Older people who have undergone surgery are at increased risk of suffering a stroke for up to 2 years afterward, a new study shows. While it was known that the risk increases immediately after surgery, the new study shows that the risk period extends longer than expected.
Researchers followed 108,711 patients who had cardiac surgery in Ontario between 1996 and 2006. The authors call for future research to look for preventive strategies for patients that are 75 years and older, suffering from diabetes or have congestive heart failure.
Original research paper published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on July 21, 2014.
Names and affiliations of selected authors
