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Lung function as a modifiable risk factor for Ischemic Stroke: Evidence from the UK biobank
Zihong Bai1, Qingcui Huang2, Xinya Li3
1Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Summary
Improved lung function, measured by peak expiratory flow (PEF), is linked to a lower risk of ischemic stroke. Monitoring lung health may help prevent strokes, especially in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Ischemic stroke is a major global cause of death and disability.
- Pulmonary function is an emerging, potentially modifiable risk factor for stroke.
- Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is a simple lung function marker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between PEF and ischemic stroke risk.
- To explore the role of inflammatory biomarkers in mediating this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Utilized UK Biobank data from 307,827 participants.
- Employed Cox regression models for survival analysis.
- Applied restricted cubic splines and mediation analysis.
Main Results:
- Higher PEF levels significantly reduced ischemic stroke risk.
- A 6.7% and 10.4% lower risk was observed in the 2nd and 3rd PEF tertiles, respectively.
- Inflammatory biomarkers partially mediated the lung function-stroke risk association.
Conclusions:
- Monitoring lung function is crucial for ischemic stroke prevention.
- Early detection of declining lung function can reduce stroke morbidity and mortality.
- Community-level pulmonary function assessment is recommended.
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