In a new study, researchers found the high levels of environmental noise people are subjected to in large cities can increase both the severity and consequences of an ischemic stroke.
They put the increased risk at 30% for people living in noisier areas. In contrast, living close to green areas brings down this risk by up to 25%.
This is the first time that these factors have been analyzed in relation to stroke severity.
The research was done by a team from the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute and elsewhere.
Ischemic stroke is due to the obstruction of a blood vessel in the brain and accounts for 80-85% of all cases. This lack of blood flow in the affected area of the brain can lead to permanent damage.
The risk of having a stroke is closely related to factors including age, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and, as recently demonstrated, other factors like air pollution.
The researchers looked at the influence of noise levels, air pollution (particularly suspended particles smaller than 2.5 microns; PM2.5), and exposure to green areas on nearly 3,000 ischaemic stroke patients treated at Hospital del Mar between 2005 and 2014.
They used data from the Cartographic Institute of Catalonia, as well as models to analyze atmospheric pollutant levels, the noise map of Barcelona, and satellite images to define areas with vegetation.
Also taken into account was the socioeconomic level of the place the patients lived.
The team observed a gradient: the more green spaces, the less serious the stroke. And the more noise, the more serious it is.
They explain that exposure to green spaces can benefit human health through various mechanisms. For example, it can reduce stress, encourage social interaction, and increase levels of physical activity.
The study gives scientists initial insight into how noise levels and exposure to green spaces influences the severity of ischemic stroke.
It shows that the place where people live affects not only the risk of suffering a stroke but also its severity if it occurs.
The lead author of the study is Dr. Rosa María Vivanco.
The study is published in the journal Environmental Research.
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