Exercise protect against major brain hemorrhage

Regular physical activity and exercise may reduce bleeding in individuals with intrace‐ rebral hemorrhage, a University of Gothenburg study shows. The researchers empha‐ size the importance of physical activity to protect the brain.

The study, published in the journal Stroke and Vascular Neurology (Stroke and Vascular Neurology, 2023; svn-2023-002316 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2023-002316) , analyzed data on 686 people treated for intracerebral hemorrhage at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg during the years 2014 to 2019.

Physically active was defined as engaging in at least light physical activity, such as walking, cycling, swimming, gardening, or dancing, for at least four hours weekly.

Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most dangerous type of stroke and can lead to life-threatening conditions. The risk of severe consequences from the hemorrhage increases with the extent of the bleeding.

In cases of major intracerebral hemorrhages, there is a risk of increased pressure within the skull that can potentially lead to fatal outcomes.

Physically active individuals exhibited reduced bleeding in both the deep regions of the brain, which are often associated with high blood pressure, and the surface regions, which are linked to age-related conditions like dementia.