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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Study on cerebrovascular disease of the elderly in China
1Department of Neurology, Beijing Hospital, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in China increases with age, affecting males more than females. Hypertension is the primary risk factor, with cerebral infarction being the most common type.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) poses a significant health burden globally and in China.
- Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors of CVD is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and etiological characteristics of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in China.
- To identify the primary risk factors and demographic variations associated with CVD in the Chinese population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of epidemiological data on cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in China.
- Review of CT scan findings to characterize lesions in different age groups.
- Statistical analysis of risk factors including hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes mellitus.
Main Results:
- CVD incidence, prevalence, and mortality increase with age, are higher in males, and in the senile stage.
- Cerebral infarction constitutes 67.5% of CVD cases, followed by cerebral hemorrhage (24.8%). Lacunar infarction is the predominant lesion type.
- Hypertension is the leading risk factor (65.8%), followed by heart disease (19.0%) and diabetes mellitus (10.7%). Isolated systolic hypertension is notably common.
Conclusions:
- Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in China exhibits a clear age and gender gradient, with hypertension as the dominant modifiable risk factor.
- Cerebral infarction is the most prevalent form of CVD, with lacunar infarction being the most common CT finding.
- Public health initiatives targeting hypertension control and addressing other risk factors are essential for reducing the CVD burden in China.
Abstract:
The average incidence, prevalence and mortality rates of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in China were markedly increased with increase of age and were much higher in senile stage and males than those in presenile stage and females. The constituent ratio of CVD consisted cerebral infarction for 67.5% and cerebral hemorrhage about 24.8%. There was no difference between the characters of lesions confirmed by CT scan in senile and presenile groups. The majority of CT lesions in the two groups was lacunar infarction, being 76.3% and 85.9% respectively. There were more cases of lobar hemorrhage in the senile group. The most important risk factor for CVD was hypertension (65.8%). Heart disease and diabetes mellitus take second place, accounting 19.0% and 10.7% respectively. The incidence of mixed type of hypertension was high in CVD especially the isolated systolic hypertension. The incidence of cerebral stroke was obviously higher than myocardial infarction in China. The percentage of positive findings of atherosclerosis in extracranial portion of carotid artery system in elderly patients with thrombosis and transient ischemic attacks was 60-100% and 55-100%.

