Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, every year, 15 million people suffer a stroke. Out of these, 5 million die, and another 5 million are left permanently disabled.

There is no cure for strokes, but treatments such as medication and lifestyle changes can help prevent them.

The Role of Genetics in Strokes

Strokes can have various causes, including high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and diabetes. But recent studies have found that genetics can also play a role in determining one’s susceptibility to suffering a stroke.

Scientists have identified several genes that may increase the risk of stroke, but there is also a gene that has been found to protect against it: the APOE gene.

What Is the APOE Gene?

The APOE gene provides instructions for making a protein called apolipoprotein E (apoE). This protein plays a crucial role in transporting cholesterol and other fats in the bloodstream.

It helps clear the fats from artery walls and carries them to the liver, where they can be broken down and eliminated from the body.

There are three different versions of the APOE gene: APOE2, APOE3, and APOE4. The APOE3 version is the most common, and it is considered neutral — that is, it doesn’t seem to decrease or increase the risk of stroke or other health problems.

However, the APOE2 and APOE4 versions have different effects on health.

The APOE2 version of the gene is associated with a lower risk of stroke and heart disease. People who have this version of the gene tend to have higher levels of the “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) in their blood.

HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The APOE4 version of the gene, on the other hand, is associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular diseases, including strokes.

People who have this version of the gene tend to have higher levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) in their blood. LDL can build up in the walls of blood vessels and lead to blockages, increasing the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

How Does the APOE Gene Protect Against Strokes?

Studies have found that people who have the APOE2 version of the gene have a lower risk of strokes than those who have other versions.

Researchers believe that this is because apoE, the protein produced by the APOE gene, helps keep blood vessels healthy and functioning properly. Here are some of the ways apoE may protect against strokes:.

Reducing inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of strokes.

ApoE helps reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules in the body.

Reducing oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is a condition in which there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and increase the risk of strokes.

ApoE helps reduce oxidative stress by increasing the activity of antioxidants in the body.

Reducing clotting

Blood clots can block blood vessels and cause strokes. ApoE helps prevent clotting by reducing the activity of an enzyme called clotting factor XIII, which is involved in the clotting process.

Promoting vascular growth

ApoE promotes the growth of blood vessels, which helps improve vascular function and reduce the risk of strokes.

Conclusion

The APOE gene is a key factor in determining one’s risk of strokes. People who have the APOE2 version of the gene have a lower risk of strokes than those who have other versions.

This is because apoE, the protein produced by the APOE gene, helps keep blood vessels healthy and functioning properly. ApoE reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, clotting, and promotes vascular growth.

While genetics play a role in determining one’s risk of strokes, lifestyle factors such as healthy eating, exercising, not smoking, controlling blood pressure, and managing stress can also help prevent strokes.

It’s essential to take care of your health to reduce the risk of strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.