Down Syndrome Linked To Increased Stroke And Heart Risks — Here’s What Experts Say

A new study has revealed that individuals with Down syndrome face a significantly higher risk of suffering from strokes—both those caused by brain bleeds and those triggered by blood clots. The findings, published on May 7 in the Journal of Internal Medicine, indicate that people with Down syndrome are 5.14 times more likely to experience hemorrhagic strokes (brain bleeds) and over 4 times more likely to suffer from ischemic strokes (caused by blood clots) compared to those without the genetic condition.

Researchers also discovered that younger individuals with Down syndrome may be at an increased risk of heart attacks. These results could have major implications for how medical professionals monitor and manage the cardiovascular health of patients with Down syndrome, especially as their life expectancy continues to rise.

“Individuals with Down syndrome are at increased risk of certain age-related cardiovascular conditions,” said lead researcher Annie Pedersen from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. “Their cardiovascular risk factors appear to differ from the general population.”

Down syndrome is a genetic condition where individuals are born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This genetic variation affects the body’s physical and mental development. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the syndrome can influence various bodily functions, including those involving the heart and blood vessels.

Due to medical advancements and better care, people with Down syndrome are now living longer than ever before. In the early 1980s, their average life expectancy was around 25 years. Today, it has increased to approximately 60 years. However, with age comes a higher likelihood of developing heart and vascular issues.

To explore how Down syndrome affects long-term cardiovascular health, researchers studied nearly 5,200 individuals with Down syndrome born in Sweden between 1946 and 2000. Their health data was compared with that of the general Swedish population.

The study found that strokes in Down syndrome patients may not stem from the usual causes such as clogged arteries. Instead, researchers believe the heightened risk of clot-related strokes could be linked to other factors like congenital heart disease or diabetes, which are more common in people with Down syndrome. Similarly, the risk of brain bleeds may be influenced by conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol, and sedentary lifestyles.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Stroke to Watch For:

Given the elevated risk, early recognition of stroke symptoms is critical. The most common signs include:

Doctors recommend using the F.A.S.T. method to identify strokes quickly:

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