Risk factors for stroke among patients with hypertension: a case-control study

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension
05:57

The Antihypertensive Effects and Mechanisms of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo Decoction in Rats with H-Type Hypertension

Published on: May 17, 2024

M O Owolabi1, A M Agunloye

  • 1Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. mayowaowolabi@yahoo.com

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|December 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension significantly increases stroke risk in African populations. Key factors include high blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and larger carotid artery diameter, necessitating targeted prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hypertension affects over half the adult population in some African countries, contributing to a high stroke burden.
  • Stroke is a major health concern in Africa, particularly among hypertensive individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify major risk factors for stroke in Nigerian-African hypertensive patients.
  • To explore the role of carotid intima-medial thickness (CIMT) and carotid diameter as stroke risk markers.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study comparing 135 hypertensive stroke patients with 117 matched controls.
  • Data collected included demographics, clinical factors, laboratory results, and common carotid artery measurements (IMT and diameter).
  • Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Modifiable risk factors associated with stroke included elevated blood pressure, higher fasting glucose, alcohol consumption, lower physical activity, and increased CIMT.
  • Multivariate analysis identified fasting total cholesterol >150mg/dl and common carotid diameter ≥5.9mm as independent predictors of stroke.
  • These factors predicted 84.6% of stroke occurrences in the model.

Conclusions:

  • Stroke prevention in hypertensive patients, especially in resource-limited settings, requires addressing identified risk factors beyond blood pressure control.
  • Carotid diameter shows promise as an intermediate risk marker for stroke and warrants further investigation.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Factors affecting Blood pressure01:28

Factors affecting Blood pressure

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.