The liver is just one of many important organs in the human body. It is actually vital for our survival, as we would die if it became compromised in any way. The liver has a wide range of functions, including detoxification of blood to the production of a biochemical needed for digestion. That’s why liver cirrhosis can be life threatening, and according to new research, it can even lead to hemorrhagic strokes.
A deadly liver condition
Diseases of the liver or liver cirrhosis can be caused by many different things, from viral infections to metabolic imbalances leading to fat accumulation. However, liver cirrhosis is commonly tied to excessive alcohol consumption. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of alcoholics suffer from cirrhosis and most aren’t aware that they have the condition. Long term cases of the disease may lead to the following problems:
- Bleeding varices, whereby the large blood vessel in the esophagus ruptures and bleeds
- Ascites, a condition where fluid builds up in your belly
- Encephalopathy, a condition where toxic metabolites in the blood start affecting the brain
- Jaundice, which is yellowing of the eyes and skin
- Gallstone production
- Bruise and bleed easily
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It’s now been discovered that hemorrhagic strokes also pose a risk to cirrhosis patients.
“In a nationally representative sample of elderly patients with vascular risk factors, cirrhosis was associated with an increased risk of stroke, particularly hemorrhagic stroke,” said the research team led by Dr. Neal Parikh of Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.
Stroke risk
Hemorrhagic strokes occur when there is uncontrolled bleeding in the brain. They account for about 13 percent of all strokes.
The relevant study tracked six years’ worth of data of more than 1.6 million Medicare patients 66 years or older.
The researchers found that just over one percent of people who did not have cirrhosis had a stroke during the average year. This increased to two percent in those with liver disease.
While the researchers admit that their study couldn’t prove causation between cirrhosis and stroke development, they believe that liver disease can impair clotting ability.
Other possible explanations are that heart risk factors may be exacerbated by cirrhosis and that the underlying causes of cirrhosis such as alcohol abuse, hepatitis C, and metabolic disease play a factor.
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
