Living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) brings many daily challenges, but a new look at the data reveals a serious hidden risk. Researchers analyzed data from over 5 million people to see how the condition affects brain health. They found that people with lupus are much more likely to experience a stroke compared to those without the condition.
The data shows a significant increase in several types of stroke. This includes both ischemic strokes, which happen when blood flow is blocked, and hemorrhagic strokes, which happen when a blood vessel bursts. The numbers show that the risk for these events is more than double for those living with lupus.
While these findings are based on a very large group of people, the researchers noted that the studies they looked at were quite different from one another. This means the results show a clear link between lupus and stroke risk, but the exact reasons for this connection are still being explored.
