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Subarachnoid hemorrhage: a preventable disease with a heritable component.
Brett M Kissela1, Laura Sauerbeck, Daniel Woo
1Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0525, USA. kisselbm@uc.edu
Stroke
|May 4, 2002
Summary
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) risk factors include smoking, hypertension, and heavy alcohol use. Lifestyle changes and genetics play a role in SAH prevention, with further study needed on alcohol and BMI.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from ruptured intracranial aneurysms affects 16,000 Americans annually.
- Mortality remains high (nearly 40% within 30 days) despite current treatments.
- Prevention of SAH is a critical public health goal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify significant risk factors for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
- To analyze modifiable and genetic components contributing to SAH.
- To inform prevention strategies for SAH.
Main Methods:
- Population-based, case-control study design.
- Prospective collection of 107 SAH cases and 197 matched controls.
- Univariate, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Modifiable factors like smoking, hypertension, and heavy alcohol use explained a large proportion of SAH risk.
- Independent risk factors identified: current smoking, hypertension history, frequent alcohol use, low BMI, and family history of SAH/aneurysm.
- SAH demonstrated familial clustering, suggesting a genetic component.
Conclusions:
- SAH has a significant genetic component, evidenced by familial clustering.
- Smoking cessation, hypertension management, and reduced alcohol intake can decrease SAH risk.
- Further research is needed to clarify the roles of heavy alcohol use and low BMI in SAH.