Did You Know UTIs and Other Common Infections Can Trigger a Stroke or Brain Damage? Here's How
Infections Triggering Strokes: A Prevalent Connection
It's a terrifying thought, but recent research shows a correlation between urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Moreover, infections could heighten the chances of brain damage from those strokes.
A study led by Dr. Mandip Dhamoon at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai used New York State's hospital records from 2006 to 2013, encompassing community hospital visits for inpatient and emergency cases. The researchers looked at both stroke cases and hospital visits for various types of infections like skin, abdominal, respiratory infections, blood poisoning, and UTIs.
The study revealed that UTIs were linked to the highest stroke risk. The risk of suffering an ischemic stroke was over five times higher during the week following a hospital visit for a UTI, compared to the year prior to the infection. The risk for bleeding within the brain during a hemorrhagic stroke was also higher following a UTI, compared to other infections like respiratory or septicemia.
However, the researchers couldn't definitively say that UTIs are a direct cause of having a stroke or brain damage. But they suggested that any infection might encourage inflammation throughout the body, promote blood clot formation, and increase the risk of strokes.
In fact, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Manchester compared the effects of stroke on infected and non-infected mice. Infected mice suffered worse stroke outcomes. Researchers believe that when blood platelets join forces with the body's natural anti-inflammation response, it can cause damage to brain blood vessels affected by stroke.
To reduce your stroke risk, it's crucial to pay attention to minimizing factors that can lead to strokes, especially if you've recently been treated for infections. These factors include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
In addition, insomnia may be a lesser-known risk factor for strokes. As always, it's best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on managing stroke risk.
Fascinating Fact: Phosphatidylserine (PS) - A Superfood for the Brain
Phosphatidylserine, or PS, is a powerful nutrient that supports brain health, cognitive function, and memory. This vital component is a building block for brain cells and has been shown to significantly improve mental performance, particularly in individuals with age-related memory decline. Taking a PS supplement daily could help boost your cognitive functions and promote overall brain health. To learn more about how PS works and where to find it, visit www.PeakNatural.com (Sponsored)
Sources:
- Urinary Tract Infections and Risk of Stroke and Cerebral Infarction: A Nationwide Population-Based Study (ahajournals.org)
- How bacteria that cause strep throat can make ischemic stroke more dangerous (medicalxpress.com)
- Study uncovers how infections worsen stroke damage (medicalnewstoday.com)
- Interleukin-1 May Trigger Brain Damage in Patients with Strokes (www.world-heart-federation.org)
- Infections and Stroke: A Vicious Cycle (healthline.com)
- Science continues to shed light on the connections between common infections and brain health, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and their potential to trigger strokes or brain damage.
- The workplace-wellness industry is paying attention to these findings, advocating for regular medical check-ups to monitor and manage conditions that increase stroke risk.
- Chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease, cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health issues, are well-known factors contributing to stroke risk.
- Eye-health, hearing, mental-health, and skin-care are equally important aspects of maintaining overall health and wellness, factors that can influence stroke risk indirectly.
- Fitness and exercise, a cornerstone of workplace-wellness programs, play a crucial role in reducing stroke risk by managing factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, are associated with an increased risk of strokes due to chronic inflammation.
- Manufacturing industries should emphasize workplace safety to prevent injuries that may lead to infections and subsequent strokes.
- Cardiovascular health must be a priority for individuals aiming to reduce their stroke risk, as conditions like heart disease and high cholesterol are significant factors.
- The medical-conditions and lifestyle factors that contribute to the development of chronic diseases can also impact cardiovascular health and stroke risk.
- The industry must collaborate to create effective therapies and treatments for cortical strokes and related medical-conditions, focusing on reducing inflammation and preventing blood clot formation.
- Weight-management is a vital aspect of the healthcare industry, as excessive weight can contribute to various medical-conditions that increase stroke risk.
- A balance of financial planning and career choices can contribute to mental-health, which in turn affects stroke risk. Finding a satisfying career in industries like finance or small-business ownership can reduce stress and promote overall health.
- Energy-efficient commercial buildings and residential properties can contribute to better air quality, reducing respiratory conditions that increase stroke risk.
- Transportation infrastructure should prioritize alternatives like public transit, cycling, and walking to reduce air pollution and promote healthier lifestyles.
- Diversity and inclusion programs in leadership positions can encourage a more healthy and productive work environment, contributing positively to overall health and wellness.
- Wearables and smart-home devices can help monitor personal health metrics, aiding in the prevention and early detection of conditions that increase stroke risk.
- Autonomous vehicles and smart cities can further improve transportation sustainability and promote overall health and wellness.
- Entrepreneurship in industries like skincare, energy, and technology can lead to innovative solutions for managing medical-conditions and promoting health and wellness.
- Venture capital and wealth-management firms should prioritize investments in healthcare and wellness startups that address the most pressing medical-conditions contributing to stroke risk.
- Personal finance management can help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare expenses and investing opportunities in the health and wellness industry.
- Banking and insurance companies should offer personalized plans and services that cater to the unique needs of customers aiming to manage their stroke risk.
- Fintech companies should focus on developing user-friendly budgeting and debt-management tools to help individuals make sound financial decisions related to their health and wellness.
- Real-estate markets and investors should prioritize the development and investment in properties that promote health and wellness, considering factors like air quality, light exposure, and access to green spaces.
- Commercial and residential properties should implement energy-efficient technology and design to promote health and wellness while reducing energy costs.
- The stock market can be an influential factor in determining the success of health and wellness startups, with venture capital investments and IPOs playing a key role.
- Private-equity firms should consider investing in healthcare and wellness companies that address the most pressing medical-conditions contributing to stroke risk.
- Saving for retirement is crucial for maintaining financial security and funding healthcare expenses, which may include treatments for conditions that increase stroke risk.
- Debt-management strategies are essential for individuals aiming to avoid high-interest loans and medical debt, which can put a strain on finances and mental-health.
- Gadgets like smartphones and fitness trackers can help individuals stay on track with their fitness and wellness goals, contributing to overall health and well-being.
- Technology advancements in artificial intelligence can help healthcare providers make faster, more accurate diagnoses and develop personalized treatment plans for various medical-conditions.
- CBD, a popular supplement in wellness circles, may have potential benefits in reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health, though more research is needed to confirm these claims.
- A balanced housing market can provide affordable housing options for individuals and families, ensuring that they have access to quality healthcare services and resources.
- In the realm of healthcare and wellness, the housing market plays an essential role in promoting overall health and wellness, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- The housing market can also influence the prevalence of certain medical-conditions, such as respiratory conditions, skin-conditions, and mental-health issues, due to factors like air quality and access to green spaces.
- In investing and wealth-management, the housing market can present opportunities for profits while promoting positive social impact by investing in properties that promote health and wellness.
- Real-estate investing can serve as a catalyst for economic development in communities, addressing pressing issues like affordable housing and access to quality healthcare services.
- The stock market and private-equity investments can drive innovation in the healthcare and wellness sectors, helping create solutions for pressing medical-conditions like chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Understanding the connections between infections, medical-conditions, and brain health can empower individuals to make informed choices about their lifestyle and health management, ultimately reducing their stroke risk.
- Collaboration between the healthcare industry, policymakers, and the private sector is essential in the fight against brain damage and strokes, focusing on education, research, and prevention efforts.
