A second stroke increases the risk of dying in next two years

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Having a second stroke causes a dramatic increase in mortality and Mexican Americans are most likely to be affected.
Having one stroke can be followed by death, disability - or a complete recovery. It may also be followed by a recurrence and, according to a new study from the University of Michigan, the second stroke scenario is especially common among Mexican Americans. This group also has a bigger risk of stroke overall, has strokes at younger ages, and is more likely to survive a first stroke.

The study followed 1,345 people who had had one stroke between 2000 and 2004 - of whom 53 per cent were Mexican American. The researchers then compared those who went on to have a second stroke with those who did not. Being Mexican American proved to be a strong risk factor for a second stroke. And those who did have a second stroke were 2.67 times more likely to die within two years than those stroke survivors who did not have a recurrence. Further research is now needed to see what factors contribute to Mexican Americans' vulnerability to stroke recurrence. Meanwhile, preventing that second stroke, through control of blood pressure and cholesterol, healthy diet and exercise, should be a priority, say the researchers.

Source
Annals of Neurology 22nd August 2006

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