EVALUATION OF STROKE RISK FACTORS AMONG HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC STROKE IN BAGHDAD

Abstract

Introduction: Identification of stroke risk factors is of great importance to prevent the disease and its sequels. Objective: Is to analyze the known stroke risk factors and to study the education level, housing condition and economic status as possible relevant stroke risk factors.Patients and methods: 510 patients with ischemic stroke of different types and severity who were admitted to 3 hospitals in Baghdad. The patients were examined and investigated thoroughly. Special emphasis was concentrated on education level, housing condition and economic status.Results: 510 patients were studied, 215 females and 295 males. The study showed 16 % higher male prevalence. Hypertension is commonest risk factor in the present study (75.5%) followed by other risk factors. the study showed a higher number of stroke patients [44.7%] was illiterate, in comparison to [9%] of the patients with the higher education. The study showed more prevalence of the stroke patients [90.39% live in crowded small houses. The study showed [36%] of stroke patients belongs to families with below 100 USD monthly incomes.Discussion: Higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking and also poor health awareness in patients with low educational levels, poor economic state and poor housing condition. Conclusion: Stroke is increased in low educational levels, poor economic state and poor housing condition. There is a high percentage of hypertension not previously diagnosed despite stigmata of chronic hypertension.

Keywords

stroke, risk factors