and neuropathological studies have reported substantial evidence on the complex interactive relationships between depression and cerebrovascular diseases, especially in older populations, and plausible explanations of the etiopathogenetic mechanisms in both directions have been proposed. Poststroke depression Although there is no general consensus regarding its prevalence, it is widely accepted that major depression after stroke is common and that it should be recognized as a key factor in rehabilitation and outcome following stroke. Vascular depression The "vascular depression" hypothesis presupposes that late-onset depression may often result from vascular damage to frontal-subcortical circuits implicated in mood regulation. This concept has stimulated many researches and the obtained results support the proposed hypothesis. Depression as a stroke risk factor Recent large studies have emphasized the role of depression per se in the development of subsequent stroke. Mechanisms proposed to explain the increased risk of cerebrovascular diseases in depressed patients There are a number of plausible mechanisms that could explain why depression may increase the risk of subsequent cerebrovascular disease, the most important being sympathoadrenal hyperactivity, platelet activation, an increase in inflammatory cytokines and an increased risk of arrhythmias. Conclusion: Thorough clinical examinations determining the conventional stroke risk factors in the population with depression, as well as management of depression as part of the overall measures for the reduction of cerebrovascular risk factors are of utmost importance.

Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
George Howard ◽  
Mary Cushman ◽  
Maciej Banach ◽  
Brett M Kissela ◽  
David C Goff ◽  
...  

Purpose: The importance of stroke research in the elderly is increasing as America is “graying.” For most risk factors for most diseases (including stroke), the magnitude of association with incident events decreases at older ages. Potential changes in the impact of risk factors could be a “true” effect, or could be due to methodological issues such as age-related changes in residual confounding. Methods: REGARDS followed 27,748 stroke-free participants age 45 and over for an average of 5.3 years, during which 715 incident strokes occurred. The association of the “Framingham” risk factors (hypertension [HTN], diabetes, smoking, AFib, LVH and heart disease) with incident stroke risk was assessed in age strata of 45-64 (Young), 65-74 (Middle), and 75+ (Old). For those with and without an “index” risk factor (e.g., HTN), the average number of “other” risk factors was calculated. Results: With the exception of AFib, there was a monotonic decrease in the magnitude of the impact across the age strata, with HTN, diabetes, smoking and LVH even becoming non-significant in the elderly (Figure 1). However, for most factors, the increasing prevalence of other risk factors with age impacts primarily those with the index risk factor absent (Figure 2, example HTN as the “index” risk factor). Discussion: The impact of stroke risk factors substantially declined at older ages. However, this decrease is partially attributable to increases in the prevalence of other risk factors among those without the index risk factor, as there was little change in the prevalence of other risk factors in those with the index risk factor. Hence, the impact of the index risk factor is attenuated by increased risk in the comparison group. If this phenomenon is active with latent risk factors, estimates from multivariable analysis will also decrease with age. A deeper understanding of age-related changes in the impact of risk factors is needed.


Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry M Congleton ◽  
Cristine W Small ◽  
Susan D Freeman

Background: Eastern North Carolina (ENC) stroke mortality is 12 percent higher than the rest of the state. Often, geographical and sociological barriers prevent people residing in our rural communities from seeking routine health care. Stroke risk factors are known. The purpose of this initiative is to reduce the stroke prevalence and mortality in ENC through community risk factors screening and education. Methods: Medical center volunteers’ staff the screening and volunteer hours are recorded in a community benefit database. Each participant completes a standardized evidenced based assessment. Information collected at each screening includes demographic data, cardiovascular history, knowledge of stroke/transient ischemia signs and symptoms. Clinical metrics obtained are finger stick for random lipid panel and blood glucose, body mass index, hip to waist ratio and carotid bruit screen. Based on the screening results, education, recommendations and referrals are reviewed with every participant. Results: From 2007-2010 the screening volume doubled. In 2011, there was a reduction in screening volume as our system hospitals expanded their community stroke outreach efforts. Approximately 4900 community screenings have been conducted from 2007-2011. Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol respectively are most frequently occurring stroke risks factor found, which is consistent with national trends. Stroke mortality has decreased in the region while transient ischemia attack admissions volume has increased at our certified primary stroke center and regional referral center. Conclusions: In conclusion, primary and secondary prevention through community outreach education, risk factors screening and regional collaboration has made a difference. The region has seen a decrease in stroke prevalence and mortality in ENC. Further reduction is necessary to continue to make an even greater impact. Future directions for the stroke risk factor identification screening is to further integrate community efforts and seeks grant opportunities to establish stroke prevention and management clinics throughout the region.


Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn M Aycock ◽  
Kenya D Kirkendoll ◽  
Kisha C Coleman ◽  
Karen C Albright ◽  
Anne W Alexandrov

Background & Purpose: Young to middle aged African Americans (AA) are at greater risk for a first-ever stroke, severe neurologic disability, and stroke-related mortality, than Caucasians of similar age; however, it remains unclear what role a family history of stroke (FHS) plays in promoting adoption of healthier lifestyles in this cohort. The purpose of this study was to explore differences between rural Stroke Belt AA with a FHS (e.g. parent/grandparent/sibling) on modifiable stroke risk factors, knowledge, perceived threat and perceived control of stroke, and exercise behaviors to AA without a FHS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted recruiting AA aged 19-54 from the Black Belt region of Alabama via a mobile health clinic. Participants’ perceptions, knowledge, exercise history/intent, physiologic data, and health history were recorded. Results: Participants (N=66) averaged 43.3+9.4 years, were 71% female, with at least 12 years of school (89%), and unemployed (62%). Common risk factors were insufficient exercise (76%), obesity (59%), hypertension (53%; blood pressure M=145+17.6/88.3+12.9), and cigarette smoking (38%). Participants with a FHS (n=33) did not differ on average number of risk factors compared to those without a FHS (FHS 2.8+1.4 vs. 2.2+1.5; t(64)= 1.73, p=.089), nor did they differ on physiologic data. However, participants with a FHS were more likely to report a history of hypertension (67%) compared to those without a FHS (33%; χ2 =4.93, p <.05). There were no significant differences between groups for knowledge of stroke risk factors, perceived threat and perceived control of stroke, or recent exercise performance, although participants with a FHS (3.4+1.2) had significantly lower future intentions to exercise compared to those without a FHS (3.9+0.8); t(64)=2.45, p<.05). Conclusions: Although FHS is a significant non-modifiable risk factor for stroke and was common in this young to middle-aged AA cohort, FHS did not drive perceived stroke risk, risk factor control, or current/future intentions to exercise. Identification of interventions designed to personalize FHS as a key stroke risk factor, while promoting lifestyle change and self-management, may play an important role in future primary stroke prevention.


2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wesley T. O'Neal ◽  
Hooman Kamel ◽  
Dawn Kleindorfer ◽  
Suzanne E. Judd ◽  
George Howard ◽  
...  

Background: It is currently unknown if premature atrial contractions (PACs) detected on the routine screening electrocardiogram are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Methods: We examined the association between PACs and ischemic stroke in 22,975 (mean age 64 ± 9.2; 56% women; 40% black) participants from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study. Participants who were free of stroke at baseline were included. PACs were detected from centrally read electrocardiograms at baseline. Cox regression was used to examine the association between PACs and ischemic stroke events through March 31, 2014. Results: PACs were present in 1,687 (7.3%) participants at baseline. In a Cox regression model adjusted for stroke risk factors and potential confounders, PACs were associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke (hazards ratio (HR) 1.34, 95% CI 1.04-1.74). The relationship was limited to non-lacunar infarcts (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.08-1.87), and not lacunar strokes (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.51-2.03). An interaction by sex was detected, with the association between PACs and ischemic stroke being stronger among women (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.29-2.56) than men (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.69-1.52; p-interaction = 0.0095). Conclusion: PACs detected on the routine electrocardiogram are associated with an increased risk for non-lacunar ischemic strokes, especially in women.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (7) ◽  

Introduction: Patients undergoing hemodialysis are at increased risk of stroke. However, less known about the impact of some of the stroke risk factors, and the value of stroke risk scores in determining the risk in those patients. Our main goal. To assess the risk factors for stroke in hemodialysis patients and the use of the new CHA2DS2-VASc score for stroke assessment. Methods: Single center, retrospective cohort study of 336 patients undergoing hemodialysis from June 24, 2018, to September 6, 2018, was recruited. Baseline demographics, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. We calculated the CHA2 DS2 -VASc score for stroke assessment in all patients and categorized them into high, moderate and low risk patients according to CHA2 DS2 - VASc score and subcategorized them to two groups atrial fibrillation (AFib) and Non- Atrial fibrillation (Non AFib) patients. Results: 336 patients were included in our study; the majority of patients were at high risk with a CHA2 DS2 -VASc Score mean of 2.9± 1.5, although history of stroke was observed only in 15 patients (4.46%). According to CHA2 DS2 - VASc score, 280 patients were at high risk, 172 (51.19%) were high-risk patients on treatment (anticoagulant or antiplatelet) and 108(32.14%) patients were high risk patients not on treatment 48 were at moderate risk (14.28%) and 8 were at low risk (2.38 %). Patients were divided into subgroups as non-AFib and AFib. In non-AFib patients 320 (95.23%), high-risk patients 103 (32.18%) were not treated; high-risk patients with treatment are 162 (50.62%), moderate patients were 47 (14.68%), 8(2.5%) was in low risk. AFib patients were 16 with a mean CHA2 DS2 -VASc score of 4.4±1.1. Patients with AFib were all at high risk except 1 was at moderate risk (6.25%). There were 11 (68.75%) patients on treatment and 5 (31.25%) patients not on treatment. The risk factors for stroke that were statistically significant in increasing score risk for all patients were: age > 65 (95% CI, -2.04– -1.29; p = 0.000), being female (95% CI, -1.36– -0.68; p = 0.000) hypertension (95% CI, -2.59– -1.37; p = 0.000), diabetes (95% CI, -2.10– -1.50; p = 0.000), CVD (95% CI, -2.07– -1.24; p=0.000), history of stroke or TIA (95% CI, -3.70– -2.03; p = 0.000), CHF or LVEF (95% CI, -2.28– - 0.91; p = 0.000). Conclusions: The risk of stroke in hemodialysis patients is significant according to the use of CHA2 DS2 -VASc score in Non-AFib hemodialysis patients shows supportive evidence of increased risk of stroke in those patients, which suggest the importance of close monitoring of patients with stroke risk factors by the nephrologist and the stroke team which will lead to the initiation of early prophylaxis in those patients.


Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil A Zakai ◽  
Suzanne E Judd ◽  
Leslie A McClure ◽  
Brett M Kissela ◽  
George Howard ◽  
...  

Background: Non-O blood type is associated with higher procoagulant proteins and potentially stroke. Prior studies may overestimate the association due to lack of control for race and stroke risk factors as there are known racial differences in blood type, conventional stroke risk factors, and stroke risk. Methods: REGARDS recruited 30,239 participants in their homes between 2003-07 from the continental US; 55% were female, 41% were black, and 56% lived in the southeast (by design). Using a case-cohort design, 553 participants with incident stroke and 991 participants without baseline stroke were genotyped to determine blood type. Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for race and Framingham or ARIC stroke risk factors were used to determine the association of blood type with incident stroke. Results: Blacks had a higher frequency of blood type B (17% vs. 10%) and AB (5% vs. 2%) and a lower frequency of blood type O (31% vs. 42%) than whites (p <0.001) (Table). Except for diabetes (OR 4.1 95% CI 2.1, 7.9) and higher systolic blood pressure (7.5 mm hg higher, p = 0.01) for blood type AB vs. O, stroke risk factors did not differ by blood type. Over 4.5 years of follow-up, neither blood types A or B were associated with incident stroke accounting for race and traditional stroke risk factors (Table). Blood type AB was associated with a marginally increased risk of stroke after adjusting for race and Framingham (HR 1.8; 95% CI 1.0, 3.4) or ARIC (HR 1.8; 95% CI 1.0, 3.3) stroke risk factors (Table). Discussion: Blood type AB is associated with an increased risk of stroke which is not mediated by conventional stroke risk factors. This association could relate to increased factor VIII or von Willebrand factor in individuals with non-O blood type but this does not explain the unique association of blood type AB with stroke. Whether blood type should be incorporated into clinical stroke risk models is unknown.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramon Corbalan ◽  
Antonio C Pereira Barretto ◽  
Giuseppe Ambrosio ◽  
Wael Al Mahmeed ◽  
Jean-Yves Le Heuzey ◽  
...  

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is commonly associated with heart failure (HF) and this combination is associated with a worse prognosis than either alone. However, it is unclear if these patients receive appropriate antithrombotic therapies and if they have a higher incidence of stroke or systemic embolism (SE). Methods: We compared clinical characteristics, antithrombotic therapies, and outcomes in patients with and without HF in the GARFIELD Registry, an ongoing, international, observational registry of consecutively recruited patients with newly diagnosed non-valvular AF and ≥1 additional stroke risk factor. A total of 12,458 prospective patients were enrolled in 30 countries between March 2010 and January 2013. Results are reported at 1-year follow-up. HF was defined at baseline as New York Heart Association (NYHA) I-II or III-IV. Antithrombotic therapy use and 1-year outcomes in patients with and without HF were analysed. Results: In total, 20% of patients had HF; they were older and had higher CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores compared with patients without HF. A higher proportion of patients with HF received antithrombotic therapies. The incidence of all-cause death was higher in HF patients than non-HF patients. Patients with NYHA class III-IV HF had a higher unadjusted incidence of all-cause death and stroke/SE compared with non-HF patients: 10.5 (95% confidence interval 8.8 to 12.7) vs 2.9 (2.7 to 3.2) per 100 person-years and 1.9 (1.2 to 3.0) vs 1.0 (0.8 to 1.2) per 100 person-years, respectively. Event rates slightly changed after adjustment for stroke risk factors. Conclusion: More AF patients with HF received antithrombotic therapies compared with those without HF. They also showed a higher incidence of all-cause death with increasing HF severity compared with AF patients without HF. After adjustment for stroke risk factors, this association was slightly attenuated.


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Kaddumukasa ◽  
Jane Nakibuuka ◽  
James Kayima ◽  
Elly Katabira ◽  
Carol Blixen ◽  
...  

Background: Stroke is a neurological condition with rapidly increasing burden in many low- and middle-income countries. Africa is particularly hard-hit due to rapid population growth, patterns of industrialization, adoption of harmful western diets, and increased prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension and obesity. Reducing stroke risk factors and teaching people to respond to stroke warning signs can prevent stroke and reduce burden. However, being able to address gaps in knowledge and improving both preventative and early-response care requires a clear understanding of practical and potentially modifiable topics. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in urban Mukono district in central Uganda. Through a systematic sampling method, data were gathered from 440 adult participants who were interviewed about selected aspects of stroke knowledge, attitudes and perception, using a pretested structured questionnaire. Results: Of the 440 study participants enrolled for this study nearly 52% correctly reported that stroke involves the brain, while 57% reported that stroke is preventable. Majority of the participants 75.7% reported stress as a contributing factor. Only 45.7% of the study participants reported hypertension as a risk factor. Only two (0.5%) study participants identified cigarette smoking as a stroke risk factor. Of the eighty six study participants with hypertension only 39.5% knew hypertension as a risk factor and only 10.7% knew three or more stroke risk factors. Conclusion: Stroke knowledge is poor in urban Uganda. Individuals with hypertension had poor knowledge regarding stroke in spite their high risk for stroke. Stress and hypertension are the leading perceived risk factors in our settings. While stress is highly reported as a stroke risk factor in this study hypertension is likely a more amenable and practical intervention target.


2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (10) ◽  
pp. 826-834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flemming Skjøth ◽  
Peter Nielsen ◽  
Torben Bjerregaard Larsen ◽  
Gregory Lip

SummaryOral anticoagulation (OAC) to prevent stroke has to be balanced against the potential harm of serious bleeding, especially intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). We determined the net clinical benefit (NCB) balancing effectiveness and safety of no antithrombotic therapy, aspirin and warfarin in AF patients with none or one stroke risk factor. Using Danish registries, we determined NCB using various definitions intrinsic to our cohort (Danish weights at 1 and 5 year follow-up), with risk weights which were derived from the hazard ratio (HR) of death following an event, relative to HR of death after ischaemic stroke. When aspirin was compared to no treatment, NCB was neutral or negative for both risk strata. For warfarin vs no treatment, NCB using Danish weights was neutral where no risk factors were present and using five years follow-up. For one stroke risk factor, NCB was positive for warfarin vs no treatment, for one year and five year follow-up. For warfarin vs aspirin use in patients with no risk factors, NCB was positive with one year follow-up, but neutral with five year follow-up. With one risk factor, NCB was generally positive for warfarin vs aspirin. In conclusion, we show a positive overall advantage (i.e. positive NCB) of effective stroke prevention with OAC, compared to no therapy or aspirin with one additional stroke risk factor, using Danish weights. ‘Low risk’ AF patients with no additional stroke risk factors (i.e. CHA2DS2-VASc 0 in males, 1 in females) do not derive any advantage (neutral or negative NCB) with aspirin, nor with warfarin therapy in the long run.Note: The review process for this manuscript was fully handled by Christian Weber, Editor in Chief.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 532-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Ellis

Racial differences have been observed in stroke-related knowledge and knowledge of specific stroke risk factors and stroke prevention practices. Using data from 134 male stroke survivors, racial differences in overall knowledge, risk factor knowledge, and stroke prevention practices were examined using the Stroke Knowledge Test. Knowledge that diabetes doubles ones risk of stroke was present in 48% of the participants, while knowledge of aspirin in the prevention of stroke by stopping blood clot formation was reported in 83% of the participants. Findings indicate participants were knowledgeable that obesity increased risk of stroke (71%) and high blood pressure was the most important stroke risk factor (70%). Participants indicated knowledge that diet, exercise, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol reduces risk of stroke (86%). In regression models, there were no significant race differences in overall stroke knowledge or the odds of knowledge of information related to stroke risk factors and stroke prevention practices after adjusting for age, education, and marital status. Although stroke-related knowledge did not differ by race, stroke survivors exhibited gaps in stroke knowledge particularly of knowledge of common risk factors. These factors should be considered in approaches to improve stroke-related knowledge in all stroke survivors.


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