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[Risk factors in patients with stroke]
M Barańska-Gieruszczak1, D Ryglewicz, W Lechowicz
1Kliniki Chorób Naczyniowych Układu Nerwowego Instytutu Psychiatrii i Neurologii w Warszawie.
Insights
Hypertension is the most common stroke risk factor. Age influences risk factor prevalence, with younger patients showing higher rates of smoking and older patients experiencing more coronary disease and arrhythmias, impacting stroke prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Stroke, a leading cause of disability and death, is strongly associated with modifiable risk factors.
- Understanding the age-specific prevalence of these risk factors is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the prevalence of key stroke risk factors in relation to patient age.
- To investigate the impact of these risk factors on stroke incidence, course, and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 470 patients diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
- Data collection on patient demographics, prevalent risk factors (hypertension, smoking, coronary disease, arrhythmia), and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Hypertension was the most frequent risk factor across both stroke types (54-72% hemorrhagic, 44-49% ischemic).
- Heavy smoking was prevalent in younger patients (up to 50 years): 54% hemorrhagic, 44% ischemic.
- Coronary disease prevalence increased with age (51-65 years: 44% hemorrhagic, 41% ischemic; >65 years: 59% hemorrhagic, 33% ischemic).
- Arrhythmia was noted in 45% of hemorrhagic and 36% of ischemic strokes.
- Risk factors significantly influenced stroke incidence, course, and prognosis, particularly in ischemic stroke.
Conclusions:
- Age-specific risk factor profiles exist for both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes.
- Hypertension, smoking, coronary disease, and arrhythmias are critical determinants of stroke outcomes.
- Targeted interventions addressing these age-related risk factors are essential for improving stroke patient prognosis.
Abstract:
The prevalence of risk factors in relation to age was analysed in 470 patients with ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke. In all patients the most frequent risk factor was hypertension: 54-72% in haemorrhagic stroke, and 44-49% in ischaemic stroke. Moreover, in both types of stroke in the group aged up to 50 years the proportion of heavy smokers was high: 54% in haemorrhagic and 44% in ischaemic stroke. In the group aged 51 to 65 years coronary disease was present in 44% of haemorrhagic and 41% in ischaemic stroke. In patients aged 65 years coronary disease was present in 59% of haemorrhagic strokes and in 33% of ischaemic strokes. Arrhythmia was noted in 45% of haemorrhagic and 36% of ischaemic strokes. The presence of risk factors had an influence not only on the incidence of strokes but also on their course and prognosis, this was true especially of ischaemic stroke, since in dying patients, especially those aged below 50 years, the prevalence of hypertension, smoking and coronary disease was higher. In patients aged over 65 years mortality was higher in those with arrhythmias and coronary disease.