People who eat a lot of American southern-style foods, such as fried chicken, may have an increased risk of stroke, a new study suggests.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, depriving it of oxygen. As a result, some of the brain cells die and others are damaged. Every year, some 10,000 people in Ireland suffer a stroke and 2,000 people die as a result. Thousands more are left with stroke-related disabilities.

US scientists carried out the first large-scale study into the potential link between southern-style foods and stroke. This diet is characterised by a high intake of fried foods, such as chicken, fish and potatoes, as well as meats such as ham, bacon and liver. These foods are usually high in fat and salt.

Large amounts of sugary drinks are also consumed.

"We've got three major factors working together in the southern-style diet to raise risks of cardiovascular disease - fatty foods are high in cholesterol, sugary drinks are linked to diabetes and salty foods lead to high blood pressure," explained lead scientist, Dr Suzanne Judd, of the University of Alabama.

The study involved an analysis of the diets of 20,000 people. It found that the risk of a stroke increased the more southern-style food a person consumed. For example, those who ate this type of food six times a week had a 41% higher risk of suffering a stroke compared to those who ate it once a month.

The study also noted that people who ate the highest amount of fruit, vegetables, beans, lentils and wholegrains had a 29% reduced risk of suffering a stroke compared to those who ate the lowest amount.

"Healthcare providers should educate patients about nutrition earlier and ask them about what they're eating, how much and how often," Dr Judd added.

Details of these findings were presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2013.