Stroke, Small‐Vessel Disease, and Occupation: Systematic Review and Data Analysis

Background Novel risk factors for stroke, such as occupation, are increasingly under exploration. We investigate if specific occupational exposures and settings increase the risk of developing small‐vessel disease (SVD), including SVD‐related strokes. Methods We performed a systematic review on stroke–occupation associations and then analyzed data from patients presenting to Lothian stroke services with mild ischemic stroke (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2). We performed magnetic resonance imaging and inquired about occupational status. We assessed relationships between high‐risk occupations (per Control to Substances Hazardous to Health guidelines) and standard occupational classifications (per Standard Occupational Classifications criteria) against white matter hyperintensity volumes, SVD score, and stroke subtype. Results Our systematic review identified 37 papers assessing occupations/broad occupational classifications (n=13), psychosocial work‐related factors (n=11), and occupational exposure to hazardous substances (n=13). We then analyzed data from 414 participants and found, after adjustment for age, hypercholesterolemia, socioeconomic status, years of education, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking history, that high‐risk occupations were associated with higher SVD scores (odds ratio, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.07–2.54]; n=357; P=0.02) but not for lacunar stroke subtype (odds ratio, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.64–1.67]; n=358; P=0.90) or white matter hyperintensity volume (% intracranial volume) (β=−0.003 [95% CI, −0.015 to 0.008]; n=357; P=0.60). Examples of high‐risk occupations include drivers, engineers, and skilled trade workers. No associations were found for standard occupational classifications. Conclusions This systematic review shows limited data on stroke–occupation associations. Our analysis showed that high‐risk occupations are associated with higher SVD scores but not stroke subtype. Registration URL: www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO; Unique Identifier: 42024466671.