A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain, resulting in damaged brain tissue
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Obesity in middle-aged men can have a significant impact on stroke risk, doubling its likelihood later in life, according to a new study.

Researchers in Sweden followed 7,402 healthy men between ages 47 and 55 for 28 years. Fatal and non-fatal incidences of stroke were recorded by using the Swedish National Register on Cause of Death and the Swedish Hospital Discharge Registry.

According to the study, 873 first strokes were recorded. Men who started the study with a body mass index of between 20 and 22.49 were significantly less likely to suffer a stroke than those who started with a BMI of more than 30.

No significant association was found between BMI and risk for hemorrhagic stroke.

Researchers note the extended follow-up period of the study made it possible to show a link between obesity at middle age and an increased stroke risk later in life.

Lead study author Katarina Jood, M.D., concludes, "It is not enough to treat hypertension and diabetes to prevent stroke. Obesity should also be considered a risk factor."

Stroke accounts for 1 out of every 15 deaths in the United States. It is the 3rd leading cause of death in most developed countries, and the leading cause of disability in adults. The risk doubles with each decade after age 35.

If the flow of blood in an artery supplying the brain is interrupted for longer than a few seconds, brain cells can die, causing permanent damage. An interruption can be caused by either blood clots or bleeding in the brain.

Most strokes are due to blood clots that block blood flow. Bleeding into the brain occurs if a blood vessel ruptures or there is a significant injury.