Stroke, Heart Diseases More Common Among Hollywood Stars

A new study from University of California, Los Angeles, has revealed that stroke and cardiovascular diseases take an enormous toll on Hollywood actors. "Since this is the first time the ISC is being held in Los Angeles, we thought it was an appropriate occasion to investigate the frequency and impact of stroke among leading Hollywood actors," said Hannah Smith, a staff research associate at the UCLA Stroke Center.

"By documenting the toll that stroke and myocardial infarction have exacted on stars like Kirk Douglas and Grace Kelly, we hope to illustrate the damage that cardiovascular disease can cause."

The team investigated the frequency and impact of stroke among best actor and best actress Oscar nominees from 1927 through 2009.

Of the 409 actors and actresses nominated over the 82-year period:

30 (7.3 percent) suffered strokes and 39 (9.5 percent) suffered heart attacks. More women suffered strokes than men, accounting for 18 of the 30 stroke victims

Performers' annual movie/television appearances declined an average of 73 percent during the three years following a stroke or heart attack, compared with a similar period before being stricken.

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ome famous Hollywood stars who have suffered strokes include Cary Grant, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, Dudley Moore, Grace Kelly and Sharon Stone.

"Stroke and cardiovascular disease can affect one's career productivity and even result in death. However, stroke is a highly preventable disease. Key prevention steps include controlling high blood pressure, controlling high cholesterol, not smoking, exercising regularly and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats," said Smith.

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The findings were presented at the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference (ISC) in Los Angeles on Feb. 10.

Source-ANI