A large-scale study shows that the environment is not neutral on the risk of stroke.
This is another good reason to go green or create more green spaces. Spanish researchers have shown a link between the living environment and the risk of ischemic stroke. This attack occurs when blood flow to or within the brain is cut off by a clogged blood vessel. The study, published in the journal Environment Internationalis one of the largest conducted to date.
The scientists analyzed data from more than three and a half million people over the age of 18 who had not had a stroke before the start of the study. They took into account exposure to atmospheric pollutants linked to vehicle traffic and the number and density of green spaces within a radius of 300 meters around their homes.
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16% less risk of having a stroke
Verdict: the greater the air pollution, and in particular the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), the greater the risk of ischemic stroke. Scientists estimate that the risk of stroke increases by 4%, for each increase of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of NO2. This observation is valid regardless of age group or lifestyle.
But the researchers also found that the presence of green spaces might reduce the risk. Thus, the risk of having a stroke was reduced by 16% in people living less than 300 meters from a green space.
“The study demonstrates the importance of environmental determinants in stroke risk. Given that the incidence, mortality and disability attributed to the disease are expected to increase in the coming years, it is important to understand all the risk factors involved,” said Dr. Carla Avellaneda, co-author of the research. In France, approximately 150,000 people suffer a stroke each year, or more than one stroke every four minutes.
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