Story at-a-glance
- Ischemic strokes block blood flow to brain cells, causing damage through three distinct cell death mechanisms, with iron overload playing a key role
- Excess iron accumulation during strokes accelerates cell death, functioning like "gasoline on a fire" and worsening brain damage significantly
- New research shows targeting iron-related cell death could lead to better stroke treatments that protect more brain cells from damage
- A simple blood test called serum ferritin measures your iron stores. Keeping levels below 100 ng/mL, ideally between 20 and 40 ng/mL, helps protect your brain
- Regular blood donation (two to four times yearly) is an effective strategy to manage iron levels and reduce stroke risk and severity
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