Prevalence of cardiac risk factors in acute ischemic stroke

ABSTRACT

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