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[Cerebral vascular accidents in French Polynesia]
1Médecin des Hôpitaux, Centre Hospitalier Territorial, Papeete, Tahiti.
Insights
This study analyzed 56 cardiovascular accidents, finding hypertension and smoking as key risk factors. Most ischemic strokes occurred in patients with heart disease, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- A survey of cardiovascular accidents hospitalized at the Territorial Hospital Center of Papeete between April 1990 and January 1991.
- The study included 56 patients, with a mean age of 59, predominantly Polynesian males.
Purpose:
- To analyze the characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of cardiovascular accidents in a specific hospital setting.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of various imaging techniques and clinical assessments.
Summary:
- The survey identified 56 cardiovascular accidents (75% ischemic, 25% hemorrhagic). Key risk factors included hypertension (68%), smoking (30%), and diabetes (25%).
- Cardiopathy was present in 25% of patients, with 12.5% experiencing recurrent events. Echocardiography and electrocardiogram utility were discussed.
- Ultrasonic examination of carotid vessels was abnormal in nearly half of the cases. Etiological diagnosis was confirmed in 17 cases, presumed in 16, and uncertain in 9.
- Treatment involved anticoagulants/antiplatelet agents in 86% of ischemic cases. Patient outcomes included 24% mortality, 50% incomplete recovery, and 26% complete recovery.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant burden of cardiovascular accidents and associated risk factors in the studied population.
- Underscores the importance of managing hypertension, smoking, and diabetes to prevent cardiovascular events.
- Emphasizes the role of diagnostic tools like echocardiography, ECG, and carotid ultrasound in understanding and managing these conditions.
Abstract:
The authors report on the results of a survey on cardiovascular accidents hospitalized between 01 April 1990 and 31 January 1991 carried out in the Services of Medicine and Cardiology in the Territorial Hospital Center of Papeete. This survey was: 56 cardiovascular accidents: 1/4 (hemorrhagic and 3/4 (42) ischemic. Mean age 59 (extremes 23-86). 36 males (64%); 20 females (36%). 50 Polynesians; 6 Chinese people. Among the risk factors recorded, 38 (68%) were hypertensed patients; 17 (30%) were due to tabagism and 15 (25%) to diabetes; 3 (5%) are known to be carriers of a hypercholesterolemia. 59% of the patients had no case history; 25% the cardiovascular accidents have been observed in patients with cardiopathy; 12.5% are recurrent cardiovascular accidents. Clinically, 5 transient ischemic accidents (12%) out of 42 cardiovascular ischemic accidents. High arterial tension was recognized in 12/14 (86%) of hemorrhagic cardiovascular accidents and in 26/42 (62%) of ischemic cardiovascular accidents. In 42 ischemic cardiovascular accidents, 31 patients suffered from cardiopathy (74%) of which 15 (36%) presented an embolic cardiopathy. Interest of echography and electrocardiogram are discussed. Ultrasonic exam of carotid vessels was found abnormal in almost half of the cases when utilized (12/26). Finally, etiological diagnosis was certain in 17 cases, of presumption in 16 cases, and in 9 cases, it was not possible to precise any cardiovascular etiology. Tomodensitometric tests are discussed. 86% of the ischemic cardiovascular accident were treated with anticoagulants/thrombocyte antiagglutination. 24% of the patients died, 50% recovered incompletely and 26% completely.