RISK FACTORS AND PREDICTORS OF SEVERITY FOR ISCHEMIC STROKE IN THE RURAL SOUTH INDIAN POPULATION

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The risk factors contributing to stroke vary among geographical locations, ethnic populations, and also among genders. This study aims to identify the prevalence of risk factors among patients admitted for ischemic stroke, correlate the stroke severity, and identify risk factors in the rural South Indian population. Methods: One hundred and thirty patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke formed the study population. The demographic details and neurological examination at admission were noted. The presence of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, coronary artery disease, smoking, and quantity of alcohol consumed was documented. All patients underwent a series of investigations including computed tomography brain, fasting blood sugar, fasting lipid profile, complete blood count, and carotid Doppler. Stroke severity was graded as per the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Results: This study of 130 stroke patients (65.4% male and 34.6% female) with a mean age of 61.10 years examined risk factors and their associations with stroke severity. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were prevalent (51.5% and 50%, respectively). Significant associations were found between age, sex, and alcohol consumption with stroke severity. Overall, age emerged as a critical determinant of stroke severity. Conclusion: Tremendous research gaps persist despite significant progress in researching gender differences in stroke as well as particular factors impacting risk and outcomes which need to be addressed in future studies. Urgent health-care policies are needed to arrest the rapidly rising epidemic of metabolic diseases and combat alcoholism.