Iron deficiency anemia significantly increases ischemic stroke risk in young adults

HCP Live highlighted research conducted by the University of Cincinnati's Jahnavi Gollamudi while at University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center that suggests iron deficiency anemia (IDA) independently and significantly increases the odds of ischemic stroke in young adults. The research was published in the journal EJHaem.

Globally, IDA is the most common form of anemia, resulting from iron deficiency and insufficient iron stores to support the production of red blood cells. It is more common among women due to regular iron losses through menstruation and increased iron demands during pregnancy.

“Although multiple studies have explored the association of IDA and thrombotic events in children, our study was the first to explore its role in ischemic stroke in a young adult population, that is, most susceptible to IDA,” Jahnavi Gollamudi, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine in UC’s College of Medicine and a UC Health physician, and colleagues wrote.

“In summary, we demonstrate an association between antecedent IDA and ischemic stroke in young adults,” the study authors continued. “Given the high prevalence of IDA in this population, an effective screening strategy is urgently needed to diminish its subsequent complications.”

Read the HCP Live story.

Featured photo at top of Jahnavi Gollamudi. Photo/UC Health.