Reduce Risk for for Silent Strokes
In a report published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association, researchers found that almost 11 percent of seemingly healthy, middle-aged study participants had some brain damage from one or more silent strokes. The researchers also found a correlation between silent stroke and cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and thickening or partial blockage of the carotid arteries.Also known as silent cerebral infarction, a silent stroke is a true stroke that causes actual brain injury without any noticeable symptoms. People whove had a silent stroke have a higher risk of having more strokes, and are more likely to suffer from vascular dementia later in life.This finding may sound ominous, but the studys authors point out the good news: Early detection and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors can decrease the risk of stroke. Besides those mentioned above, risk factors that can be controlled include smoking, diabetes, and heart disease.
Reduce Risk for for Silent Strokes originally appeared on Caring.com.