Male Stroke Victims At Greater Risk Of Premature Death When Living Alone

Male stroke patients who live alone have a considerably greater long-term risk of dying prematurely than other patients, according to recent findings conducted by researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.

Their research was based on a doctoral thesis that followed 1,090 stroke cases in western Sweden. As part of the Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischemic Stroke (SAHLIS), the study authors examined long-term prognosis of 1,090 victims of ischemic stroke before the age of 70 and compared this with results from 600 controls.

Researchers noted an increased risk of excess mortality, even after accounting for various factors, such as physical inactivity, high alcohol consumption, low educational level and other issues.

Excess mortality was found among 36 percent of the patients living alone, as opposed to 17 percent of those with partners who died within 12 years after a stroke. The gap was also heavier among men at 44 percent to 14 percent.

"Among the conceivable causes are that people who live alone lead less healthy lives, are less prone to take their medication and tend to wait longer before going to the emergency room," Dr. Redfors said, in a news release. "For the healthy controls, excess mortality was also greater among men, particularly those living alone."

Furthermore, the study showed that a large percentage of stroke victims were still experiencing memory, concentration, cognitive and other loss at a 7-year follow-up, as many of the sample was still of working age.

"Our results underscore the importance of intensive, long-term prevention among stroke patients, including medication for hypertension, diabetes and other underlying conditions, along with lifestyle changes," Dr. Redfors concluded. "Above all, serious consideration needs to be given to providing greater support and more thorough information for patients who are living alone."

Many are unaware of the symptoms of stroke, but an easy acronym can be helpful in remembering what to look for. Oftentimes, timing is key when it comes to stroke help. Make sure to remember F(face drooping) A(arm weakness) S(Speech difficulty) and T(Time to call 9-1-1).

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