A recent study published in the medical journal Neurology suggests that certain commonly prescribed medications may reduce the risk of a bleeding stroke caused by a ruptured brain aneurysm. The study, led by Jos Peter Kanning of the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands, aimed to find non-invasive ways to prevent this type of stroke, which is associated with higher mortality rates in younger individuals. The current surgical treatments for brain aneurysms are often risky and may have severe side effects, making preventive medications a potentially beneficial option.
The study analyzed data from 4,879 individuals who had experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm, known as aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages, and compared them to a control group of 43,911 individuals who did not have this condition. Researchers examined the electronic health records of the participants to identify any prescription medications they were taking. The results showed a significant association between the use of four drugs – lisinopril (a blood pressure medication), simvastatin (a cholesterol medication), metformin (a diabetes medication), and tamsulosin (an enlarged prostate medication) – and a decreased risk of a ruptured brain aneurysm.
After adjusting for various risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, and other health conditions, the study found that individuals taking lisinopril were 37% less likely to have a ruptured brain aneurysm, while those taking simvastatin, metformin, and tamsulosin were also at a significantly lower risk. Conversely, the study identified an increased risk of a ruptured brain aneurysm in individuals taking warfarin (a blood thinner), venlafaxine (an antidepressant), prochlorperazine (an antipsychotic/antiemetic), and co-codamol (a painkiller).
The researchers acknowledge that the study has its limitations, mainly in relying on drug prescription data, which may not accurately reflect the actual medication usage by individuals. Further research is needed to validate these associations and determine the effectiveness of these drugs in reducing the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Additionally, the study may help identify other potential risk factors for subarachnoid hemorrhages, leading to the development of new therapies for managing aneurysms.
Overall, this study offers valuable insights into potential medications that may help prevent ruptured brain aneurysms, which often lead to devastating consequences. By uncovering these associations, researchers hope to pave the way for new preventive strategies and treatments for this life-threatening condition. The findings underscore the importance of further investigation to confirm the observed effects of these drugs and explore their potential benefits in reducing the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.