- Adults with Down syndrome face significantly higher risks of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, particularly among younger adults.
- The overall risk of heart attack was notably higher among adults with Down syndrome under age 40.
- Individuals with Down syndrome and certain risk factors had more than ten times the risk of ischemic stroke compared to controls.
- Heart malformations were identified in about 30% of adults with Down syndrome, compared to 0.7% in the control group.
- Individuals with Down syndrome were less likely to undergo coronary artery surgery compared to controls.
- The study emphasized the importance of early cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention in people with Down syndrome.
- While the study didn't assess treatment strategies, it offers strong evidence that cardiovascular disease may develop differently in this population.
Source: Journal of Internal Medicine
