They have an elevated risk.
A new study has found that individuals with Down syndrome face a significantly increased risk of experiencing strokes and heart-related conditions compared to the general population. The research, published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, indicates that people with Down syndrome are over five times more likely to suffer from a hemorrhagic stroke and more than four times more likely to have an ischemic stroke. Additionally, younger individuals with the condition appear to be at a higher risk for heart attacks.
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, which affects physical and cognitive development. While life expectancy for people with the condition has improved greatly over the decades—rising from about 25 years in the early 1980s to around 60 years in recent times—longer lifespans bring new health concerns, particularly related to the heart and blood vessels.
Researchers from Sweden followed the health records of nearly 5,200 people with Down syndrome, born between 1946 and 2000, and compared them to individuals in the general population. The findings suggest that the genetic differences associated with Down syndrome may alter how certain health conditions develop and progress, especially as patients age.
The increased likelihood of blood clot-related strokes among those with Down syndrome may be connected to pre-existing conditions like congenital heart defects or diabetes. On the other hand, brain-bleed strokes might be influenced by lifestyle-related risk factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, and high cholesterol. These insights highlight the importance of personalized healthcare strategies for people with Down syndrome to help prevent and manage cardiovascular issues.
Discussion about this post