Body Iron Overload is a Determining Factor in Brain Damage in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Stroke is the second largest cause of death worldwide, with a world annual mortality incidence of about 5.5 million people, and it is also the leading cause of disability worldwide with 50% of survivors being chronically disabled [1]. It is estimated that one in four people will experience a stroke in their lifetime [2]. Strokes may be classified into two general types: ischemic and haemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke is caused by a reduction or an interruption of the blood supply to a certain region of the brain due to the obstruction of a blood vessel. In contrast, haemorrhagic stroke occurs due to the rupture of a blood vessel causing bleeding in the brain or in the subarachnoid space [3]. This short communication is centered on ischemic stroke, which is the most prevalent form of stroke worldwide [1].