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Aim: The Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) index, an indicator of insulin resistance, has been proposed as a predictor of cardiovascular diseases. However, its role in predicting stroke risk, particularly in low-income populations, is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the TyG index for stroke incidence in a low-income Chinese population, with a focus on gender and age-specific differences., Methods: This 10-year prospective cohort study included 3,534 participants aged ≥45 years from rural areas in northern China. Baseline data on demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and clinical measurements were collected. Participants were followed for stroke incidence, categorized into ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the TyG index and stroke incidence, adjusting for potential confounders., Results: During the follow-up period, 368 participants (10.4%) experienced a stroke, with 327 ischemic and 31 hemorrhagic strokes. TyG index was significantly associated with total and ischemic stroke incidence but not hemorrhagic stroke. After adjusting for confounding factors, for every one standard deviation increase in TyG index, the risk of stroke increased by 32% for overall stroke (RR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.08-1.61; P=0.006) and 39% for ischemic stroke (RR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.12-1.73; P=0.003). The risk of stroke in the highest TyG tertile levels (tertile 3) increased by 49% (RR: 1.49; 95% CI 1.11-1.99; P=0.007) for overall stroke, compared to those in the lowest tertile levels (tertile 1). For ischemic stroke, the risk of stroke increased by 53% (RR: 1.53; 95% CI 1.12-2.11; P=0.008) in the highest TyG tertile levels (tertile 3) compared to those in the lowest tertile levels (tertile 1)., Conclusion: This 10-year prospective cohort study has established the TyG index as an independent predictor of both total and ischemic stroke incidence in a low-income Chinese population. The findings indicate that the TyG index is particularly effective in predicting stroke risk among women and older adults (≥60 years), but not for hemorrhagic stroke. These insights are crucial for improving clinical practice and stroke prevention strategies., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Li, Hao, Han, Wang, Lu, Tu, Wang, Wang, Ning, Yang and Li.)

Background: Although the protective effects of alcohol consumption against future cardiovascular disease have been published, the effects of alcohol on stroke risk remain controversial., Method: We assessed the effects of alcohol consumption on stroke risk in a poorly educated, low-income population in rural China. Between 1991 and 2018, a population-based cohort study was conducted in rural Tianjin, China, to examine stroke risk. All registered stroke events were clinically verified using available computed tomography or MRI scans. The stroke risk was analyzed, according to the extent of alcohol consumption, using Cox regression analyses., Results: We identified 352 incident stroke events among male participants during the study period. The stroke incidences (per 100,000 person-years) were 965.3 overall, 575.9 for ischemic stroke events, 208.4 for hemorrhagic stroke events, and 181.0 for undefined stroke events. Overall, alcohol consumption provided a 32% reduction in the total stroke risk. Low-dose alcohol consumption (≤12 g/day) showed a negative association with total (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-0.88; p = 0.008) and ischemic (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.44-0.98; p = 0.039) strokes. Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with hemorrhagic strokes. After age stratification, alcohol consumption was protective against total and ischemic strokes in men aged ≥55 years old, with the risk of each stroke type decreasing by 46 and 49%, respectively. Low-dose alcohol consumption was inversely associated with both total and ischemic stroke risks, with the risks decreasing by 56 and 65%, respectively. Alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with strokes among men aged <55 years old., Conclusions: These findings suggest that low-dose alcohol consumption may decrease the risk of ischemic strokes among men. Even so, the adverse effects of alcohol on the liver and pancreas cannot be ignored. Additionally, the effects of alcohol consumption on stroke risk vary with age, protecting against ischemic and total strokes among males ≥55 years old. Nevertheless, recommending light drinking and its potential health benefits should not be generalized to men of all ages., (© 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background and Purpose: We explored the new BP thresholds and their impact on first-ever stroke risk determinations., Results: During a mean following-up period of 21.85 years, 638 first-ever strokes occurred among 3906 participants. After adjusting for covariates, the hazard ratios for ischemic stroke (IS) in men aged <60 years were significant higher in participants with elevated BP, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension than normal BP (all P<0.05); an increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) was also observed for those with stage 2 hypertension. Similarly, in women aged, the risk of stroke increased for those with stage 2 hypertension both in <60 years and in ≥60 years. Moreover, more than 60% of incident strokes were attributed to systolic BP (SBP) ≥120mmHg and diastolic BP (DBP) <80mmHg in men aged <60 years., Conclusions: Elevated BP increases the risk of developing stroke, particularly in the absence of routine BP measurements and hypertension treatment. A strict BP management target (SBP, <120 mmHg; DBP, <80 mmHg) should be adopted for young and middle-aged men., Methods: This population-based cohort study was conducted between October 1991 and January 2018. The association of BP categories, defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA BP guideline, with first-ever stroke risk was assessed using Cox regression models.

Recent data on the incidence and trends for recurrent strokes in China are scarce. We assessed the temporal trends in recurrent stroke incidence using in rural China. The age-standardized incidences of recurrent stroke, within 5 years of the incident stroke event, were estimated for 3 time periods: 1992-1998, 1999-2005, and 2006-2012. Among the 768 documented incident stroke cases, 26.3% of the patients experienced recurrent stroke within 5 years. The overall age-adjusted recurrent stroke incidence was 43.93 per 100,000 person-years (1992-2012). During the 2006-2012 period, the recurrent stroke incidence per 100,000 person-years was 107.79 in men, and 557.76 in individuals ≥65 years old. There were significant upward tendencies observed in this population across sex, age, or type of stroke (except for among individuals ≥65 years old with incident intracerebral hemorrhages). Compared with the recurrent stroke incidence observed in the 1992-1998 period, that observed during the 2006-2012 period was more than 3-fold higher; the greatest increase (6.8-fold) was observed in women. These findings suggest an urgent need to improve risk factor management and implement appropriate medical resources to contain this upward trend in recurrent stroke incidence and reduce the overall stroke burden in China.

In China, >70% of stroke deaths occur in people aged ≥65 years. However, trends in the stroke incidence among elderly people are unclear. We aimed to determine trends in the stroke incidence among elderly people in rural China. This was a population-based surveillance study conducted in Tianjin, China. Stroke events and all deaths were registered annually. Trends and annual proportion of change in incidence of first-ever stroke were evaluated from 1992 to 2016. The age-standardized incidence of first-ever stroke increased annually by 3.7% overall in elderly people (2.7% for men; 5.0% for women; all P<0.05). However, from 2008 to 2016, there was no significant change in the trends of stroke incidence among elderly people, across gender and subtypes. The proportion of elderly patients with first-ever stroke decreased by 1.1% annually. In contrast to young patients, annual changes in the incidence of stroke tended to be slight in elderly patients (3.7% vs. 9.5%) with greater increase in female patients than those in male patients (2.7% vs. 10.3% for men; 5.0% vs. 8.9% for women). Thus, the control of risk factors for stroke among elderly people is crucial, especially among older women, to reduce the burden of stroke in China.

Background: Sex differences in outcomes after small artery occlusion (SAO) stroke have not been well described, particularly in a Chinese population. We aimed to assess sex differences in outcomes and related risk factors among patients with SAO., Methods: All consecutive patients with SAO were recruited between May 2005 and September 2014. Clinical features and risk factors were recorded. The mortality, recurrence, and dependency rates at 3 months after stroke were assessed., Results: A total of 2524 patients with SAO were included in this study. There was a higher frequency of mild stroke, current smoking, and alcohol consumption in men than in women. Women were more likely than men to be older, to have diabetes and obesity, and to have higher total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. There were worse outcomes in men than in women at 3 months after stroke (P < 0.05). There were more independent risk factors of poor outcome in men than in women. Older age was a common predictive factor of outcome both in men and in women. In men, low triglyceride levels and high fasting plasma glucose levels were independent risk factors for mortality; in addition, a high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was associated with recurrence. Moreover, in men, moderate and severe stroke, and high total cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose levels were risk factors for dependency. A negative association was found between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and risk of mortality and between total cholesterol level and risk of recurrence in women., Conclusions: These findings suggest that it is crucial to control conventional risk factors and fasting plasma glucose and lipid levels among patients with SAO, especially male patients, to reduce the burden of stroke in China.

Background and Purpose: Although stroke in the young and middle aged accounts for 31% of all strokes in China, the disease burden is unknown. We aimed to determine the secular trends in stroke incidence and the transition of subtypes in rural China over a 24-year period., Methods: In 1992, 14 920 residents were recruited to participate in the Tianjin Brain Study. Stroke events and all deaths were registered annually. We assessed the trends in incidence of first-ever stroke, including intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke, among adults aged 35 to 64 years during 1992 to 1999, 2000 to 2007, and 2008 to 2015. The annual proportion of change in stroke incidence was evaluated from 1992 to 2015., Results: The age-standardized incidence of first-ever stroke per 100 000 person-years increased significantly, from 122 in 1992 to 1999, to 215.8 in 2000 to 2007, to 471.8 in 2008 to 2015. The incidence of first-ever stroke increased annually by 11.9% overall (12.4% in men, 9.0% in women, 8.7% for intracerebral hemorrhage, and 10.7% for ischemic stroke; P<0.001). The greatest increases were observed in adults aged 55 to 64 years, with an annual increase of 11.6% for ischemic stroke (10.8% in men and 6.9% in women). However, the proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage has not changed over the past 24 years., Conclusions: In contrast with that in developed countries, the burden of stroke in China originates primarily from young and middle-aged adults. Thus, control of risk factors in this population is required to reduce the future burden of stroke in China., (© 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Background and Purpose: We investigated secular trends in the age of stroke onset and stroke incidence in a low-income population in rural China., Methods: The study population was recruited from a population-based stroke surveillance study conducted in a township in Tianjin, China, from 1992 to 2014. The trends in mean age and incidence of first-ever stroke were assessed by sex and stroke subtype. Risk factor surveys were conducted in the same population in both 1991 and 2011., Results: A total of 1053 patients experienced first-ever stroke from 1992 to 2014. The mean age of stroke onset in men significantly decreased by 0.28 years annually overall, by 0.56 years for intracerebral hemorrhage, and by 0.22 years for ischemic stroke (P<0.05). However, a similar trend was not observed in women. The age-standardized first-ever stroke incidence in the same population significantly increased across sex and stroke subtypes, increased by 6.3% overall, 5.5% for men, 7.9% for women, 4.6% for intracerebral hemorrhage, and 7.3% for ischemic stroke (P<0.05) during 1992 to 2014. Concurrently, the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, current smoking, and alcohol consumption increased significantly in young and middle-aged adults from 1991 to 2011., Conclusions: The age of stroke onset tends to be younger among low-income population in China after the dramatic increased incidence of stroke during the gradual extension of life expectancy of population in China. These findings suggested that stroke burden will continue to increase in the long time, unless the risk factors in low-income populations are effectively controlled., (© 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Background: Total cholesterol is a well-documented risk factor for coronary disease. Previous studies have shown that high total cholesterol level is associated with better stroke outcomes, but the association of low total cholesterol levels and ischemic stroke outcomes is rare. Therefore, we aimed to assess the association of low total cholesterol levels and stroke outcomes among acute ischemic stroke patients in China., Methods: This study recruited 6407 atherothrombotic infarction patients from Tianjin, China, between May 2005 and September 2014. All patients were categorized into five groups according to TC level quintiles at admission. Differences in subtypes, severity, risk factors, and outcomes at 3, 12, and 36 months after stroke were compared between these groups., Results: In total, 1256 (19.6%) patients had low cholesterol levels, with a higher prevalence in men than in women (23.7% vs. 11.2%, P < 0.001). Compared with higher cholesterol levels, the lowest cholesterol level quintile (TC, <4.07 mmol/L) was associated with older age (64.7 years, P = 0.033), anterior circulation infarct (22.8%), atrial fibrillation (4.9%), current smoking (41.1%), and alcohol consumption (21.1%) and lower frequencies of hypertension (72.9%), diabetes (30.7%), and obesity (9.9%). Dependency and recurrence rates were significantly higher at 36 months in patients in the lowest TC level quintile than in those with higher cholesterol levels (dependency rates, 51.2% vs 45.2%; P = 0.007 and recurrence rates, 46.3% vs 37.3%, P = 0.001). Moreover, these differences remained after adjustment for age, sex, stroke severity, and Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project classification (odds ratios [ORs] for dependency rate, 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11, 1.79; P = 0.005 and recurrence rate, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.19, 1.89; P = 0.001). However, mortality rates after stroke were not significantly different between the groups., Conclusions: These findings suggest that statin treatment for patients with atherothrombotic infarction and low cholesterol levels increase long-term dependency and recurrence rates, but do not increase mortality rates. It is crucial to highlight the different impact of statin treatment on patients with atherothrombotic infarction and lower cholesterol levels for secondary stroke prevention in China.

Studies show inconsistent associations between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and stroke outcome. We assessed these associations among patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in China. Patients with first-ever AIS were categorized into 3 groups: normal LDL, marginally elevated LDL and high LDL - according to the LDL-C values on admission. The outcome measures that were investigated in each group included mortality, dependence and recurrence of vascular events. Patients with high LDL-C had higher mortality rates than did those with normal LDL-C at both 12 and 36 months, but this difference disappeared after adjustment for covariates. There was no difference between groups in mortality at 3 months and dependency or recurrence at 3, 12 or 36 months. LDL-C level was associated with long-term mortality after stroke, but was not an independent prognostic factor., (© 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Stroke has a greater effect on women. However, sex differences in outcome and factors associated with outcome among elderly patients are unknown. From January 2009 to December 2011, 810 patients with acute ischemic stroke aged 75 years or older were recruited in China. Clinical profile and risk factors were recorded. Outcomes and associated risk factors at 12 and 36 months after stroke were assessed by sex. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemias, and obesity prevalence rates were higher in women than in men; opposite trends were found for smoking and alcohol consumption. The mortality rate at 12 months after stroke was significantly greater in men than in women (23.3% versus 16.6%, P = .015). Large-artery atherothrombotic and cardioembolic stroke subtypes were risk factors for mortality, recurrence, and dependency in both sexes. In men, atrial fibrillation was a risk factor of mortality at 12 months after stroke (relative ratio [RR], 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38-3.27), but obesity was a protective factor of mortality at 36 months after stroke (RR, .30; 95% CI, .10-.94). However, in women, atrial fibrillation was a risk factor of recurrence at 12 months (RR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.31-4.12) and dependency at 36 months after stroke (RR, 7.68; 95% CI, 1.60-36.82). We assessed sex differences in stroke outcomes and associated risk factors at 12 and 36 months after stroke in a large hospital-based stroke registry of elderly patients from Northern China. Thus, it is crucial to emphasize risk management to elderly patients to reduce mortality, recurrence, and dependency after stroke., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objectives: The incidence of ischemic stroke has increased and that of hemorrhagic stroke has decreased in urban China; however, the trends in rural areas are unknown. We aimed to explore the secular trends in incidence and transition of stroke subtypes among rural Chinese., Methods: This was a population-based stroke surveillance through the Tianjin Brain Study. A total of 14,538 residents in a township of Ji County in Tianjin, China participated in the study since 1985. We investigated the age-standardized stroke incidence (sex-specific, type-specific, and age-specific), the annual proportion of change in the incidence of stroke, and the proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage in the periods 1992-1998, 1999-2005, and 2006-2012, because the neuroimaging technique was available since 1992 in this area., Results: The age-standardized incidence per 100,000 person-years increased significantly for both intracerebral hemorrhage (37.8 in 1992-1998, 46.5 in 1999-2005, and 76.5 in 2006-2012) and ischemic stroke (83.9 in 1992-1998, 135.3 in 1999-2005, and 238.0 in 2006-2012). The age-standardized incidence of first-ever stroke increased annually by 4.9% for intracerebral hemorrhage and by 7.3% for ischemic stroke. The greatest increase was observed in men aged 45-64 years for both stroke types (P < 0.001). The proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage was stable overall, increased among men aged 45-64 years, and decreased among men aged ≥65 years. The average age of intracerebral hemorrhage in men reduced by 7.5 years from 1992 to 2012., Conclusion: The age-standardized incidence of main stroke subtypes increased significantly in rural China over the past 21 years; the overall proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage was stable, but the incidence increased significantly among middle-aged men. These findings imply that it is crucial to control stroke risk factors in middle-aged men for stroke prevention in future decades.

Objective: We investigated secular trends in incidence of first-ever stroke and the prevalence of stroke risk factors within the same population in rural China., Methods: In 1985, 15,438 residents from a township of Tianjin, China, were recruited to the Tianjin Brain Study, a population-based stroke surveillance study. Stroke events and all deaths were registered annually. Because imaging technology was first available in 1992, we analyzed the incidence of first-ever stroke over 3 study periods-1992-1998, 1999-2005, and 2006-2012-from 1992 to 2012. Risk factor surveys were conducted in 1991 and 2011., Results: The age-standardized incidence of first-ever stroke per 100,000 person-years increased rapidly from 124.5 in 1992-1998 to 190.0 in 1999-2005 and to 318.2 in 2006-2012; incidence increased annually by 6.5% overall and by 12% among men aged 45-64 years (p < 0.05). From 1992 to 2012, the age at first-ever stroke in men was earlier by 3.3 years overall, but a similar trend was not observed in women. Concurrently, the prevalence of high fasting glucose and alcohol consumption increased significantly in both men and women, especially in men aged <45 years; the prevalence of obesity and high fasting glucose increased by 8.8-fold and 11-fold, respectively, from 1992 to 2012., Conclusions: The incidence of stroke in rural China increased rapidly, particularly among middle-aged adults, along with a concurrent increase in risk factor prevalence. These findings suggest that without controlling these risk factors, stroke incidence will continue to increase over future decades in China., (© 2014 American Academy of Neurology.)

Background and Purpose: Sex differences in secular trends of stroke incidence are rarely reported. We aimed to explore sex differences in incidence and mortality of stroke in rural China from 1992 to 2012., Methods: In 1992, 14 920 residents were recruited to participate in the Tianjin Brain Study, a population-based study on stroke surveillance. Stroke events and all deaths were annually registered., Results: We observed 908 incident strokes (366 in women) from 1992 to 2012. Women were significantly younger than men (64±12 versus 68±11 years) in 1992 to 1998 (P=0.024). The incidence of first-ever stroke per 100 000 person-years for men was 166 in 1992 to 1998, 227 in 1999 to 2005, and 376 in 2006 to 2012; for women, the rates were 86 (1992-1998), 148 (1999-2005), and 264 (2006-2012). From 1992 to 2012, the incidence grew annually by 5.8% in men and 8.0% in women. The male/female incidence ratio declined significantly: 1.9 in 1992 to 1998, 1.5 in 1999 to 2005, and 1.4 in 2006 to 2012. There were no significant sex differences in mortality. The prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus, the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides, and the age of menopause and reproductive years in women concurrently increased in 2011., Conclusions: There was a significant increase in the incidence of first-ever stroke in women annually and a declining trend in the male/female rate ratio in rural China during the past 21 years. These results suggest that stroke will become one of the major diseases affecting women in future decades in China., (© 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Although an increasing number of studies are considering sex-related differences in stroke burden, the trends in stroke burden and management among women in China, especially among low-income women, remain unclear. This study evaluated the long-term trends in stroke management and burden among low-income Chinese women during the period between 1992 and 2019. Stroke burden was assessed using the age-adjusted incidence of first-ever stroke, whereas stroke management was assessed using the rates of neuroimaging diagnoses, hospitalizations, case fatalities, and stroke recurrence. Stroke burden and management were analyzed during four study periods: 1992–1998, 1999–2004, 2005–2012, and 2013–2019. During the 193,385 person-years of surveillance in this study, 597 female stroke patients were identified. The stroke incidences per 100,000 person-years were 88.1 cases during 1992–1998, 145.4 cases during 1999–2004, 264.3 cases during 2005–2012, and 309.8 cases during 2013–2019 (P < 0.001). Between 1992 and 2019, the incidence of stroke significantly increased (6.4% annually) as did the incidence of ischemic stroke (7.8% annually; both, P < 0.001). The rates of neuroimaging diagnoses and hospitalizations significantly increased during the four periods, while the case fatality rates and 1-year recurrence rates decreased significantly for both overall strokes and ischemic strokes, especially among patients ≥45 years old (all, P < 0.001). Among low-income women in China, stroke management is gradually improving, despite the increasing stroke burden. Thus, improved healthcare coverage is needed to further reduce the stroke burden among low-income Chinese women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore trends in the burden from stroke associated with home quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with a first-ever stroke registered between January 1 and April 20 from 2010 to 2020 were included in this study. We compared the incidence and the rates of mortality, hospitalization, and diagnosis by neuroimaging for first-ever stroke among a low-income population in rural China during the study periods. Overall, 377 first-ever stroke patients were analyzed in this study period; men accounted for 59.2%. Compared with 2019, the incidence of first-ever stroke was 73.5% lower in 2020 (P < 0.001). The incidence of first-ever stroke was lower by 64.18% in 2020 than in the previous 5 years (P = 0.002) and by 65.42% in 2020 than in the previous 10 years (P = 0.001). Mortality from first-ever stroke in 2020 was not significantly different from that in 2019, but it was noticeably lower than that for the previous 5 and 10 years. However, rates of hospitalization and diagnosis by neuroimaging remained stable across the study period. These findings suggest that the home quarantine helped reduce outdoor activities at low temperatures, restrict gatherings, reduce alcoholism and high-fat diet, and lower pollution caused by factories. These changes were advantageous for helping high-risk groups to reduce the burden of stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low socioeconomic status is associated with a high stroke risk. However, few studies have quantitatively assessed the relationship between stroke burden and national economic development indicators. We explored the quantitative association between macroeconomic development and stroke burden in rural China. In this population-based, prospective study (1992–2016), we collected data on annual registrations of stroke events and deaths in Tianjin, China. Economic development over the period was represented by gross domestic product annually adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP-aGDP) and per capita net income (PCNI) of rural residents in China. We assessed the association of first-ever stroke incidence with PPP-aGDP and PCNI. During the 25-year study period, there were 1,185 stroke events and 362,296 person years of surveillance. First-ever stroke incidence increased by an average of 10.7% per 1,000 USD increase in overall PPP-aGDP and by 12.0% per 1,000 Yuan increase in PCNI; respectively, the mean increases were 9.6 and 10.8% in men and 13.0 and 14.4% in women (all, P < 0.001). These same changes in PPP-aGDP and PCNI also resulted in increases in the incidence of ischemic stroke (12.6 and 14.3%, respectively; P < 0.05), and intracerebral hemorrhage (both, 6.2%; P < 0.05). Similarly, in men, the age of onset of intracerebral hemorrhage decreased by 0.96-years (P = 0.002) for each 1,000 USD increase in PPP-aGDP and by 1.08-years (P = 0.003) for each 1,000 Yuan increase in PCNI. Macroeconomic development was positively associated with stroke incidence in rural China. Thus, enhancing health-care investments is crucial for containing the stroke burden during this remarkable economic development in China. Our findings could guide other developing countries with information regarding the timely control of stroke risk factors and reductions in stroke burden during the initial stages of economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent stroke is becoming an increasingly important public health issue owing to the increased risk of disability and death. However, population-based studies investigating the rate of recurrent stroke in China are rare. We explored the rate and determinants of recurrent stroke within 1 and 5 years after the initial stroke in a rural population in China. Data for stroke events were obtained from the Tianjin Brain Study, conducted between 1992 and 2016. The age-standardized rates of recurrent stroke within the first year and the first 5 years after the initial stroke were calculated for this period. Determinants of recurrent stroke were assessed using Cox regression analyses. The overall age-standardized rate of recurrent stroke within 1 year was 5.7% (men, 6.9%; women, 4.6%); within 5 years, the overall recurrent stroke rate was 22.5% (men, 24.0%; women, 20.2%). The recurrence rate increased with advancing age and decreased with increased educational attainment. Age ≥65 years and a history of alcohol consumption were independent risk factors for recurrent stroke within 1 year after the incident stroke, after adjusting for age, sex, education, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol consumption. However, the risk of recurrent stroke within 5 years after the incident stroke was positively associated with male sex, age ≥65 years, a lower level of education, known diabetes, and alcohol consumption, after adjusting for the previously indicated covariates. These findings suggest a crucial need to address risk factor management among stroke patients to reduce the burden of stroke, especially among low-income populations. Furthermore, a multicenter, large sample, nationwide study is urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Association of stroke risk with new blood pressure criterion 2017 is unknown in China. We assessed the association between blood pressure (BP) values and stroke risk in a low-income population in Tianjin, China. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values were categorized into five strata and strokes were recorded as stroke, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke. Stroke risk was analyzed according to blood pressure stratum using Cox regression analysis. Overall, 4,017 residents (age, ≥18 years) were included in this prospective cohort study. Over a 27-year follow-up period (total, 86,515.78 person-years), 638 participants experienced first-ever strokes. The stroke risk was higher among individuals with SBPs ≥140 mmHg or DBPs ≥90 mmHg than among those with SBPs < 130 mmHg or DBPs < 80 mmHg (reference group), after adjusting for covariates. However, hemorrhagic stroke risk increased only in participants with SBPs ≥160 mmHg. The stroke risk increased for individuals < 65-years-old having BP values ≥130/80 mmHg and for individuals ≥65-years-old with BP values ≥160/90 mmHg. To reduce the stroke burden in China, target BP goals must be established for adults, with different targets for the middle-aged and the elderly segments of the population. These results are very important for guiding clinical practice and may be generalized to other developing countries experiencing rapid economic development and where transitions in the spectrum of prevalent diseases have occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and stroke type has remained controversial despite studies demonstrating that BMI is related to stroke risk, especially in specific groups. We assessed the age- and sex-associated impacts of BMI on stroke type in a low-income, poorly educated population in China. The association of BMI with stroke type was estimated using Cox regression analyses in this prospective cohort study, after adjusting for sex, age, education level, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol drinking status. During the follow-up period, 638 stroke cases occurred among the 3,906 participants included in this prospective study. For men aged <65 years, being overweight was an independent predictor of all stroke subtypes, compared with normal-weight individuals; the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 1.98 (1.52–2.58) for total stroke, 1.69 (1.22–2.33) for ischemic stroke, and 3.62 (2.09–6.25) for hemorrhagic stroke, all P < 0.001. Being underweight was also an independent predictor of hemorrhagic stroke (HR, 5.10; 95%CI, 1.80–14.50, P = 0.002). For women <65-years-old, being overweight was a risk factor for total (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.01–1.89; P = 0.044) and hemorrhagic strokes (HR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.00–4.28; P = 0.050); obesity was a risk factor for total (HR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.60–3.82) and ischemic strokes (HR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.54–4.15), all P < 0.001. These findings suggest that weight management should be a high priority for substantially reducing the heavy burden of strokes in rural China among both men and women <65-years-old; men<65-years-old should maintain their weight within a reasonable range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although strokes are the leading cause of death and disability in many countries, China still lacks long-term monitoring data on stroke incidence and risk factors. This study explored stroke risk factors in a low-income, rural population in China. The study population was derived from the Tianjin Brain Study, a population-based stroke monitoring study that began in 1985. This study documented the demographic characteristics, past medical histories, and personal lifestyles of the study participants. In addition, physical examinations, including measurements of blood pressure (BP), height, and weight, were performed. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated for the risk factors for all subtypes of stroke using multivariate Cox regression analyses. During the study with mean following-up time of 23.16 years, 3906 individuals were recruited at baseline, and during 27 years of follow-up, 638 strokes were documented. The multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed a positive correlation between age and stroke incidence. Limited education was associated with a 1.9-fold increase in stroke risk (lowest vs. highest education level). Stroke risk was higher among former smokers than among current smokers (HR, 1.8 vs. 1.6; both, P < 0.05). Moreover, stroke risk was significantly associated with sex (HR, 1.8), former alcohol drinking (HR, 2.7), baseline hypertension (HR, 3.1), and overweight (HR, 1.3). In conclusion, this study identified uncontrollable (sex and age) and controllable (education, smoking, alcohol drinking, hypertension, and overweight) risk factors for stroke in a low-income, rural population in China. Therefore, it is critical to control BP and weight effectively, advocate cessation of smoking/alcohol drinking, and enhance the education level in this population to prevent increase in the burden of stroke in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Total cholesterol is a well-documented risk factor for coronary disease. Previous studies have shown that high total cholesterol level is associated with better stroke outcomes, but the association of low total cholesterol levels and ischemic stroke outcomes is rare. Therefore, we aimed to assess the association of low total cholesterol levels and stroke outcomes among acute ischemic stroke patients in China.Methods: This study recruited 6407 atherothrombotic infarction patients from Tianjin, China, between May 2005 and September 2014. All patients were categorized into five groups according to TC level quintiles at admission. Differences in subtypes, severity, risk factors, and outcomes at 3, 12, and 36 months after stroke were compared between these groups.Results: In total, 1256 (19.6%) patients had low cholesterol levels, with a higher prevalence in men than in women (23.7% vs. 11.2%, P < 0.001). Compared with higher cholesterol levels, the lowest cholesterol level quintile (TC, <4.07 mmol/L) was associated with older age (64.7 years, P = 0.033), anterior circulation infarct (22.8%), atrial fibrillation (4.9%), current smoking (41.1%), and alcohol consumption (21.1%) and lower frequencies of hypertension (72.9%), diabetes (30.7%), and obesity (9.9%). Dependency and recurrence rates were significantly higher at 36 months in patients in the lowest TC level quintile than in those with higher cholesterol levels (dependency rates, 51.2% vs 45.2%; P = 0.007 and recurrence rates, 46.3% vs 37.3%, P = 0.001). Moreover, these differences remained after adjustment for age, sex, stroke severity, and Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project classification (odds ratios [ORs] for dependency rate, 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11, 1.79; P = 0.005 and recurrence rate, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.19, 1.89; P = 0.001). However, mortality rates after stroke were not significantly different between the groups.Conclusions: These findings suggest that statin treatment for patients with atherothrombotic infarction and low cholesterol levels increase long-term dependency and recurrence rates, but do not increase mortality rates. It is crucial to highlight the different impact of statin treatment on patients with atherothrombotic infarction and lower cholesterol levels for secondary stroke prevention in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]