A study of risk factors for stroke and their effect on survival

Introduction: Stroke is global health problem and is a leading cause of disability. It is usually the end result of predisposing conditions that originated years before the ictus. Identification of its modifiable risk factors can help in planning preventive strategies. The present study aims at evaluating the role of various risk factors in stroke and their effect on functional outcome in ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke. Materials and methods: The study was carried out on total of 150 new onset acute stroke patients admitted at a tertiary care centre. Risk factors were evaluated in all the cases. The patients were categorized as Infarction or haemorrhagic stroke based on CT findings. For the purpose of analysis, the patients were divided into two groups as Ischemic or Haemorrhagic stroke. The risk factors and outcome between the two was compared between the two using appropriate statistical measures (using SPSS ver. 20). Results: Overall the prevalence of Ischemic stroke was higher than haemorrhagic stroke (81.3% vs 18.7%). Hypertension was the single largest risk factor for stroke (50.7%) with a significant association with hemorrhagic stroke (78.6% vs 44.3%; p< 0.01). Overall mortality rate was 10.7% with a significantly poor outcome was associated with hypertension (17.1%) and IHD (31.3%). Overall survival rate was more in patients with infarct as compared to patients with IC Bleed (93.4% vs 71.4%). Conclusion: Hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes are the biggest risk factors for stroke. Preventive strategies aimed at early detection and treatment of these factors, appropriate medication, life style changes and public awareness about ill effects of cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol use can contribute in reduction of stroke burden