Are You at Risk for a Brain Bleed? Understanding Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Risk Factors
Published: Jan 31, 2024
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) often strikes without warning, but certain factors can increase your risk. Understanding these risk factors could help you take steps to protect your brain health.
Contents
The Usual Suspects
Some risk factors for SAH are well-established. High blood pressure is a major culprit, damaging blood vessel walls over time. Smoking is another big offender, nearly tripling the risk of SAH. Excessive alcohol consumption, especially binge drinking, also raises the danger. While you can't change your age or gender, it's worth noting that SAH risk increases as you get older and is slightly higher in women.
Family Ties and Hidden Aneurysms
Genetics play a role in SAH risk. If you have two or more close relatives who've had an SAH or brain aneurysm, your risk is significantly higher. Some inherited connective tissue disorders, like polycystic kidney disease, also increase the chance of developing aneurysms. Many people live with unruptured brain aneurysms without knowing it – these weak spots in blood vessels are the source of most SAHs when they burst.
Lifestyle and Medical Factors
Certain medications and substances can affect your SAH risk. Using cocaine or other stimulant drugs is particularly dangerous. Some medications that thin the blood, while necessary for other conditions, may increase bleeding risk if an aneurysm ruptures. Medical conditions like hypertension and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) contribute to weakening blood vessel walls over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Extreme stress may trigger rupture in some cases, but it's not a direct cause.
No, but those with strong family history or risk factors may benefit from screening.
Rarely, very strenuous activity might trigger a rupture in someone with an existing aneurysm.
There may be a slightly increased risk, especially in women who smoke.
Key Takeaways
While you can't eliminate all risk, understanding and managing your personal risk factors for SAH can significantly improve your odds of avoiding this serious condition.
Concerned about your risk factors for SAH? Consult with Doctronic to assess your personal risk profile and develop a brain health plan.Related Articles
References
Feigin VL, et al. Risk factors for subarachnoid hemorrhage: an updated systematic review of epidemiological studies. Stroke 2005; 36:2773-2780.
Vlak MH, et al. Trigger factors and their attributable risk for rupture of intracranial aneurysms: a case-crossover study. Stroke 2011; 42:1878-1882.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.