Strokes are a serious health concern, and military veterans face a higher risk compared to the general population. Understanding the types of strokes and the unique risk factors for veterans is crucial for prevention and effective treatment.
There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, often by a blood clot, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. These strokes can be either thrombotic, where a clot forms in an artery supplying the brain, or embolic, where a clot travels from elsewhere in the body to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts, causing bleeding. This type of stroke can be intracerebral, where bleeding occurs directly into the brain tissue, or subarachnoid, where bleeding occurs between the brain and its covering tissues. Both types of strokes can lead to loss of brain function and cause impairments like partial weakness (hemiparesis) or severe paralysis (hemiplegia).
Military service creates unique circumstances that increase the incidence of stroke in veterans due to the cumulative impact of the factors described below:
Physical injuries and trauma: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), common among military personnel due to blasts, falls, or direct impacts, can damage brain blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of clots, disrupted blood flow, and subsequent strokes.
Psychological stressors: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prevalent among veterans, leads to chronic stress, which raises blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke. PTSD is also linked to unhealthy habits like smoking, heavy drinking, and poor diet, further increasing stroke risk.
Exposure to hazardous materials: Military personnel are often exposed to toxic chemicals, burn pits, pesticides, and heavy metals, which can lead to vascular issues and conditions like high blood pressure, increasing stroke risk.
Aging and comorbidities: Veterans often develop chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome, at younger ages than the general population due to service-related stress and health factors, all of which increase the risk of stroke.
Mental health comorbidities: Depression and anxiety can also lead to neglecting health or a reluctance to seek preventive care.
Recognizing these risk factors is critical for providing specialized healthcare, early intervention, and lifestyle support to reduce stroke risk among veterans. We believe that by understanding the causes and implementing preventative measures, the long-term health and well-being of veterans can be improved.
Download the Vet mHealth App
Our subsequent blogs will describe measures to prevent strokes and explore innovative methods to help with post-stroke recovery for veterans. Preventative and post-stroke recovery measures include using the free Vet mHealth app to gather critical health information that typically goes unrecorded, including all vitals, pain level, and symptoms.
You can find out more about our Vet mHealth app at https://www.va.gov/resources/find-apps-you-can-use/ and download it from the App Store or Play Store.
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