Study links air pollution to strokes

Air pollution could be a direct cause in some of the thousands of stroke deaths in New Zealand each year, new research shows.

A global research team, co-led by Auckland University of Technology professor Valery Feigin, created a mathematical model estimating stroke risk by using data from 188 countries, recorded between 1990 and 2013.

It found smog caused about 5 per cent of strokes in New Zealand.

Figures recently released by the World Health Organisation show Christchurch to be the worst of New Zealand’s cities, and Timaru’s air pollution is the worst in Oceania.

Although the study found that there was a direct link to air pollution, about 90 per cent of strokes were preventable, given causes including smoking, poor diet, and low physical activity. It is the third biggest killer in New Zealand, claiming about 2500 lives each year.

Carole Keane was one of 9000 Kiwis who suffered a stroke last year. Hers was the result of a genetic condition.

Keane, 53, woke up after an operation 18 months ago to discover the entire left side of her body was paralysed.

The Aucklander is now unable to work, and becomes fatigued very easily. She walks and swims a lot as part of her rehabilitation.

‘‘I have my good days, there’s lots of those. I also have my dark days, where I think ‘why me, why this’.’’

She believed her positive attitude had helped her recover faster than she thought possible.

‘‘I didn’t want to leave my husband with two teenagers, and my daughters are too young to lose their mum.’’