A sign shortly before a stroke that goes undiagnosed in 80% of cases

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Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide with several preventable risk factors.

The fear of stroke looms large in the minds of many, and millions of people die each year from stroke-related complications. While many strategies have helped reduce the burden of disease, a large number of people unknowingly live with significant risk factors.

Severe sleep apnea, considered a major risk factor for stroke, remains undiagnosed in more than 80% of cases. Sleep apnea occurs in 70% of patients after stroke. There is also evidence that in some cases this condition is preceded by sleep-disordered breathing, suggesting that it may also be a risk factor.

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which people briefly stop breathing during sleep. These periods, called apneas, usually last 10 to 30 seconds, sometimes repeating up to 100 times a night.

43% of stroke patients report the same symptoms in the week before the event.

< Sleep apnea affects up to 20 percent of the population. This condition poses a threat to the brain because it reduces blood circulation and increases blood pressure. This affects the brain's ability to modulate change and prevent damage to itself. This may be why people with sleep apnea suffer more strokes and die in their sleep.

“Sleep apnea, one of the most common chronic diseases, is a risk factor for ischemic stroke, recurrent stroke, and poor functional functioning. stroke recovery. More than half of stroke survivors experience apnea during the acute phase after stroke, with obstructive sleep apnea being the most common subtype.”

Although sleep apnea is often diagnosed after stroke, which may precede stroke, worsen during the acute stage and persist after the acute phase.