ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Risk factors for recurrent stroke have been evaluated in a few community-based epidemiologic studies. This study aims to estimate the risk factors of recurrent ischemic stroke. METHODS: All patients enrolled as acute ischemic stroke patients from Jan. 1998 to Dec. 2000, and who had visited out-patient clinics at regular intervals with a good compliance were included as subjects. Subjects with poor compliance and those expired were excluded. Subjects with recurrent ischemic stroke were selected according to the diagnostic criteria for recurrent ischemic stroke. Their demographic characterisics (age, sex), risk factors of stroke (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, cardiac disease, transient ischemic attack, smoking, alcohol), and types of stroke (TOAST classification) were analyzed to identify the factors responsible for recurrent ischemic stroke. RESULTS: Among 599 patients with ischemic stroke, 43 patients (7.2%) were identified as having recurrent stroke (27 men and 16 women; mean age=66.3 years). Hypertension and hyperlipidemia were the risk factors which were statistically significant in inducing recurrent ischemic stroke. According to the TOAST classification, cardioembolism was more prevalent in recurrent ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardioembolism plays a significant role in recurrent ischemic stroke. Therefore, the control of these risk factors appears to be important for reducing further recurrent ischemic stroke.