Native Hawaiians have bleeding strokes at earlier age, independent of meth use

AHA: February 06, 2013

Study Highlights:

• Native Hawaiians have more bleeding strokes at an earlier age than other people independent of methamphetamine abuse.
• Besides genetics, environmental factors – such as diet, stress, unhealthy lifestyles and a lack of good healthcare could also affect the higher incidences.
• Researchers suggest more focus is needed on controlling high blood pressure, diabetes and weight management in this population.

HONOLULU, Feb. 6, 2013 — Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have more bleeding strokes at an earlier age than other people independent of methamphetamine abuse, according to research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2013.

“Drug abuse is a huge problem here and it definitely is a cause of hemorrhagic stroke,” said Kazuma Nakagawa, M.D., lead investigator and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Hawaii. “But Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are experiencing this form of stroke at a younger age even without methamphetamine use. It’s not all about methamphetamines, but possibly due to poor vascular health.” Read more