The number of strokes linked to aneurysms is increasing, according to a study of 40 patients.
Hypertension and smoking are risk factors for the problem. The increase in the rate occurred mainly among black men over 65 years of age.
By Gabriela Cupani, from Agência Einstein - Records of a type of stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, have increased, primarily in black men over 65 years of age, according to a study just published in "Neurology". The study evaluated data from nearly 40 American patients hospitalized in Florida and New York between 2007 and 2017, and compared cases between men and women, by age group and ethnicity.
This type of stroke occurs mainly due to the rupture of an aneurysm – when a blood vessel dilates, forming a kind of blood sac – located between the brain and the membrane that surrounds it. Hypertension and smoking are among the main risk factors for this rupture.
During the ten years of the study, the average incidence was 11 cases per 100,000 people. Above the age of 65, this number doubles. And in Black people, it rises to 15. According to the authors, they are more likely to develop hypertension, and at a younger age.
"It is known that they have genetic and socioeconomic factors that can make them more vulnerable," says neurologist Polyana Piza, from the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital. The article suggests difficulties in accessing care and treatment that ultimately increase the chance of a stroke.
"It's a well-designed, retrospective cohort study that aims to observe a specific population over a period of time and, based on that observation, analyze possible associations. Even though it shows a reality in two American states, it's possible to extrapolate the data to our reality," the expert assesses.
"The result may reflect the lack of prevention, detection, treatment, and monitoring of the risk factors to which the individual is exposed. We need to discuss the difficulty of having these factors monitored and controlled," she reflects.
Low risk of rupture
In general, unruptured aneurysms, also called incidental aneurysms, have a low risk of bleeding, around 1%.
In this context, they can only be monitored by tracking risk factors for their rupture and observing possible changes in their physical characteristics, such as growth and irregularity of their outline.
Surgical or endovascular invasive treatment is primarily recommended for aneurysms larger than 5 to 7 millimeters. However, when they rupture, the chance of death or serious complications is very high.
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