Infections may increase stroke risk by causing inflammation of the blood vessels, according to a study published online November 9, 2009 in the journal Archives of Neurology. This study suggests a possible new stroke risk factor that can be modified.

Researchers from Columbia University in New York City and their colleagues studied more than 1600 participants from the Northern Manhattan Study, a clinical trial designed to investigate stroke incidence, stroke risk, and predictors of stroke severity and outcome. The researchers examined the association between common infections, such as Chlamydia pneumonia, Helicobacter pylori (which is linked to stomach ulcers), and herpes, and stroke risk. They found that each of these infections was positively associated with increased stroke risk.

The researchers caution that their results need to be confirmed in other patient populations before they can be translated into practice. They also stress that, although common infections seem to be linked to stroke risk, it’s not likely that there is a single stroke bug. Interestingly, a separate study published in the November 2009 issue of Stroke demonstrated a link between herpes zoster, or shingles, and stroke risk. If these findings are confirmed, the prevention of infections may one day lead to decreased stroke risk.

Source:

Arch Neurol. Published online 9 November 2009.