5 key factors may predict stroke risk years after first event, study finds

After a minor stroke, there are several risk factors that can predict another event, according to new research.

A study published in the journal Circulation by the American Heart Association investigated what happens after someone has a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a "mini-stroke."

This was a follow-up to the previous PERSIST study, which found that stroke risk persisted after the typical 90-day monitoring window.

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The Canada-based researchers measured long-term risk, finding that individuals who experience a minor stroke face an elevated chance of a recurrence for at least 10 years.

The systemic review included 28 observational studies with more than 86,000 participants who were followed for at least one year after experiencing a minor stroke. The median age was 69 and 57% of them were men.

The review identified the following five key factors that may predict another stroke.

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Older age was also associated with a higher risk.

The researchers said these results can help doctors spot patients who have a long-term risk of stroke, so they can keep a closer eye on them, provide the right treatment, and create more focused ways to prevent strokes.

Cardiologist Bibhu D. Mohanty, MD, cardiovascular sciences associate professor at University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, was not involved in the research but discussed the findings with Fox News Digital.

"This is an interesting meta-analysis that is well-performed technically, in seeking to address a challenging question in a population that is demonstrating early signs of significant stroke risk," he said.

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Identifying risk factors is an important first step in identifying "actionable intervention," according to Mohanty.

"Now that we know what they are, what can we do about them?" he questioned. "As a medical community, we are all aware that there is considerable overlap in modification of brain health and heart health."

The cardiologist said he treats many stroke patients, but was surprised by how many had cardioembolic strokes — caused by clots that form in the heart — on top of common vascular risk factors like high blood pressure and artery plaque.

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"From both a clinician and patient perspective, this highlights the importance of seeking collaborative insight and decision-making among cardiologists and neurologists when comprehensively managing patients with stroke or stroke risk," he added.

Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for comment.