Scientists from the University of Colorado and the University of California have shown that early atherosclerotic changes in children increase the risk of stroke in adulthood. Article published in the journal JAMA Neurology.
Researchers analyzed data collected in Northern California over a 14-year period, from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2014. The analysis included 141 children and 455 young adults with arterial ischemic stroke and 1382 controls of the same age. Scientists have shown that cases of arterial ischemic stroke among teenagers and children are not associated with atherosclerotic changes. But their contribution to stroke risk was much higher in people in their 30s and 40s.
The results of the study may indicate that although stroke in adolescence and early adulthood is generally not associated with atherosclerotic vascular changes, the early onset of accumulation of these risk factors increases the risk of stroke at the age of 30-40 years. The study’s authors suggest that their findings may indicate the need for early screening for atherosclerosis and its prevention.