White matter hyperintensity in middle-age adults (40–59 years) and risk factors for cerebrovascular disease

Abstract

Introduction. White matter hyperintensity (WMH) is a neuroimaging age-related phenomenon associated with an increased cardiovascular risk in people with arterial hypertension (AH). The prevalence of WMH and its relationship with risk factors for cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in middle-age population requires clarification. Aim: to assess the prevalence of the WMH phenomenon in people of working age (40–59 years) and to establish cerebrovascular risk factors associated with its development. Material and methods. Study cohort (n = 376; 156 (41.5%) men and 220 (58.5%) women; mean age 49.7 ± 5.0 years) was formed by screening an open population (40–59 years of age). Using a questionnaire and clinical, laboratory and instrumental findings, including brain MRI (1T), the prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk factors was analyzed. The odds ratio (OR) of the event occurring and a 95% confidence interval were calculated. Results. High prevalence of risk factors was revealed in the age group of 40–59 years, including AH in 46.7%, increased body mass index (BMI) in 60.6%, dyslipidemia (up to 39%), metabolic syndrome in 21.5%, thickening of the intima-media complex in 57.2%, atherosclerotic plaques in 49.7% of all cases. WMH was identified in 32% (120/376) of the subjects examined. An association between presence, severity of WMH and age, presence and severity of AH, as well as total burden of vascular risk factors was established. The most significant factors associated with the development of WMH in people aged 40–59 were found to be AH (OR 3.35), atherosclerosis of the brachiocephalic arteries (OR 1.79), and hyperglycemia (OR 1.36). Conclusion. Thus, there is a high prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the working-age population of the megalopolis (Moscow) at the age of 40–59 years, which is associated with accelerated WMH formation. Significant factors that are associated with WMH are AH, atherosclerosis of the brachiocephalic arteries, hyperglycemia, as well as dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome. Early detection and management of the listed modifiable risk factors are necessary to prevent the development and progression of cerebral injury.

Patients with periodontitis are at a higher risk of stroke: A Taiwanese cohort study

“…When viewed in terms of the middle-aged group, this age group has a high prevalence of several diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, arterial HT, DM, and hyperlipidemia, which are comorbidities of stroke. 4,25,26 The increased risk of HT in patients with periodontitis is 81%. Periodontitis induces a systemic inflammatory process that directly results in HT due to decreased vasodilatory function.…”

Advances in the study of the effects of chronic periodontitis on cardiac arrhythmias

“…The abovementioned two studies indirectly suggested that oral inflammatory diseases such as PD may promote the occurrence, development, and recurrence of atrial fibrillation. Holm-Pedersen [13] et al found that patients with one to two active coronal caries lesions had 2.8 times higher odds (95% CI 1.1-7.0) of arrhythmia than those without active coronal caries, but there was no association between arrhythmia and periodontal disease. And this study did not further analyze the relationship between active coronal caries, periodontitis, and atrial fibrillation.…”