Boston (SmartAboutHealth.net) - According to researchers, neighborhoods where fast food spots appear often have higher stroke rates, however whether the link is causal is still under question.

Individuals living in areas with the highest concentration of fast-food joints were at 13% higher risk of stroke than those in areas with the lowest density according to a recent community-based study, Lewis B. Morgenstern, M.D., of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and colleagues reported at the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference.

“Where we live and where our kids go to school has a profound effect on our health,” Dr. Morgenstern said.

Although it’s tempting to blame fast food, Brian Silver, M.D., of Henry Ford Hospital in East Lansing, Mich., who was not involved in the study, agreed that fast food might be just another marker for community risk factors.

He also said it’s important to put the modest risk in perspective. “It’s not as important as blood pressure or atrial fibrillation, but if you’re trying to look for all potentially modifiable risk factors, this may be one more thing.”

1,246 ischemic strokes were identified county residents from January 2000 through June 2003.

Researchers found a quite significant association (p=0.02) with the amount of nearby fast-food restaurants.

Source: American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference
Source reference:
Morgenstern LB, et al “Fast Food and Stroke Risk” ASA 2009; Abstract P162. & medpagetoday.com