Investigation of the Risk Factors of Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study in the South of Iran

Abstract

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Identifying the risk factors for stroke is a key epidemiological approach in preventive strategies, contributing significantly to the reduction of stroke incidence and increased life expectancy in developed countries. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the risk factors of ischemic stroke (IS) and predictors of mortality among patients with IS. Methods: Patients with IS who presented to the emergency department of Golestan Hospital during 2022 - 2023 were included. The diagnosis of IS was based on the Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients with Acute IS. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used for patient assessment. Definitive diagnosis of IS was confirmed using computed tomography (CT) scan findings. Data collected included demographic information, underlying disorders, laboratory findings, mortality, and length of hospitalization. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 270 patients with IS, 58.1% were men. The incidence of IS was significantly higher in men [P = 0.0002, OR (95% CI): 1.93 (1.371 - 2.718)] and in patients aged 60 years and older (P = 0.0001). The results showed a higher prevalence of IS in patients with anemia and hyperglycemia (P < 0.001). Hypertension (68.9%), diabetes (45.6%), and ischemic heart disease (37%) were the most common comorbidities; however, no significant association was observed between IS and underlying disorders (P > 0.05). The mortality rate was 11.5%, and no predictor was identified as significantly associated with mortality (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The present findings may be useful for identifying patients at risk for IS. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted. The current results can inform the updating and modification of prognostic models for IS.