Temperature fall Weather change has a greater impact on the risk of stroke

Weather change: temperature drops increase stroke risk
It has long been known that hypertension, overweight or smoking are factors that increase the risk of stroke. German researchers have now found in an investigation that even a change of weather has a significant impact on this danger. Accordingly, there are more strokes especially after temperature drops.
Weather change has an influence on the risk of stroke
Known risk factors for a stroke include certain pre-existing conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension or heart disease. In addition, the risk of over-consumption of alcohol, smoking and overweight increases. In recent years, scientists have been able to prove other factors in studies. For example, a recent study from the USA showed that there is an increased risk of strokes from passive smoking. And an international research team reported a high risk of stroke due to long working hours. Even a change of weather has a significant impact on the risk of suffering a stroke, as researchers of the University Hospital Jena now noted. Accordingly, the danger increases especially after temperature drops.

Sudden drops in temperature increase the risk of stroke. (Image: rsooll / fotolia.com)

In cold weather there is an increased risk
According to the scientists, the risk of stroke increases by about three degrees Celsius with a drop in temperature by about eleven percent, reports the news agency AFP. In high-risk patients, the likelihood of a stroke may even quadruple when the weather changes. Particularly at risk are patients with diabetes or arteriosclerosis. At low outdoor temperatures, the blood vessels in the body contract to protect against cooling. Earlier investigations showed that there is an increased risk of stroke in cold weather.

Humidity and air pressure also play a role
When blood clots that form in the heart are flushed into the brain, the constricted blood vessels can more easily close. The result is a stroke. According to the experts, therefore, especially at-risk patients should recognize typical stroke symptoms. These warning signs include a one-sided numbness in the arms or legs, lack of understanding, dizziness or sudden headache. The scientists from Thuringia identified a total of three key influencing factors for stroke risk: In addition to rapid temperature changes, rapid changes in humidity and air pressure also increase the likelihood of a stroke. The researchers published the study results in the journal "European Journal of Epidemiology". (Ad)