Study of risk factors among stroke patients in a tertiary hospital of Northern India

Abstract

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The aim of the study was to find out the incidence of different types of strokes and the associated risk factors and to establish the role of different investigations in patients of stroke.Methods: The study dealt with 100 patients of stroke who were admitted to B. R. D. Medical College, Gorakhpur, India. Each patient was analyzed in detail about clinical presentation and the investigations were aimed to establish the pathologic type of stroke and estimation of risk factors.Results: Stroke incidence was more in males (Male: Female= 1.43:1). Maximum incidence of stroke was in 6th decade (32%) followed by 7th decade (30%). Among modifiable risk factors, history of hypertension was the commonest (51%) followed by smoking (36% patients) exclusively, found in males. Hemiparesis was the most common presentation (95%) followed by altered sensorium (55%). Chest X-ray was abnormal in 16% patients, abnormal ECG was found in 27% patients and abnormal lipid values were found in 54 patients.Conclusions: Apart from control of hypertension and diabetes, abnormal lipid profile remains an important modifiable risk factor for stroke.