Depending on the source, stroke is considered as either the third-leading or second-leading cause of death worldwide. Neither one is a comforting thought, isn’t it?
What factors can increase one’s risk for stroke? Blood pressure, smoking, obesity, cholesterol, diet, physical inactivity and alcohol are responsible for two-thirds of stroke risk. Genetic factors also play an important role, but scientists have not found any common genetic markers associated with an increased risk for stroke. Until now.
A large study found single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on chromosome 12p13 that individually increased the risk of stroke by as much 30 percent. The markers were located very …read more