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Updated: May 24, 2026
06:01
A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Iron deficiency anemia prevalence at first stroke or transient ischemic attack
Melanie D Dubyk1, Robert T Card, Susan J Whiting
1College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Summary
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is more prevalent in elderly patients hospitalized for stroke or transient ischemic attack than previously estimated. Dietary factors like iron supplements and heme iron intake influenced iron status indicators.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is linked to transient ischemic attack (TIA) and ischemic stroke.
- Elderly patients are a vulnerable population for both IDA and cerebrovascular events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of IDA in hospitalized patients aged 65 and older with TIA or first ischemic stroke.
- To explore dietary intake as a potential predictor of iron status in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-four elderly patients admitted with TIA or ischemic stroke were enrolled.
- IDA was identified using an algorithm based on hemoglobin, ferritin, and iron-binding capacity.
- Dietary intake was assessed using the Clue II food frequency questionnaire.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of IDA was 6.4%, which was significantly higher than expected for age- and gender-specific groups in the NHANES III study.
- Iron supplements and heme iron intake were identified as negative predictors of total iron binding capacity.
- Anemia from other causes was also prevalent at 6.4%.
Conclusions:
- The study findings suggest a higher-than-anticipated prevalence of IDA in elderly stroke and TIA patients.
- Further research, including a prospective case-control study, is warranted to investigate IDA as a risk factor for ischemic stroke in the elderly.
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