Gender Differences in Risk Factors of Ischemic Stroke Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre in North India

ABSTRACT

Every year, more than 33 million people worldwide experience an acute stroke. ischemic stroke is caused by loss of blood supply to brain tissues due to sudden occlusion of arterial system by an embolus or a thrombus. Non-modifiable risk factors are age, sex & genetic factors whereas modifiable ones include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, tobacco chewing, dyslipidaemia, obesity, cardiac disease etc. Aim of the present study is to evaluate & compare the presence of various risk factors of ischemic stroke among males & females.METHODSThe study was conducted at BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, during the academic year 2019-2020. All patients with ischemic stroke on CT Head & age >18 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Detailed history including age, addictions, comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension), previous stroke history & compliance to treatment was taken. A short neurological & laboratory examination was performed in each patient.RESULTSIn this study, a total of 100 patients was included out of which 57 were male & 43 were female. The mean age of stroke was 64.82 years [males-65.62 years, females-63.5 years]. The most common risk factors responsible for ischemic stroke was hypertension- 52% [males- 50.4%, females- 53.57%]. Other risk factors were diabetes- 28% [males- 29%, females- 25.6%], cardiac disease-13% [males-8.8%, females-18.6%], dyslipidaemia-12.3% in males & none of females. Smoking & tobacco chewing were more common among males (54.4% each). Dyslipidaemia & tobacco use was significantly associated with ischemic stroke in male patients.CONCLUSIONSThere is increasing incidence of acute ischemic stroke which is directly related to modifiable risk factors like dyslipidaemia, smoking & tobacco use in male patients. Advanced age is strongly related to acute stroke in both males & females. Hypertension is the commonest risk factor overall for ischemic stroke.