According to a recent study by American and European researchers, individuals who suffer from depression have a 46 percent increased risk of having a stroke, a potentially deadly neurological
event. The study found that people who suffer more symptoms of depression are at an even higher risk, with those who have at least five symptoms having a 56 percent increased risk. Depression is known to cause harm to blood platelets, which are responsible for preventing clotting, leading to many strokes caused by clotting, preventing vital blood from reaching the brain.
Dr. Robert Murphy, the lead author of the study from the University of Galway in Ireland, stated, "Depression affects people around the world and can have a wide range of impacts across a person's life." Around 800,000 Americans suffer from a stroke each year, with more than one in five resulting in death. The most common type of stroke is an ischemic stroke, where severe clotting blocks blood from the brain, accounting for almost 90 percent of strokes.
Previous research has linked depression to low blood platelet levels, which increases the risk of deadly clotting. The research team aimed to discover how steep the risk is by conducting a study and gathering data from INTERSTROKE, a global tracker of stroke occurrences from 32 countries in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Among the people surveyed, half had suffered a stroke, and the other half had not. Participants were surveyed on pre-existing health conditions, such as heart, brain, and mental health issues.
In the study population, 18 percent of people who suffered a stroke reported symptoms of depression, compared to only 14 percent of the non-stroke population. After adjusting for other risk factors, researchers established a 46 percent increased risk of having a stroke among depressed people. "Our study provides a broad picture of depression and its link to risk of stroke by looking at a number of factors, including participants' symptoms, life choices, and antidepressant use," Dr. Murphy said.
The study found that depressive symptoms were linked to increased stroke risk, and the risk was similar across different age groups and around the world. Those who suffer from five or more symptoms of depression have an even more increased risk. Their likelihood of suffering a stroke increases 56 percent compared to their peers.
Depression has long been linked to stroke, with many experts pointing to how the mental health condition affects blood flow in the body. While depression is a treatable mental health disorder, it is essential to note that it can have a severe impact on overall health and well-being. The study's findings serve as a reminder of the importance of treating depression effectively to reduce the risk of stroke and other health complications.
The study's implications also extend to the importance of monitoring the physical health of individuals suffering from depression, particularly their blood platelet levels. Doctors may need to take a closer look at the health of their patients who suffer from depression and consider additional preventative measures to reduce their risk of stroke.
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the link between depression and stroke, with depression being a significant risk factor for stroke. The study's findings highlight the need for effective treatment of depression to reduce the risk of stroke and other related health complications. It also emphasizes the importance of monitoring the physical health of individuals with depression and taking additional preventative measures to reduce their risk of stroke. Photo by Peterlinton6, Wikimedia commons.