Ischemic Stroke

Stroke is characterized by the sudden loss of blood circulation to an areaof the brain, resulting in a corresponding loss of neurologic function. It is also called ascereberovascular accident (CVA) or stroke syndrome. Objectives: To determine frequencyof hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking in patients with ischemic stroke. Patientsand methods: This cross sectional study of six months was carried out in the department ofmedicine, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences. Patients aged 20-70 years of agewith ischemic stroke on CT were enrolled in the study after taking consent from caretaker ofpatients. Detailed history focusing on hypertension, diabetes and smoking and their durationwas taken. Blood pressure was recorded and fundoscopy was done to find out diabetic orhypertensive 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 patientswere 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 wasfound in 32% cases and 40 patients were cigarette smokers. Conclusions: It was concludedthat high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and smoking are associated with ischemic stroke.