High-risk groups:elderly person
With the growth of age, human vascular wall also ages, especially atherosclerosis in the elderly, which is a high risk factor for cerebrovascular disease.
Firstly, the aging process itself contributes to the development of conditions that are risk factors for stroke. As people grow older, their arteries naturally become less elastic, a condition known as arteriosclerosis. This hardening of the arteries can restrict blood flow and increase blood pressure, putting strain on the vascular system. Additionally, the risk of developing atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, also increases with age. These plaques can rupture, leading to the formation of blood clots that can block blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke.
Secondly, age-related changes in the brain can also contribute to stroke risk. The brain’s ability to regulate blood flow and withstand reduced oxygen supply decreases with age. This means that even a minor blockage or bleed can have a more severe impact on older individuals.
Moreover, older adults are more likely to have other health conditions that are associated with an increased risk of stroke. These include hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat that can cause blood to pool and clot in the heart. The prevalence of these conditions rises with age, further elevating the risk of stroke.
Lastly, lifestyle factors that often accompany aging, such as physical inactivity and poor diet, can compound the risk. Older adults may have reduced mobility, leading to a sedentary lifestyle, and may struggle with dietary choices due to limited access to fresh foods or difficulties in preparing meals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, approximately 800,000 people have a stroke each year, and stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability. The risk of having a stroke more than doubles each decade after the age of 55. Among adults aged 65 and older, the prevalence of stroke is approximately 3.4%, with higher rates among those aged 75 and older. These statistics highlight the significant impact of cerebrovascular disease on the elderly population in the United States.
One of the following chronic diseases:
- Hypertension, 60% to 70% of patients with cerebrovascular disease have a history of hypertension before the onset of the disease.
- Heart disease, people with heart disease (mainly coronary heart disease) are 5 times more likely to suffer from ischemic cerebrovascular disease than the general population.
- diabetes, the incidence of cerebrovascular disease in diabetes patients is 21 times higher than that of the general population, and 20% of cerebrovascular disease patients have a history of diabetes.
- High blood lipids, which increases the risk of ischemic cerebrovascular disease by 2 times compared to the general population.
- Chronic bronchitis, patients with chronic bronchitis may have a 4 times higher risk of cerebrovascular disease than the general population.
- Cervical spondylosis affects the blood supply to the brain, which is prone to cerebrovascular disease.
- Blood disease: Blood disease is one of the causes of cerebrovascular disease.
The following factors are related to heredity, physical constitution, and habits
- People with a history of stroke in their direct ancestors have a 2.5 times higher risk of developing a stroke than the general population.
- Obese individuals may have a higher risk of developing a stroke than the general population.
- People with a quick temper, A-type personalities, have a 3.5 times higher risk of developing a stroke than the general population.
- Women who have had multiple pregnancies (4 or more) may have a 1 times higher risk of developing a stroke compared to those who have had fewer than 3 pregnancies.
- People who prefer fatty meat have a 5 times higher risk of developing a stroke than the general population.
- Smokers who smoke heavily and are older have a 2.5 times higher risk of developing a stroke than the general population.
- People who drink excessive amounts of spirits have a 3 times higher risk of developing high blood pressure and a stroke compared to those who drink less.
- People with a salty diet have a significantly different risk of developing a stroke compared to those with a normal intake of salt.
