Worldwide, between 1990 and 2021, the number of people suffering from strokes has increased rapidly. This is due to strong population growth, the ageing of the world population and a substantial increase in exposure to environmental and behavioural risk factors. A diet too low in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and air pollution by fine particles could be at the origin of an alarming increase in disabling strokes, suggests a major new analysis of the study Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD). The results were published in The Lancet Neurology Journal and will be presented at the World Stroke Congress in Abu Dhabi in October. So, a large number of strokes could be easily prevented by adjusting lifestyle.
For their study, the researchers estimated the incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years and age-standardized rates per 100,000 people per year for all strokes, ischemic strokes, intracerebral hemorrhages and subarachnoid hemorrhages, they explain. All in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021.
They also calculated the number of strokes attributable to 23 risk factors and six risk groups (air pollution, smoking, behavioral, dietary, environmental and metabolic risks) at a global and regional level.
Omega-6 plays a role in improving heart and circulatory health
Results? A diet low in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids is believed to cause a 5% increase in the number of strokes. However, a poor diet rich in highly processed foods is often devoid of these nutrients. They are found in most cereals, seeds (poppy, sunflower, sesame, flax, chia, etc.), oilseeds (walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, etc.), vegetable oils and fats (walnut oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, margarine, etc.). But also in legumes (chickpeas, lentils, etc.), in certain meats (chicken, pork, black pudding, etc.) and in eggs.
Omega-6 helps improve heart and circulatory health. In fact, they help reduce bad cholesterol, participate in lowering blood pressure and contribute to the synthesis of several molecules (prostaglandin E2, thromboxane A2 and leukotriene B4), acting as mediators in inflammatory and immune responses. In addition, they help maintain the skin’s barrier function against toxins and facilitate the passage of nutrients into the epidermis.
Furthermore, a high BMI would be responsible for a gigantic increase of 88%. “Given that 84% of strokes are linked to 23 modifiable risk factors, there is enormous opportunity to change the trajectory of stroke risk for the next generation,” “This is a major cause of cardiovascular disease,” said study co-author Dr. Catherine Johnson, a cardiovascular disease expert at the University of Washington, USA.
Fine particle pollution as bad for the heart as tobacco?
“With increasing exposure to risk factors such as high blood sugar and diets high in sugary drinks, there is a critical need for interventions focused on obesity and metabolic syndromes. Identifying sustainable ways to work with communities to take action to prevent and control modifiable risk factors for stroke is essential to address this growing crisis,” she continues.
In addition, this study also revealed the role of fine particle air pollution in fatal brain hemorrhages. According to the researchers, this factor would have contributed to 14% of deaths and disabilities caused by this subtype of serious stroke. As much as smoking, the researchers worry.
Some figures
Therefore, each country should introduce effective, accessible and affordable measures as soon as possible to improve surveillance, prevention, intensive care and rehabilitation of strokes. At the prevention level, it is essential to insist on blood pressure, lifestyle and environmental factors, warn the researchers.
In France, stroke is one of the leading causes of death (more than 30,000 each year). These accidents are responsible for approximately 120,000 hospitalizations per year and are the leading cause of disability acquired by adults.
Source: www.topsante.com
