Risk factors for ischemic stroke. The role of vitamin D

Abstract

Introduction.The prevalence of cerebral vascular diseases is steadily increasing worldwide. Cerebral stroke represents the most serious of them, being one of the leading causes of mortality and disability of the population. Reduction of morbidity and mortality from stroke can be achieved by improving preventive measures aimed at the correction of risk factors. The review presents domestic and foreign literature data on the risk factors of ischemic stroke and the system of primary prevention of acute ischemic brain lesions.Materials and methods.Data from eLibrary, MedLine, Scopus, Springerlink, and the scientific electronic library «Cyberleninka» were analyzed.Results and Discussion.The authors give an overview of pathological conditions that can lead to the development of cerebral vascular accident. Methods of primary prevention of ischemic stroke are considered in accordance with the European guidelines on stroke management. Current views on the correction of modifiable risk factors (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, heart and vascular pathology, etc.) are presented. Recommendations on lifestyle and body weight reduction are given. In addition to the well-known information, the authors present the data of new studies on the role of vitamin D in the ischemic cascade and consider the possible pathogenetic mechanisms of this effect. The review also provides information on the association of vitamin D deficiency with other pathological conditions that are the causes of ischemic stroke and the effect of vitamin D on the volume of ischemic lesions, the severity of the outcome and the risks of repeated vascular accidents.Conclusion.The study of risk factors for ischemic stroke and the development of primary prevention methods is one of the priority areas of modern neurology, since it will improve the system of care for patients with cerebrovascular disease.