RESUMEN
To determine the prevalence of cardiac risk factors in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke. We collected retrospective data of all stroke patients more than 16-years of age seen by the neurology section over a two year period [January 1, 2004-December 31, 2005]. Charts having complete history and relevant investigations were reviewed. There were a total of 250 stroke patients with a mean age of 63.3 years. 222 [88.8%] patients had ischemic stroke. 57/222 [25.6%] patients had at least one of the cardiac risk factors for ischemic stroke: 29 [50.8%] had a hypokinetic /akinetic left ventricular segment, 12 [21%] had atrial fibrillation, 7 [12.2%] had mitral annular calcification, 5 [8.7%] had a history of recent myocardial infarction, 3[5.2%] had cardiomyopathy and 1 [1.7%] patient had a mechanical valve. Hypokinetic/akinetic left ventricular segment with or without compromised systolic function was the most prevalent cardiac risk factor of ischemic stroke followed by atrial fibrillation