Risk factors and pattern of stroke in Islamabad, Pakistan

Objective: To determine the risk factors and pattern of stroke in Islamabad, Pakistan. Method: We collected retrospective data of all stroke patients more than 16-years of age seen by the neurology section over the previous two years and reviewed the charts and the results of relevant investigations. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 10.0. Results: There were a total of 250 patients, amongst them 160 male (64%), and 90 (36%) female. The mean age was 63.3 years. 222 (88.8%) had ischemic stroke while 28 (11.2%) had hemorrhagic stroke. 98 (39.2%) were diabetic, 65 (26%) were smokers, 177 (70.8%) were hypertensive and 72 (28.8%) had ischemic heart disease. Serum lipid profile was done in 198 patients and was abnormal in 119 patients. Carotid Doppler was done in 167 patients, 38 (22.7%) showed >50% stenosis of which 12 (7.1%) had complete occlusion. 29 (76%) had symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. 189 (75.6%) were discharged home, 10 (4%) died, 5 (2%) were transferred out and 46 (18.4%) came for outpatient treatment only. 206 (82.4%) had no complications, 13 had recurrent stroke, 22 had sepsis, 6 had seizures and 3 had deep venous thrombosis. Conclusions: Hypertension is the most common risk factor for stroke followed by dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus. Large artery strokes constituted the most frequent ischemic stroke subtype.