Analysis of ischemic stroke risk factors in patients of the Medical University Department of Neurology. Preliminary study

Introduction. The frequency of ischemic stroke occurrence is dependent upon unmodifiable risk factors (age, gender, race and genetic
factors) and modifiable risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, anticoagulation therapy in atrial fibrillation, obesity and substance
abuse).
Education and treatment, which play a vital role in the prevention of ischemic stroke occurrence, are eliminating risk factors. The basis of
action, the national program of the prevention and treatment of stroke, was prepared in Poland in 1997.

Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to evaluate risk factors for ischemic stroke in patients being treated in the Department of
Neurology in 2008 (but only during the first three months).

Material and methods. The examined group comprised of 58 post- ischemic stroke patients (58.6% women and 41.1% men). A retrospective
analysis of medical documentation was performed for risk factors for ischemic stroke.
Results and conclusions. The most frequent causes of ischemic stroke were atherosclerotic changes (41.7%) in intracranial and extracranial
arteries and heart disease including atrial fibrillation (39.65%). Ischemic stroke had occurred previously in 32.7% of the patients. In the
examined group, the most frequent risk factors for ischemic stroke were: arterial hypertension (79.32%), increased blood-glucose levels
(48.27%), ischemic heart disease (46.55%) and a disturbance in lipid metabolism (69.56%). Ischemic stroke occurred more often in women
(58.6%) and in patients living in the countryside (43.1%).
A high percentage of risk factors for ischemic stroke in patients requires taking many actions aimed at implementing primary prophylaxis and
secondary prevention.
Educational and therapeutic action in secondary ischemic stroke prevention should individually include the patient and their families, and
they should be carried out according to the guidelines of the European Stroke Initiative as well as the national program of prevention and
treatment of stroke.