Lifestyle risk factors of stroke in young Indians

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of death and claims 6 million lives every year worldwide. Etiology of stroke is extremely diverse in the young, risk factors differ considerably in young adults compared to those in older individuals. Lifestyle related risk factors play significant role in causation of stroke. The most frequent modifiable lifestyle related risk factors are smoking, physical inactivity, arterial hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Prevention of stroke in the young assumes paramount importance as it increases number of quality-adjusted life years (QALY) much more in young than in elderly population. Objectives: To study the different lifestyle related risk factors in patients of stroke in age group 15-49 years. Materials and Methods: Patients of stroke between ages 15-49 years, who reported to Outpatient Neurology Services or admitted to a tertiary care service hospital, were evaluated for various potential lifestyle related risk factors which were analysed in detail using SPSS 15.0. Results: Out of total 144 cases studied alcohol consumption was found in 70 (48.6%) cases, smoking was present in 36 (25%) cases, while 50 (34.7%) cases were hypertensive, 10 (6.9%) cases were diabetic, 15 (10.4%) were obese and dyslipidemia was found in 56 (38.8%); multiple risk factors were found in 22 (15.3%) cases. Conclusion: Amongst lifestyle related problems alcohol, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia followed by obesity were important risk factors for strokes in young. Unhealthy life style not only leads to increased chances of stroke, but also carries higher all cause mortality after stroke. The need of immediate vigorous primary and secondary preventive measures targeting the lifestyle modifications and risk factor among young population in developing countries in inevitable. Keywords: Stroke, Young, Lifestyle risk factors.