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First results from the MONICA stroke register in Heidelberg
M Ganowa1, W Morgenstern, E Ostör-Lamm
1Heidelberg Akademie der Wissenschaften, Federal Republic of Germany.
Insights
This study analyzed stroke incidence and risk factors in Heidelberg from 1985-1986. Key findings reveal higher stroke rates in men and significant links to hypertension, smoking, and diabetes mellitus.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
Background:
- The Stroke Register in Heidelberg, established in 1984, monitors stroke incidence within a population of approximately 601,000.
- This analysis focuses on data from 1985 and 1986 for individuals aged 25-64.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the age-standardized attack rates and incidence of stroke for men and women.
- To identify prevalent risk factors associated with stroke in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of stroke cases registered between 1985 and 1986.
- Calculation of age-standardized attack rates and incidence per 100,000 population.
- Assessment of the prevalence of risk factors including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and heart disease.
Main Results:
- Overall age-standardized stroke incidence was 97.4/100,000 for men and 42.9/100,000 for women.
- Hypertension was a significant risk factor, present in 61% of male and 67% of female stroke patients.
- Smoking prevalence was notably high in men (54%) compared to the general population.
Conclusions:
- Stroke incidence and mortality rates differ between men and women.
- Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking are critical modifiable risk factors for stroke.
- Further research into targeted interventions for these risk factors is warranted.
Abstract:
The Stroke Register was established in 1984 in Heidelberg, as a part of the MONICA Project, covering the same population (approximately 601,000) as the Acute Myocardial Infarction Register. In the present analysis, the data for men and women (aged 25-64) for 1985 and 1986 are presented. During the two years, 303 men and 143 women were registered. The overall age-standardized attack rate was 127.2/100,000 for men and 52.8/100,000 for women, and the age-standardized incidence was 97.4/100,000 in men and 42.9/100,000 in women. The proportion of first stroke was 76.5% in men and 81% in women. The 28-days mortality was 12% for men and 19% for women. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking and heart disease (coronary heart disease, rhythm disturbances) were identified as risk factors for stroke. Among the registered victims of stroke, 61% of the men and 67% of the women had a history of hypertension. In men, a high prevalence of smokers, 54% was found (33.9% in the total population in the same age range). In women, the prevalence of smokers is nearly the same as in the total population. Diabetes mellitus was present in 23% of men and in 40% of women, and hyperlipidaemia in 30% of men and in 18% of women.