Cerebrovascular Disease Mortality Research Articles

Impact of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases Mortality on Life Expectancy in Tianjin, 2004 and 2020.

This study aims to analyze the impact of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) mortality on Tianjin's life expectancy (LE) in 2004 compared with 2020 using Arriaga's decomposition method. The LE increment for Tianjin residents due to the decrease in CCVDs mortality was 1.54 years (38.7%). Males, females, urban residents, and rural residents contributed 1.29 years (36.83%), 1.76 years (40.25%), 2.11 years (44.41%), and 0.71 years (25.06%), respectively. A total of 38.2% of the LE increment was attributed to deaths from CCVDs in people aged ≥65 years. Cerebral infarction, intracerebral hemorrhage, acute myocardial infarction, and other heart diseases contributed positively to the increase in LE (24.8%, 22.68%, 16.66%, and 11.3%). Sequelae of cerebrovascular disease and other coronary heart diseases contributed negatively to the increase in LE (-25.2% and -17.92%). Therefore, we need to control the risk factors of the elderly, males, rural residents, sequelae of cerebrovascular disease, and other coronary heart diseases.

Relative and absolute inequalities in cerebrovascular disease mortality rates: exploring the influence of socioeconomic status and urbanization levels in Taiwan

Background/ObjectiveLimited evidence exists regarding the socioeconomic inequalities in cerebrovascular disease (CBD) mortality at different urbanization levels. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the socioeconomic inequalities and urbanization levels in township-based CBD mortality in Taiwan.MethodsSocioeconomic variables, including the percentages of low-income households, individuals with a university education and above, and tax payments, were measured at the township level from 2011 to 2020. Urbanization was also determined by the national survey and divided into seven levels. Age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of CBD was calculated using a Geographic Information System (GIS) in 358 townships. The effects of socioeconomic variables and urbanization levels on relative and absolute inequalities in township-based CBD mortality rates were examined.ResultsSignificant differences in ASMR of CBD were observed across all socioeconomic status indicators over the years. Higher proportions of low-income households were associated with higher ASMR of CBD. Conversely, there were negative correlations between higher proportions of individuals with a university education and above and tax payments with ASMR of CBD. The regression analysis indicated significant impacts of relative and absolute socioeconomic inequalities on ASMR of CBD. Additionally, a moderation effect of socioeconomic variables and urbanization on CBD mortality rates was observed, with rural areas showing sensitivity to these factors.ConclusionAlthough ASMR of CBD showed significant decreases over time, socioeconomic inequalities in CBD mortality rates persist. Interventions targeting socioeconomic inequalities in health outcomes, especially in rural areas, are needed to address this issue.

Associations Between Physical Activity and the Incidence of Cerebrovascular Disease or All-Cause Mortality Among 146,742 Older Adults: A 13-Year Prospective Cohort Study

ObjectivesAlthough studies have indicated that physical activity (PA) is related to cardiovascular disease, the specific association between PA and incident cerebrovascular disease (CBVD) remains uncertain. The current study aimed to investigate the associations between PA levels and the CBVD incidence or all-cause mortality. DesignProspective cohort study. Settings and ParticipantsOlder participants (age >60 years) from the UK Biobank. MethodsThe baseline PA was classified as total, light, moderate, and vigorous PA based on the metabolic equivalent–minutes per week (MET-min/wk) and considered as exposures, whereas CBVD incidence and all-cause mortality were considered as the outcomes. Cox proportional hazards were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for the influence of the association between PA and CBVD incidence and all-cause mortality. ResultsA total of 146,742 participants aged 60 years and older were included. During a median follow-up period of 13.5 years (interquartile range of 12.8-14.2), 9338 older individuals developed CBVD and 3033 death were recorded (including 767 CBVD-related deaths). High volumes of PA were consistently associated with lower risks of CBVD and all-cause mortality. The lowest risk of CBVD incidence was observed at 2001-2500 MET-min/wk of total PA (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.53-0.70), and the lowest risk of all-cause mortality was observed at 2501-5000 MET-min/wk (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.43-0.63) in older adults. Total PA at 2001-2500 MET-min/wk significantly reduced the CBVD incidence in older women (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.46-0.71), which was more pronounced than that in older men (HR for 2001-2500 MET-min/wk: 0.64, 95% CI 0.50-0.77). Conclusions and ImplicationsTotal PA at 2001-2500 MET-min/wk significantly reduced the risk of incident CBVD and all-cause mortality in adults aged >60 years, although the extents of risk reduction vary in men and women.

Abstract WP288: Epidemiological Analysis of Incidence, Treatment, Mortality and Costs of Cerebrovascular Diseases in Brazil Between 2017 and 2022

Background: Cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) represent a Global Health concern, being the first cause of disability worldwide and second cause of mortality (first in Brazil). Despite that, detailed data from Brazil was scarce and this study found alarming results. Aims: The study aims to analyze incidence, mortality, treatment, procedures and costs related to the three most common cerebrovascular diseases: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH), Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) and Ischemic Stroke in Brazil. Methods: This is an epidemiological study. Data was obtained through DataSUS, a public database. For the search, we utilized the CID-10 notification system from I60 until I64, including admissions, deaths, treatments and costs related to each CID-10. Results: Between 2017 and 2022, 1,283,435 CVD cases were notified (SAH=4,7%; ICH= 8.8%; and ischemic stroke=86.5%). 52.4% were Male and 47.6% were Female. Mortality percentages were: SAH=20.2%, ICH=25.3%, Ischemic Stroke=15.3%. Rates of Thrombolysis were alarming, but with an increasing tendency: 22969 were performed, from 1.6% in 2017 to 2.3% in 2022 of all ischemic strokes. 8290 aneurysms embolizations were performed (13.5% of all SAH cases). 4.9% of SAH cases were treated with neurosurgical clipping, demonstrating a decrease tendency after 2020, as well other procedures, such as Craniectomy and Angioplastia. Yearly costs related to these diseases increased steeply, from R$ 360,710,749.92 in 2017 to R$ 537,511,793.62 in 2022 (around US$107,502,358.00). Conclusions: This study has found increasing incidence and costs associated with low rates of thrombolysis and procedures in Brazil The results can direct Public Health policies in developing countries, and similar research in other low- and middle-income-countries are encouraged.

Association between triglyceride glucose index and all-cause mortality in patients with cerebrovascular disease: a retrospective study

BackgroundTriglyceride glucose (TyG) is associated with stroke, atherosclerosis, and adverse clinical outcomes. However, its correlation with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) mortality remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between TyG index and mortality in patients with CVD.MethodsPatient data sourced from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care -IV database were categorized based on TyG quartiles. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to estimate survival disparities among the TyG subgroups. Cox proportional risk modeling was used to examine the association between the TyG index and mortality. Generalized summation models were applied to fit the smoothed curves. log-likelihood ratio test were used to analyze the non-linear relationship.ResultsThe study comprised 1,965 patients (50.18% were male). The 28-day and 90-day mortality rates were 20.10% and 24.48%, respectively. The TyG index exhibited a linear relationship with the 28-day mortality (Hazards ratio (HR), 1.16; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.99–1.36) and the 90-day mortality (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02–1.37). In the TyG Q4 group, each 1 mg/dl increase was linked to a 35% rise in the risk of 28-day mortality and a 38% increase in the risk of 90-day mortality. Subgroup analyses highlighted a more substantial association between TyG index and 90-day mortality in the diabetic group.ConclusionOur findings underscore the positive association between TyG and the 28- and 90-day mortality rates in patients with CVD. This insight may prove pivotal for identifying at-risk populations and enhancing risk prediction in the clinical management of CVD.

Association of Cantonese dietary patterns with mortality risk in older Chinese: a 16-year follow-up of a Guangzhou Biobank cohort study.

Background: Evidence about the associations between Cantonese dietary patterns and mortality is scarce. We examined the prospective association of the dietary pattern with all-cause, cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in older Chinese. Methods: We included 19 598 participants of a Guangzhou Biobank cohort study aged 50+ years, who were recruited from 2003 to 2006 and followed up until July, 2022. The diet was assessed by using a 300-item validated food frequency questionnaire. The food items were collapsed into 27 food groups. Factor analysis (FA) was used to identify dietary patterns. Multivariable Cox regression produced hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality. Results: During 305 410 person-years, 4966 deaths including 1971 CVD, 1565 cancer and 1436 other-causes occurred. Four dietary patterns were identified by FA. No association of the vegetable-based dietary pattern with all-cause, CVD and cancer mortality was found. Compared with the lowest quartile of the healthy Cantonese dietary pattern score, the highest quartile showed lower risks of all-cause (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80-0.94) and CVD mortality (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.97). The highest quartile of the nut and fruit dietary pattern showed lower risks of all-cause (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.85-0.99) and CVD mortality (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72-0.93), while the unhealthy western dietary pattern was associated with a higher risk of all-cause (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.19) and cerebrovascular disease mortality (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03-1.58). Conclusion: We have first identified four dietary patterns based on the Cantonese cuisine and found that healthy Cantonese and nut and fruit dietary patterns were associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality, whereas the unhealthy western dietary pattern was associated with a higher risk of all-cause and cerebrovascular disease mortality.

Residential Nitrogen Dioxide Exposure and Cause-Specific Cerebrovascular Mortality: An Individual-Level, Case-Crossover Study.

Existing studies have already shown a connection between nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure and cerebrovascular mortality. However, the differential effects of NO2 on cerebrovascular disease and its subtypes remain unclear and require further exploration. Daily stroke mortality data between 2013 and 2021 in Shanghai, China were collected. Residential daily air pollution data for each decedent were predicted from a satellite model. An individual-level, time-stratified, case-crossover design was applied to examine the relationship between NO2 exposure and cerebrovascular mortality. A combination of conditional logistic regression and distributed lag models with a maximum lag of 7 days was used for data analysis. A total of 219,147 cases of cerebrovascular mortality were recorded. Among them, the proportion of sequelae of cerebrovascular disease, hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke was 50.7%, 17.1% and 27.5%, respectively. The monotonic increases in mortality risks of cerebrovascular diseases, sequelae of cerebrovascular disease and ischemic stroke were observed, without any discernible thresholds. Each 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2 concentration was associated with increments of 3.62% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.56%, 4.69%] for total cerebrovascular mortality, 4.29% (95% CI: 2.81%, 5.80%) for sequelae of cerebrovascular disease mortality and 4.30% (95% CI: 2.30%, 6.33%) for ischemic stroke mortality. No positive associations between NO2 exposure and hemorrhagic stroke mortality were observed. A greater risk of NO2 was observed in the warm season, in patients with less than 9 years of education and in those with single marital status. The effects of NO2 were robust to mutual adjustment of co-pollutants. Short-term exposures to NO2 may increase the risk of cerebrovascular mortality, specifically for ischemic stroke and sequelae of cerebrovascular disease.

Abstract 15052: The Association Between Sleep Duration With Cardiovascular Disease and All-Cause Mortality: Results From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Background: In 2022, the American Heart Association (AHA) updated the list of modifiable lifestyle factors most important for cardiovascular health to include sleep. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia and sleep apnea, have been associated with an increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the relationship between sleep duration and mortality remains to be fully elucidated. Methods: We used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data linked to National Death Index records to examine the association between sleep duration and CVD and all-cause mortality. A representative sample of 37,975 adults aged ≥20 years participated in the survey, which included assessments of social, behavioral, and metabolic factors, including usual weekday sleep duration. Sleep duration was categorized as (1) ideal (6-<9 hours); (2) insufficient (<6 hours); and (3) excessive (≥9 hours). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine the relationship between sleep duration and CVD and all-cause mortality. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and race. Results: Over an average of 7.5 years of follow-up, 2,406 CVD deaths were confirmed. In adjusted models, compared to ideal sleep duration (6-<9 hours), excessive sleep (≥9 hours) was associated with a 65% increase in CVD mortality (HR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.39, 1.96), a 53% increase in cerebrovascular disease mortality (HR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.22, 1.92), and a 52% increase in all-cause mortality (HR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.40, 1.66). Insufficient sleep (<6 hours) was associated with a 38% increase in CVD mortality (HR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.75) and a 54% increase in all-cause mortality (HR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.38, 1.71). Conclusion: We found that both insufficient and excessive sleep were associated with increased risk of CVD and all-cause mortality, and the risk was more pronounced for excessive sleep. These findings emphasize the importance of recognizing sleep as a modifiable risk factor for CVD. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between sleep and CVD, including incorporating sleep quality into risk assessments and defining clinically meaningful categorizations of sleep metrics.

Association between thermal stress and cardiovascular mortality in the subtropics.

Hazardous thermal conditions resulting from climate change may play a role in cardiovascular disease development. We chose the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) as the exposure metric to evaluate the relationship between thermal conditions and cardiovascular mortality in Shenzhen, China. We applied quasi-Poisson regression non-linear distributed lag models to evaluate the exposure-response associations. The findings suggest that cardiovascular mortality risks were significantly increased under heat and cold stress, and the adverse effects of cold stress were stronger than heat stress. Referencing the 50th percentile of UTCI (25.4°C), the cumulative risk of cardiovascular mortality was 75% (RRlag0-21 =1.75, 95%CI: 1.32, 2.32) higher in the 1st percentile (3.5°C), and 40% (RRlag0-21=1.40, 95%CI: 1.09, 1.80) higher in the 99th percentile (34.1°C). We observed that individuals older than 65 yearswere more vulnerable to both cold and heat stress, and females were identified as more susceptible to heat stress than males. Moreover, increased mortality risks of hypertensive disease and cerebrovascular disease were observed under cold stress, while heat stress was related to higher risks of mortality for hypertensive disease and ischemic heart disease. We also observed a stronger relationship between cold stress and ischemic heart disease mortality during the cold season, as well as a significant impact of heat stress on cerebrovascular disease mortality in the warm season when compared to the analysis of the entire year. These results confirm the significant relationship between thermal stress and cardiovascular mortality, with age and sex as potential effect modifiers of this association. Providing affordable air conditioning equipment, increasing the amount of vegetation, and establishing comprehensive early warning systems that take human thermoregulation into account could all help to safeguard the well-being of the public, particularly vulnerable populations, in the event of future extreme weather.

Dietary saturated fatty acids increased all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in an elderly population: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

The influence of dietary saturated fatty acids intake on human health and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains debated. The aim of this study was to explore the association between dietary saturated fatty acid consumption and all-cause and CVD mortality among the elderly population. Data for the participants in this study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset spanning the years 2003 through 2008. Information regarding mortality and the follow-up duration were extracted from the 2019 public-use linked mortality files provided by the National Center for Health Statistics. A total of 3404 participants were included in this study. The ratio of dietary saturated fatty acids to total fat was associated with the mortality from all-cause, heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease after adjusting confounding factors (P < .05). For every 10% increase in the saturated fatty acids to total fat ratio, all-cause mortality increased by 24% (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.37), the heart disease mortality increased by 26% (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.05–1.52), and the cerebrovascular disease mortality increased by 67% (HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.14–2.45) at 10 years’ follow-up. In addition, low dietary saturated fatty acids intake was associated with reduced mortality because of all-cause and heart disease after adjusting confounding factors (P < .05). In conclusion, in this elderly population, dietary saturated fatty acid intake was associated with all-cause mortality, heart disease mortality, and cerebrovascular disease mortality. Reducing saturated fatty acid intake in the diet may extend the survival rate for the elderly population. However, the difference of the effects of specific dietary saturated fatty acids with different chain lengths on mortality needs further study.

Machine learning analysis and risk prediction of weather-sensitive mortality related to cardiovascular disease during summer in Tokyo, Japan

Climate-sensitive diseases developing from heat or cold stress threaten human health. Therefore, the future health risk induced by climate change and the aging of society need to be assessed. We developed a prediction model for mortality due to cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction, which are weather or climate sensitive, using machine learning (ML) techniques. We evaluated the daily mortality of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CEV) in Tokyo and Osaka City, Japan, during summer. The significance of delayed effects of daily maximum temperature and other weather elements on mortality was previously demonstrated using a distributed lag nonlinear model. We conducted ML by a LightGBM algorithm that included specified lag days, with several temperature- and air pressure-related elements, to assess the respective mortality risks for IHD and CEV, based on training and test data for summer 2010–2019. These models were used to evaluate the effect of climate change on the risk for IHD mortality in Tokyo by applying transfer learning (TL). ML with TL predicted that the daily IHD mortality risk in Tokyo would averagely increase by 29% and 35% at the 95th and 99th percentiles, respectively, using a high-level warming-climate scenario in 2045–2055, compared to the risk simulated using ML in 2009–2019.

A Decade Trends in Total and Sex-specific Cerebrovascular Disease Mortality in Turkey: 2013-2022

Objective: Cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) remain a significant global public health concern and a leading cause of mortality. This study aims to assess the current trends in cerebrovascular disease-related mortality in Turkey, with a particular focus on disparities in age and gender. To achieve this, we will utilize mortality data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK). Methods: Mortality data for ischemic heart disease from 2013 to 2022 were obtained from the TUIK mortality database. Analytical methods involved the use of Joinpoint analysis to calculate both the annual percentage change (APC) and the average annual percentage change (AAPC). This allowed for the identification of significant alterations in trends over the study period. Additionally, we conducted a detailed examination of sex-specific variations, and age-standardized rates (ASRs) were computed. Results: In 2013, the total CVD death rate was 25.2%, with male and female death rates of 22.9% and 27.5%, respectively. This year marked the highest recorded stroke death rate within the provided timeframe. By 2022, these rates had consistently decreased. The total stroke death rate was 19.2%, with males at 18.7% and females at 19.7%. The analysis indicated a decreasing trend in CVD mortality in Turkey from 2013 to 2022. However, this decrease was not statistically significant (APC=1.9, 95% CI: -0.8; 4.3, p=0.123). The decline was more pronounced in females (APC=2.4, 95% CI: -0.7; 4.9, p=0.121) compared to males (APC=1.2, 95% CI: -1.3; 3.8, p=0.2351). Comparatively, the latest available data underscore significant disparities in cerebrovascular disease mortality across European regions. Western Europe had the lowest percentage of total deaths attributed to stroke, with 5.9% in males and 8.2% in females. In contrast, Eastern Europe recorded the highest percentages, with 11.6% in males and 17.5% in females. These disparities were reflected in Age-Standardized Mortality Rates (ASMRs), with Western Europe having the lowest ASMRs for stroke and Eastern Europe having the highest. Conclusion: While there have been global reductions in CVD mortality, Turkey has mirrored these declining trends, albeit at a lower rate than many European countries. The presented results emphasize the need for continual research and improved interventions targeting the observed inequalities in cerebrovascular disease mortality outcomes in Turkey. The regional and sex disparities highlighted necessitate targeted health policies and resource allocation to effectively mitigate cerebrovascular disease-related mortalities.

АСПЕКТЫ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ АНТИТРОМБОТИЧЕСКОЙ ТЕРАПИИ В СОСУДИСТОЙ НЕВРОЛОГИИ

The development of Acute Cerebrovascular Events – ACV is one of the main causes of mortality and disability. Currently, in developed countries, due to the development of new technologies and improvement of medical care and prevention, there is a tendency to decrease the mortality and morbidity of cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Timely and adequate use of antithrombotic therapy in patients in this category for primary and secondary prevention of ACV is an extremely important aspect of management and reliably reduces the risks of recurrent cerebrovascular accidents, increases survival and contributes to a more favorable prognosis for the recovery of impaired functions and quality of life in the long term.

Cerebrovascular Disease Mortality Trends in Brazil: An In-Depth Joinpoint Analysis.

Background Cerebrovascular disease is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability following heart disease. In 2019, there were over 101 million people living with a stroke and 12.2 million incidents of stroke globally. For the past three decades, stroke has remained the leading cause of death in Brazil, causing over 100,000 fatalities annually, along with numerous functional impairments among those who survive.The Brazilian healthcare system has witnessed notable advancements in the last decade, including the establishment of additional hospitals and a rise in the count of healthcare professionals specializing in cardiovascular and neurological surgery. However, there exists a gap in the research landscapefor continuous comprehensive studies aimed at exploring the evolving mortality rates related to cerebrovascular diseases, of which the last one included data up to 2019. This study aimed to address this gap by meticulously analyzing the trends in cerebrovascular disease mortality in Brazil from 2000 to 2021, for the variables age, sex, state of residence, and geographic region. Methods This is a descriptive, ecological, and time series study. Nationwide data for annual cerebrovascular mortality from Brazil were used for the period 2000-2021. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs)by direct standardization, encompassing people above 20 years of age, were calculated and expressed per 100,000 persons.Mortality trends were assessedusing joinpoint regression analysis by calculating the annual percentage change (APC) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) across categories of age, sex, and state and region of residence. Results The mortality rates decreased for the sex categories over the analyzed years. The AAMR for the categories decreased as follows: males and females (95 deaths/100,000 to 52 deaths/100,000 inhabitants), males (108 deaths/100,000 to 63 deaths/100,000 inhabitants), and females (83 deaths/100,000 to 44 deaths/100,000 inhabitants).The most substantial reduction inAAMR for males occurred in the 30-39-year age group (APC: -4.10), while the smallest decline was observed in the 20-29-year age group (APC: -1.44).All five macro-regions demonstrated statistically significant and downward AAPC values in mortality rates. The south and midwest regions decreased at a stable rate, as denoted by the sameAPC and AAPC values (-4.05 and -3.11, respectively).The north and northeast regions exhibited anincrease in AAMR, followed by a decrease (APC: 0.68 to -1.42 and 2.63 to -2.35, respectively). Conclusions Our comprehensive analysisrevealed a downward trend in cerebrovascular disease mortality rates across diverse demographic groups and macro-regions. Females experienced a more substantial reduction compared to males. Despite higher mortality rates among individuals aged 50 and above, all age groups displayed a marked decrease. The continuous decline can be attributed to policy interventions aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery, increased awareness, and healthier diets and lifestyles. With regard to the macro-regions, the regions in the southern zone demonstrated a more significant decrease as compared to the northern part. In Brazil, a more significant decline in cerebrovascular disease mortality rates could be achieved through increased focus on prevention measures and efforts toward mitigating disparities and inequalities between macro-regions.

Peripheral and Cerebral Vasodilation in Black and White Women: Examining the Impact of Psychosocial Stress Exposure Versus Internalization and Coping.

Black women have among the highest rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease prevalence and mortality in part due to blunted vascular function. Psychosocial stress likely also contributes but its relationship to vascular function remains incompletely understood. Recent studies suggest that stress internalization and coping strategies are more important than stress exposures alone. We hypothesized that Black women would have blunted peripheral and cerebral vasodilation and that, among Black women, this would be inversely related with psychosocial stress internalization/coping but not stress exposures. Healthy Black (n=21; 20±2 years) and White (n=16; 25±7 years) women underwent testing for forearm reactive hyperemia, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and cerebrovascular reactivity. Psychosocial stress exposures (adverse childhood experiences; past week discrimination) and internalization/coping techniques (John Henryism Active Coping Scale; Giscombe Superwoman Schema Questionnaire) were assessed. Reactive hyperemia and cerebrovascular reactivity were not different between groups (P>0.05), whereas FMD was lower in Black women (P=0.007). Neither adverse childhood experiences nor past week discrimination were associated with FMD in either group (P>0.05 for all). John Henryism Active Coping Scale scores were negatively associated with FMD in Black women (P=0.014) but positively associated with FMD in White women (P=0.042). Superwoman Schema-Succeed was negatively associated (P=0.044) and Superwoman Schema-Vulnerable tended to be negatively associated (P=0.057) with FMD in Black women. These findings indicate that blunted FMD in Black women may be due more to stress internalization and maladaptive coping than stress exposures alone.

STOP-Bang and Smartwatch’s Two-Step Approach for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening

Background and Objectives Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with various health risks, including hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, myocardial infarction, diabetes, cognitive impairment, and all-cause mortality. While overnight polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for diagnosing OSA, it is costly and time-consuming. The STOP-Bang questionnaire is a convenient tool for OSA screening, but its high sensitivity comes at the expense of low specificity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of combining the STOP-Bang questionnaire and a smartwatch capable of measuring oxygen saturation in screening for OSA.Subjects and Method Of the patients scheduled for PSG due to OSA, 109 patients voluntarily participated in the study by filling out a STOP-Bang questionnaire during their first visit and wearing a smartwatch during PSG.Results There were 80 males and 29 females, with the patients’ mean age of 45±13.3 years. Based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), 19 patients (17.4%) were normal, 28 (25.7%) had mild OSA, 23 (21.1%) had moderate OSA, and 39 (35.8%) had severe OSA. When using the AHI threshold of AHI ≥15/h, the STOP-Bang alone showed sensitivity of 85.5% and specificity of 61.7%. Combining the STOP-Bang questionnaire with a smartwatch resulted in a slight decrease in sensitivity and a significant increase in specificity, yielding the values of 80.5% and 84.4%, respectively.Conclusion A two-step approach using the STOP-Bang and a smartwatch was implemented to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of screening OSA.

Impacts of Urban Green on Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality globally. In particular, ischemic heart diseases (IHDs) and cerebrovascular diseases (CBVDs) represent the main drivers of CVD-related deaths. Many literature examples have assessed the association between CVD risk factors and urban greenness. Urban green (UG) may positively affect physical activity, reduce air and noise pollution, and mitigate the heat island effect, which are known risk factors for CVD morbidity. This systematic review aims to assess the effects of urban green spaces on CVD morbidity and mortality. Peer-reviewed research articles with a quantitative association between urban green exposure variables and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes were included. Meta-analyses were conducted for each outcome evaluated in at least three comparable studies. Most of the included studies' results highlighted an inverse correlation between exposure to UG and CVD outcomes. Gender differences were found in four studies, with a protective effect of UG only statistically significant in men. Three meta-analyses were performed, showing an overall protective effect of UG on CVD mortality (HR (95% CI) = 0.94 (0.91, 0.97)), IHD mortality (HR (95% CI) = 0.96 (0.93, 0.99)), and CBVD mortality (HR (95% CI) = 0.96 (0.94, 0.97)). The results of this systematic review suggest that exposure to UG may represent a protective factor for CVDs.

The role of the gut microbiome and its metabolites in cerebrovascular diseases.

The gut microbiome is critically involved in maintaining normal physiological function in the host. Recent studies have revealed that alterations in the gut microbiome contribute to the development and progression of cerebrovascular disease via the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). As a broad communication network in the human body, MGBA has been demonstrated to have significant interactions with various factors, such as brain structure and function, nervous system diseases, etc. It is also believed that the species and composition of gut microbiota and its metabolites are intrinsically linked to vascular inflammation and immune responses. In fact, in fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) research, specific gut microbiota and downstream-related metabolites have been proven to not only participate in various physiological processes of human body, but also affect the occurrence and development of cerebrovascular diseases directly or indirectly through systemic inflammatory immune response. Due to the high mortality and disability rate of cerebrovascular diseases, new treatments to improve intestinal dysbacteriosis have gradually attracted widespread attention to better ameliorate the poor prognosis of cerebrovascular diseases in a non-invasive way. This review summarizes the latest advances in the gut microbiome and cerebrovascular disease research and reveals the profound impact of gut microbiota dysbiosis and its metabolites on cerebrovascular diseases. At the same time, we elucidated molecular mechanisms whereby gut microbial metabolites regulate the expression of specific interleukins in inflammatory immune responses. Moreover, we further discuss the feasibility of novel therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota to improve the outcome of patients with cerebrovascular diseases. Finally, we provide new insights for standardized diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.

624 Economic Development and Trends of Cerebrovascular Disease Mortality in Eastern Europe: 1992-2019

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have shown that a country's overall mortality rates are inversely related to it's gross domestic product (GDP). Eastern Europe experienced rapid economic growth after the fall of communism, and as such its public health sector swiftly improved. How this economic growth has affected mortality rates due to cerebrovascular disease has never been studied. METHODS: Eight countries were included in this study, representing the Warsaw Pact founding members: Albania, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Czechia, with Russia and Ukraine representing the former Soviet Union. As East Germany joined West Germany in 1990, it was excluded. Age standardized death rates from cerebrovascular disease per 100,000 people from 1992-2019 were taken from the World Health Organization (WHO) Mortality Database using the ICD-10 (International Classification of Disease) codes 160-169. Each country’s GDP per capita (inflation adjusted to 2015 dollar amount) during those years was taken from the World Bank World Development Indicators Database. RESULTS: Cerebrovascular disease mortality decreased from 1992-2019 in every country, despite divergent trends in economic development. Indeed, Ukraine’s cerebrovascular disease mortality rate decreased by 42.9% even though its GDP per capita decreased by 4.8%. The countries with the largest decreases in mortality are Czechia (-78.9%), Hungary (-62.7%), and Russia (-49.3%) while Albania had the smallest decrease (-29.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of cerebrovascular disease mortality among the Warsaw Pact’s founding members decreased after the fall of communism, despite differing rates of economic development. Further research is warranted regarding these countries’ healthcare practices during this period. Hopefully, lessons can be gleaned to improve public health and neurosurgical care in other developing nations.

Association between thyroid cancer and cardiovascular disease: A meta-analysis.

To determine the association between thyroid cancer and coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, cerebrovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease mortality. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for eligible studies from inception to September 22, 2022. Keywords included "thyroid cancer", "atrial fibrillation", "coronary artery disease", "cerebrovascular disease", and "mortality". Primary outcomes included the incidence of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, atrial fibrillation, and cardiovascular disease mortality among patients with thyroid cancer. Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular disease events among those with thyroid cancer that received or did not receive radioactive iodine or lenvatinib. Estimates were pooled using fixed- and random-effects meta-analysis. A total of 771,220 patients who underwent thyroidectomy in 15 studies were included. Risk for cerebrovascular disease (risk ratio [RR] 1.15 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-1.21]) and atrial fibrillation [RR 1.59 (95% CI: 1.45-1.73)] were significantly increased. Risk for coronary artery disease was significantly increased [RR 1.12 (95% CI: 1.08-1.17)] in the common effect model. Cardiovascular disease mortality associated with thyroid cancer was not significant [RR 0.93 (95% CI: 0.59-1.45)]. Radioactive iodine had a neutral effect on cardiovascular disease [RR 1.00 (95% CI: 0.87-1.16)], and there was no beneficial nor harmful effect among different RAI doses. Thyroid cancer was significantly associated with a higher risk for cerebrovascular disease and atrial fibrillation; however, the hazard risk was not different between patients with and without radioactive iodine treatment. Thyroid cancer treatment should be individualized considering the potential harms and benefits to cardiovascular health.