FREQUENCY OF COMMON MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS FOR STROKE

Background: Stroke is the most common cause of severe disability and third most common cause of death behind heart disease and cancer. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of common modifiable risk factors of stroke. Material Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Medicine Department, Peoples Medical College Hospital, Nawabshah, from July 2012 to December 2013. It consisted of 91 patients. Principle investigator reviewed the patients using semi structured questionnaire. It consists of socio demographic profile, risk factors and use of regular medication. Inclusion criteria were patient’s aged 30 years and above admitted in medical ward having symptoms of stroke confirmed on Computed tomography. Those with brain tumor, meningitis, viral encephalitis, multiple sclerosis and metabolic encephalopathy were excluded. Patients were interviewed after informed consent. Results: Out of 91 patients admitted with stroke there were 33 males and 58 females with a sex ratio among male vs female 1:1.7. Mean age of patients admitted with stroke was 58 years. Out of 91 patients, 59 had ischemic and 32 had hemorrhagic stroke. There were 73 patients with hypertensive stroke, while 64 had diabeties, 71 were current smokers, 64 had hypercholesterolemia and 58 were obese. The incidence of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking and obesity was most commonly found in patients with ischemic stroke than hemorrhagic stroke. Conclusion: Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, smoking and positive family history are important risk factors for stroke. In order to improve outcome we should modify and cope the controllable risk factors to prevent this life threatening condition