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Prevalence of risk factors for ischaemic stroke and their treatment among a cohort of stroke patients in Dublin

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Abstract

Background

The majority of strokes are due to ischaemia. Risk factors include atrial fibrillation, hypertension and smoking. The incidence can be reduced by addressing these risk factors. This study examines the prevalence of risk factors and their treatment in a cohort of patients with ischaemic stroke registered on a Dublin stroke database.

Methods

Patients admitted to any of three acute hospitals with a diagnosis of stroke during a one-year period in 1997/98 were registered on a database using the European Stroke Database format. Data relating to common risk factors were analysed.

Results

There were 238 ischaemic stroke cases registered. The most frequent medical risk factors were: hypertension (45%), atrial fibrillation (27.3%), and previous disabling or non-disabling stroke (33.2%). There was an increasing trend with advancing age for atrial fibrillation (p<0.001). Some 23% (54/233) were current smokers. A significantly higher proportion of patients with no medical risk factors were smokers or consumed excessive alcohol compared with those who had medical risk factors.

Conclusion

Medical risk factors for stroke were common among stroke patients and not optimally treated, particularly with regard to atrial fibrillation and previous stroke. Smoking was a major behavioural risk factor among younger patients and much health gain could be achieved in this group through primary prevention strategies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Health Information Unit, Eastern Regional Health Authority, Dr Steeven’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Republic of Ireland

    R. McDonnell & Z. Johnson

  2. St Vincent’s Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin

    R. McDonnell, C. W. Fan, Z. Johnson & M. Crowe

Authors
  1. R. McDonnell
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  2. C. W. Fan
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  3. Z. Johnson
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  4. M. Crowe
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Correspondence to R. McDonnell.

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McDonnell, R., Fan, C.W., Johnson, Z. et al. Prevalence of risk factors for ischaemic stroke and their treatment among a cohort of stroke patients in Dublin. Ir J Med Sci 169, 253–257 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03173526

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