HYPERTENSION, THE MAIN RISK FACTOR FOR STROKE IN A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CENTER IN NORTHWEST ALGERIA

Abstract

Objective: High blood pressure is the most important risk factor associated with cerebrovascular accidents and one of the main risk factors associated with heart disease. The objective of our study was to determine the place of arterial hypertension among the risk factors for stroke at the University Hospital Center of TLEMCEN. Design and method: Prospective descriptive study, on a sample of patients with stroke and admitted to the TLEMCEN University Hospital. A questionnaire was administered by interview to the patients. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi-info 6 software. Results: 2/3 of patients with arterial hypertension were found out of a total of 205 stroke victims. Arterial hypertension Hypertension is the main risk factor for stroke, ischemic or hemorrhagic. It occupies a prominent place in the personal medical history (63.40%), as well as the family history, found in 61.06% of patients. Other risk factors were: hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, heart disease and transient ischemic attack; with respectively 27.80%, 20.50%, 14.10% and 11.70%. Arterial hypertension was frequent in the acute phase of the stroke and often proportional to the extent of the stroke. Conclusions: Screening and effective treatment of high blood pressure, the main risk factor for stroke, as well as the fight against other risk factors are essential elements of stroke prevention.