RIZWAN KHALIQ, ANEELA ALTAF, SABEEN AATIF

ABSTRACT

Objective: Recurrent ischemic strokes are common and often fatal. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and Cigarette smoking have been recognized as modifiable risk factors for first ever stroke. This study aims to determine the frequency of these risk factors in recurrent ischemic stroke.

Material and Methods: It was a cross sectional analytical study carriedout at Medical Unit I, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. 50 patients of both genders, and between ages of 14-80 years, admitted with diagnosis of CT scan confirmed acute ischemic stroke and whose medical history and CT scan (previous or recent showing old ischemic infarct consistent with neurological deficit) confirmed that there was a prior ischemic stroke, were enrolled for the study. All patients admitted in one year meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed according to the questionnaire for three selected variables, namely, Hypertension, Diabetes and Cigarette smoking.

Result: Average age of patients was 61.4±8.01 years. There were 64% males. Hypertension was found to be a risk factor in 76% of patients while Cigarette smoking and Diabetes in 42% and 36% of Patients respectively. A combination of Hypertension and Diabetes was seen in 18% while Hypertension and Smoking were found in 22% simultaneously.

Conclusion: Among the three factors analyzed, data revealed a significant effect of Hypertension in recurrent ischemic stroke as compared with Diabetes mellitus and Cigarette smoking. Combination of Hypertension and Diabetes and Hypertension and Smoking are the commonly occurring co-morbidities in patients with recurrent stroke.

Keywords: Recurrent Ischemic Stroke, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, Cigarette smoking

For Full text contact to:
Prof. Dr. Farah Mansuri
editor@annals-ashkmdc.org

Department of Surgery Ziauddin Medical University, Karachi