Metabolic Syndrome Increases Secondary Stroke Incidence and Mortality

A meta-analysis published in Neurology, suggests individuals with metabolic syndrome may be at higher risk of secondary stroke and related mortality.
 
The meta-analysis combined results from 6 studies with a total of 11,000 participants followed for up to 5 years. Within the 5-year period, 1,250 (11.4%) had a second stroke. Individuals with metabolic syndrome were 46% more likely to have a second stroke than individuals without the syndrome.

“Studies have shown conflicting results on whether metabolic syndrome, which has been tied to an increased risk of a first stroke, also increases the risk of a second stroke and death, so we wanted to analyze all of the research available,” said study author Tian Li, MD, of Fourth Military Medical University in Xi’an, China. “These findings will help people with metabolic syndrome and their health care providers know that they should be screened for risk of recurrent stroke and given preventative treatments.”

“These results add to the evidence that people with metabolic syndrome should take steps to modify their risk of second stroke and even death where possible, through medication, diet, exercise and other recommended lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking,” Li said.