ISCHEMIC STROKE; FREQUENCY OF HYPERTENSION, DIABETES AND SMOKING IN PATIENTS.

Stroke is characterized by the sudden loss of blood circulation to an area of the brain, resulting in a corresponding loss of neurologic function. It is also called as cereberovascular accident (CVA) or stroke syndrome. Objectives: To determine frequency of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking in patients with ischemic stroke. Patients and methods: This cross sectional study of six months was carried out in the department of medicine, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences. Patients aged 20-70 years of age with ischemic stroke on CT were enrolled in the study after taking consent from caretaker of patients. Detailed history focusing on hypertension, diabetes and smoking and their duration was taken. Blood pressure was recorded and fundoscopy was done to find out diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy. Thorough neurological examination was done and blood sugar (fasting and random) was evaluated. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the study during study period. 64% of patients were in≥50 years of age group with mean age of 52±11 years. A total of 66 (66%) were male; with male to female ratio was 2:1. Hypertension was present in 61% of cases, Diabetes was found in 32% cases and 40 patients were cigarette smokers. Conclusions: It was concluded that high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and smoking are associated with ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]