Stroke Symptoms as a Predictor of Future Hospitalization

PubMed Central

Howard, Virginia J.; Safford, Monika M.; Allen, Shauntice; Judd, Suzanne E.; Rhodes, J. David; Kleindorfer, Dawn O.; Soliman, Elsayed Z.; Meschia, James F.; Howard, George

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND Stroke symptoms in the general adult population are common and associated with stroke risk factors, lower physical and mental functioning, impaired cognitive status, and future stroke. Our objective was to determine the association of stroke symptoms with self-reported hospitalization or emergency department (ED) visit. METHODS Lifetime history of stroke symptoms (sudden weakness, numbness, unilateral or general loss of vision, loss of ability to communicate or understand) was assessed at baseline in a national, population-based, longitudinal cohort study of 30,239 blacks and whites, ≥ 45 years, enrolled 2003–2007. Self-reported hospitalization or ED visit and reason were collected during follow-up through March 2013. The symptom-hospitalization association was assessed by proportional hazards analysis in persons stroke/TIA-free at baseline (27,126) with adjustment for sociodemographics and further adjustment for risk factors. RESULTS One or more stroke symptoms were reported by 4,758 (17.5%). After adjustment for sociodemographics, stroke symptoms were most strongly associated with greater risk of hospitalization/ED for cardiovascular disease (HR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.78 – 1.96), stroke (HR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.55 – 1.85), and any reason (HR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.34 – 1.44). These associations remained significant and only modestly reduced after risk factor adjustment. CONCLUSIONS Stroke symptoms are a marker for future hospitalization and ED visit not only for stroke but for cardiovascular disease in general. Findings suggest a role for stroke symptom assessment as a novel and simple approach for identifying individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease including stroke in whom preventive strategies could be implemented. PMID:26774871

Risk of bias reporting in the recent animal focal cerebral ischaemia literature.

PubMed

Bahor, Zsanett; Liao, Jing; Macleod, Malcolm R; Bannach-Brown, Alexandra; McCann, Sarah K; Wever, Kimberley E; Thomas, James; Ottavi, Thomas; Howells, David W; Rice, Andrew; Ananiadou, Sophia; Sena, Emily

2017-10-15

Findings from in vivo research may be less reliable where studies do not report measures to reduce risks of bias. The experimental stroke community has been at the forefront of implementing changes to improve reporting, but it is not known whether these efforts are associated with continuous improvements. Our aims here were firstly to validate an automated tool to assess risks of bias in published works, and secondly to assess the reporting of measures taken to reduce the risk of bias within recent literature for two experimental models of stroke. We developed and used text analytic approaches to automatically ascertain reporting of measures to reduce risk of bias from full-text articles describing animal experiments inducing middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) or modelling lacunar stroke. Compared with previous assessments, there were improvements in the reporting of measures taken to reduce risks of bias in the MCAO literature but not in the lacunar stroke literature. Accuracy of automated annotation of risk of bias in the MCAO literature was 86% (randomization), 94% (blinding) and 100% (sample size calculation); and in the lacunar stroke literature accuracy was 67% (randomization), 91% (blinding) and 96% (sample size calculation). There remains substantial opportunity for improvement in the reporting of animal research modelling stroke, particularly in the lacunar stroke literature. Further, automated tools perform sufficiently well to identify whether studies report blinded assessment of outcome, but improvements are required in the tools to ascertain whether randomization and a sample size calculation were reported. © 2017 The Author(s).

Development of a shared decision-making tool to assist patients and clinicians with decisions on oral anticoagulant treatment for atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

Kaiser, Karen; Cheng, Wendy Y; Jensen, Sally; Clayman, Marla L; Thappa, Andrew; Schwiep, Frances; Chawla, Anita; Goldberger, Jeffrey J; Col, Nananda; Schein, Jeff

2015-12-01

Decision aids (DAs) are increasingly used to operationalize shared decision-making (SDM) but their development is not often described. Decisions about oral anticoagulants (OACs) for atrial fibrillation (AF) involve a trade-off between lowering stroke risk and increasing OAC-associated bleeding risk, and consideration of how treatment affects lifestyle. The benefits and risks of OACs hinge upon a patient's risk factors for stroke and bleeding and how they value these outcomes. We present the development of a DA about AF that estimates patients' risks for stroke and bleeding and assesses their preferences for outcomes. Based on a literature review and expert discussions, we identified stroke and major bleeding risk prediction models and embedded them into risk assessment modules. We identified the most important factors in choosing OAC treatment (warfarin used as the default reference OAC) through focus group discussions with AF patients who had used warfarin and clinician interviews. We then designed preference assessment and introductory modules accordingly. We integrated these modules into a prototype AF SDM tool and evaluated its usability through interviews. Our tool included four modules: (1) introduction to AF and OAC treatment risks and benefits; (2) stroke risk assessment; (3) bleeding risk assessment; and (4) preference assessment. Interactive risk calculators estimated patient-specific stroke and bleeding risks; graphics were developed to communicate these risks. After cognitive interviews, the content was improved. The final AF tool calculates patient-specific risks and benefits of OAC treatment and couples these estimates with patient preferences to improve clinical decision-making. The AF SDM tool may help patients choose whether OAC treatment is best for them and represents a patient-centered, integrative approach to educate patients on the benefits and risks of OAC treatment. Future research is needed to evaluate this tool in a real-world setting. The development process presented can be applied to similar SDM tools.

Evaluation methods on the nutritional status of stroke patients.

PubMed

Wang, J; Luo, B; Xie, Y; Hu, H-Y; Feng, L; Li, Z-N

2014-01-01

This study was designed to assess the effect of particular tools on the nutritional status of patients with stroke risk factors; to analyze these risk factors; to construct an assessment table; and to enable nurses to conduct fast and accurate assessment of the nutritional status of patients with stroke. Various nutritional assessment tools were employed to assess the nutritional status of stroke patients [(Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, NRS2002); (mini nutritional assessment, MNA), (subjective global assessment SGA), (malnutrition universal screening, MUST); (body composition, BCA)]. The leading disease-related factors of cerebral apoplexy were observed in patients with malnutrition. And a statistical analysis was conducted. The significant risk factors of cerebral apoplexy in malnourished patients older than 70 years were swallowing dysfunctions, disturbance of consciousness and reliance or half-reliance on feeding practices. The significant risk factors of malnutrition in patients with cerebral apoplexy were the decline in upper limb muscle strength, decline in the performance of various activities, loss of appetite and gastrointestinal symptoms. Disorders that affect the nutritional status of stroke patients can be used as evaluation tools, as described in the evaluation table. The clinical relevance of this study includes the following: to enable the clinical nursing staff to easily assess the patient's nutritional status in a timely manner; to improve compliance with nutritional evaluation; to provide clinical nutrition support to patients with stroke; and to provide a scientific basis for the improvement of the clinical outcomes of patients with cerebral apoplexy.

Social Network, Social Support, and Risk of Incident Stroke: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

PubMed Central

Nagayoshi, Mako; Everson-Rose, Susan A.; Iso, Hiroyasu; Mosley, Thomas H.; Rose, Kathryn M.; Lutsey, Pamela L.

2014-01-01

Background and Purpose Having a small social network and lack of social support have been associated with incident coronary heart disease, however epidemiologic evidence for incident stroke is limited. We assessed the longitudinal association of a small social network and lack of social support with risk of incident stroke, and evaluated whether the association was partly mediated by vital exhaustion and inflammation. Methods The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study measured social network and social support in 13,686 men and women (mean, 57±5.7 years, 56% female, 24% black; 76% white) without a history of stroke. Social network was assessed by the 10-item Lubben Social Network Scale, and social support by a 16-item Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-Short Form (ISEL-SF). Results Over a median follow-up of 18.6-years, 905 incident strokes occurred. Relative to participants with a large social network, those with a small social network had a higher risk of stroke [HR (95% CI): 1.44 (1.02–2.04)] after adjustment for demographics, socioeconomic variables and marital status, behavioral risk factors and major stroke risk factors. Vital exhaustion, but not inflammation, partly mediated the association between a small social network and incident stroke. Social support was unrelated to incident stroke. Conclusions In this sample of US community-dwelling men and women, having a small social network was associated with excess risk of incident stroke. As with other cardiovascular conditions, having a small social network may be associated with a modestly increased risk of incident stroke. PMID:25139878

Social network, social support, and risk of incident stroke: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.

PubMed

Nagayoshi, Mako; Everson-Rose, Susan A; Iso, Hiroyasu; Mosley, Thomas H; Rose, Kathryn M; Lutsey, Pamela L

2014-10-01

Having a small social network and lack of social support have been associated with incident coronary heart disease; however, epidemiological evidence for incident stroke is limited. We assessed the longitudinal association of a small social network and lack of social support with risk of incident stroke and evaluated whether the association was partly mediated by vital exhaustion and inflammation. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study measured social network and social support in 13 686 men and women (mean, 57 years; 56% women; 24% black; 76% white) without a history of stroke. Social network was assessed by the 10-item Lubben Social Network Scale and social support by a 16-item Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-Short Form. During a median follow-up of 18.6 years, 905 incident strokes occurred. Relative to participants with a large social network, those with a small social network had a higher risk of stroke (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.44 [1.02-2.04]) after adjustment for demographics, socioeconomic variables, marital status, behavioral risk factors, and major stroke risk factors. Vital exhaustion, but not inflammation, partly mediated the association between a small social network and incident stroke. Social support was unrelated to incident stroke. In this sample of US community-dwelling men and women, having a small social network was associated with excess risk of incident stroke. As with other cardiovascular conditions, having a small social network may be associated with a modestly increased risk of incident stroke. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

Racial Differences in the Impact of Elevated Systolic Blood Pressure on Stroke Risk

PubMed Central

Howard, George; Lackland, Daniel T.; Kleindorfer, Dawn O.; Kissela, Brett M.; Moy, Claudia S.; Judd, Suzanne E.; Safford, Monika M.; Cushman, Mary; Glasser, Stephen P.; Howard, Virginia J.

2013-01-01

Background Between the ages 45 and 65 years, incident stroke is 2 to 3 times more common in blacks than in whites, a difference not explained by traditional stroke risk factors. Methods Stroke risk was assessed in 27 748 black and white participants recruited between 2003 and 2007, who were followed up through 2011, in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. Racial differences in the impact of systolic blood pressure (SBP) was assessed using proportional hazards models. Racial differences in stroke risk were assessed in strata defined by age (<65 years, 65–74 years, and ≥75 years) and SBP (<120 mm Hg, 120–139 mm Hg, and 140–159 mm Hg). Results Over 4.5 years of follow-up, 715 incident strokes occurred. A 10–mm Hg difference in SBP was associated with an 8% (95% CI, 0%-16%) increase in stroke risk for whites, but a 24% (95% CI, 14%-35%) increase for blacks (P value for interaction, .02). For participants aged 45 to 64 years (where disparities are greatest), the black to white hazard ratio was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.48–1.57) for normotensive participants, 1.38 (95% CI, 0.94–2.02) for those with prehypertension, and 2.38 (95% CI, 1.19–4.72) for those with stage 1 hypertension. Conclusions These findings suggest racial differences in the impact of elevated blood pressure on stroke risk. When these racial differences are coupled with the previously documented higher prevalence of hypertension and poorer control of hypertension in blacks, they may account for much of the racial disparity in stroke risk. PMID:23229778

Evaluation of neurogenic dysphagia in Iraqi patients with acute stroke.

PubMed

Hasan, Zeki N; Al-Shimmery, Ehsan K; Taha, Mufeed A

2010-04-01

To clinically assess neurogenic dysphagia, and to correlate its presence with demographic features, different stroke risk factors, anatomical arterial territorial stroke types, and pathological stroke types. Seventy-two stroke inpatients were studied between July 2007 and February 2008, at the Departments of Medicine and Neurology at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, and Rizgary Teaching Hospital, Erbil, Iraq. All patients were assessed using the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability score (MASA), Modified Rankin Scale, and the Stroke Risk Scorecard. All patients were reassessed after one month. There were 40 males and 32 females. Sixty-eight patients had ischemic stroke, and 4 had primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). According to the MASA score, 55% of anterior circulation stroke (ACS) cases were associated with dysphasia, and 91% of lateral medullary syndrome cases were associated with dysphagia. Fifty-six percent of ACS dysphagic cases improved within the first month. Forty percent of dysphagic patients died in the one month follow up period, and in most, death was caused by aspiration pneumonia. We observed no significant differences regarding demographic features of dysphagia. Dysphagia can be an indicator of the severity of stroke causing higher mortality and morbidity in affected patients. It was not related to the stroke risk factors and the type of stroke. It is essential from a prognostic point of view to assess swallowing, and to treat its complications early.

Real-Time Fall Risk Assessment Using Functional Reach Test.

PubMed

Williams, Brian; Allen, Brandon; Hu, Zhen; True, Hanna; Cho, Jin; Harris, Austin; Fell, Nancy; Sartipi, Mina

2017-01-01

Falls are common and dangerous for survivors of stroke at all stages of recovery. The widespread need to assess fall risk in real time for individuals after stroke has generated emerging requests for a reliable, inexpensive, quantifiable, and remote clinical measure/tool. In order to meet these requests, we explore the Functional Reach Test (FRT) for real-time fall risk assessment and implement the FRT function in mStroke , a real-time and automatic mobile health system for poststroke recovery and rehabilitation. mStroke is designed, developed, and delivered as an Application (App) running on a hardware platform consisting of an iPad and one or two wireless body motion sensors based on different mobile health functions. The FRT function in mStroke is extensively tested on healthy human subjects to verify its concept and feasibility. Preliminary performance will be presented to justify the further exploration of the FRT function in mStroke through clinical trials on individuals after stroke, which may guide its ubiquitous exploitation in the near future.

Traditional risk factors as the underlying cause of racial disparities in stroke: lessons from the half-full (empty?) glass.

PubMed

Howard, George; Cushman, Mary; Kissela, Brett M; Kleindorfer, Dawn O; McClure, Leslie A; Safford, Monika M; Rhodes, J David; Soliman, Elsayed Z; Moy, Claudia S; Judd, Suzanne E; Howard, Virginia J

2011-12-01

Black/white disparities in stroke incidence are well documented, but few studies have assessed the contributions to the disparity. Here we assess the contribution of "traditional" risk factors. A total of 25 714 black and white men and women, aged≥45 years and stroke-free at baseline, were followed for an average of 4.4 years to detect stroke. Mediation analysis using proportional hazards analysis assessed the contribution of traditional risk factors to racial disparities. At age 45 years, incident stroke risk was 2.90 (95% CI: 1.72-4.89) times more likely in blacks than in whites and 1.66 (95% CI: 1.34-2.07) times at age 65 years. Adjustment for risk factors attenuated these excesses by 40% and 45%, respectively, resulting in relative risks of 2.14 (95% CI: 1.25-3.67) and 1.35 (95% CI: 1.08-1.71). Approximately one half of this mediation is attributable to systolic blood pressure. Further adjustment for socioeconomic factors resulted in total mediation of 47% and 53% to relative risks of 2.01 (95% CI: 1.16-3.47) and 1.30 (1.03-1.65), respectively. Between ages 45 to 65 years, approximately half of the racial disparity in stroke risk is attributable to traditional risk factors (primarily systolic blood pressure) and socioeconomic factors, suggesting a critical need to understand the disparity in the development of these traditional risk factors. Because half of the excess stroke risk in blacks is not attributable to traditional risk factors and socioeconomic factors, differential impact of risk factors, residual confounding, or nontraditional risk factors may also play a role.

Traditional risk factors as the underlying cause of racial disparities in stroke: lessons from the half full (empty?) glass

PubMed Central

Howard, George; Cushman, Mary; Kissela, Brett M.; Kleindorfer, Dawn O.; McClure, Leslie A.; Safford, Monika M.; Rhodes, J. David; Soliman, Elsayed Z.; Moy, Claudia S.; Judd, Suzanne E.; Howard, Virginia J.

2011-01-01

Background and Purpose Black/white disparities in stroke incidence are well-documented, but few studies have assessed the contributions to the disparity. Here we assess the contribution of “traditional” risk factors. Methods 25,714 black and white men and women, aged 45+ and stroke-free at baseline were followed for an average of 4.4 years to detect stroke. Mediation analysis employing proportional hazards analysis assessed the contribution of “traditional” risk factors to racial disparities. Results At age 45, incident stroke risk was 2.90 (95% CI: 1.72 – 4.89) times more likely in blacks than whites, and 1.66 (95% CI: 1.34 – 2.07) times at age 65. Adjustment for risk factors attenuated these excesses by 40% and 45%, respectively, resulting in relative risks of 2.14 (95% CI: 1.25 – 3.67) and 1.35 (95% CI: 1.08 – 1.71). Approximately one-half of this mediation is attributable to systolic blood pressure. Further adjustment for socioeconomic factors resulted in total mediation of 47% and 53% to relative risks of 2.01 (95% CI: 1.16 – 3.47) and 1.30 (1.03 – 1.65) respectively. Conclusions Between ages 45 to 65 years, approximately half of the racial disparity in stroke risk is attributable to traditional risk factors (primarily systolic blood pressure) and socioeconomic factors, suggesting a critical need to understand the disparity in the development of these traditional risk factors. Because half of the excess stroke risk in blacks is not attributable to traditional risk factors and socioeconomic factors, differential racial susceptibility to risk factors, residual confounding or non-traditional risk factors may also play a role. PMID:21960581

Non-traditional Serum Lipid Variables and Recurrent Stroke Risk

PubMed Central

Park, Jong-Ho; Lee, Juneyoung; Ovbiagele, Bruce

2014-01-01

Background and Purpose Expert consensus guidelines recommend low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as the primary serum lipid target for recurrent stroke risk reduction. However, mounting evidence suggests that other lipid parameters might be additional therapeutic targets or at least also predict cardiovascular risk. Little is known about the effects of non-traditional lipid variables on recurrent stroke risk. Methods We analyzed the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention study database comprising 3680 recent (<120 days) ischemic stroke patients followed up for 2 years. Independent associations of baseline serum lipid variables with recurrent ischemic stroke (primary outcome) and the composite endpoint of ischemic stroke/coronary heart disease (CHD)/vascular death (secondary outcomes) were assessed. Results Of all variables evaluated, only triglycerides (TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio was consistently and independently related to both outcomes: compared with the lowest quintile, the highest TG/HDL-C ratio quintile was associated with stroke (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.05−2.32) and stroke/CHD/vascular death (1.39; 1.05−1.83), including adjustment for lipid modifier use. Compared with the lowest quintile, the highest total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio quintile was associated with stroke/CHD/vascular death (1.45; 1.03−2.03). LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, non-HDL-C, elevated TG alone, and low HDL-C alone were not independently linked to either outcome. Conclusions Of various non-traditional lipid variables, elevated baseline TG/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratios predict future vascular risk after a stroke, but only elevated TG/HDL-C ratio is related to risk of recurrent stroke. Future studies should assess the role of TG/HDL as a potential therapeutic target for global vascular risk reduction after stroke. PMID:25236873

Nonvitamin-K-antagonist oral anticoagulants versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation and previous stroke or transient ischemic attack: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Ntaios, George; Papavasileiou, Vasileios; Diener, Hans-Chris; Makaritsis, Konstantinos; Michel, Patrik

2017-08-01

Background In a previous systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed the efficacy and safety of nonvitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation and stroke or transient ischemic attack. Since then, new information became available. Aim The aim of the present work was to update the results of the previous systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods We searched PubMed until 24 August 2016 for randomized controlled trials using the following search items: "atrial fibrillation" and "anticoagulation" and "warfarin" and "previous stroke or transient ischemic attack." Eligible studies had to be phase III trials in patients with atrial fibrillation comparing warfarin with nonvitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants currently on the market or with the intention to be brought to the market in North America or Europe. The outcomes assessed in the efficacy analysis included stroke or systemic embolism, stroke, ischemic or unknown stroke, disabling or fatal stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, cardiovascular death, death from any cause, and myocardial infarction. The outcomes assessed in the safety analysis included major bleeding, intracranial bleeding, and major gastrointestinal bleeding. We performed fixed effects analyses on intention-to-treat basis. Results Among 183 potentially eligible articles, four were included in the meta-analysis. In 20,500 patients, compared to warfarin, nonvitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants were associated with a significant reduction of stroke/systemic embolism (relative risk reduction: 13.7%, absolute risk reduction: 0.78%, number needed to treat to prevent one event: 127), hemorrhagic stroke (relative risk reduction: 50.0%, absolute risk reduction: 0.63%, number needed to treat: 157), any stroke (relative risk reduction: 13.1%, absolute risk reduction: 0.7%, number needed to treat: 142), and intracranial hemorrhage (relative risk reduction: 46.1%, absolute risk reduction: 0.88%, number needed to treat: 113) over 1.8-2.8 years. Conclusions This updated meta-analysis in 20,500 atrial fibrillation patients with previous stroke or transient ischemic attack shows that compared to warfarin non-vitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulants are associated with a significant reduction of stroke, stroke or systemic embolism, hemorrhagic stroke, and intracranial bleeding.

Racial disparities in knowledge of stroke and heart attack risk factors and warning signs among Michigan adults.

PubMed

Fussman, Chris; Rafferty, Ann P; Reeves, Mathew J; Zackery, Shannon; Lyon-Callo, Sarah; Anderson, Beth

2009-01-01

To describe the level of knowledge regarding risk factors and warning signs for stroke and heart attack among White and African American adults in Michigan and to quantify racial disparities. Knowledge of stroke and heart attack risk factors and warning signs was assessed by using data from the 2004 Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey. Prevalence estimates of knowledge were generated, and statistical differences in knowledge between Whites and African Americans were assessed. Adequate knowledge was defined as knowing 3 correct warning signs or risk factors. Logistic regression models were used to quantify the racial disparity in knowledge while controlling for potential confounding. Whites had substantially higher levels of adequate knowledge of risk factors (stroke: 31.6% vs 13.8%; heart attack: 52.6% vs 24.3%) and warning signs (stroke: 30.0% vs 17.2%; heart attack: 29.3% vs 13.8%) compared with African Americans (all observed differences were significant at P < .05). The odds of adequate knowledge of risk factors (stroke: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.9; heart attack: AOR 3.4) and warning signs (stroke: AOR 2.0; heart attack: AOR 2.4) were significantly higher for Whites than for African Americans. A strong racial disparity in the knowledge of stroke and heart attack risk factors and warning signs exists among Michigan adults. Communitywide public education programs in conjunction with targeted interventions for at-risk populations are necessary to produce meaningful improvements in the awareness of stroke and heart attack risk factors and warning signs among Michigan adults.

The level of awareness of stroke risk factors and symptoms in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: Gulf Cooperation Council stroke awareness study.

PubMed

Kamran, S; Bener, A B; Deleu, D; Khoja, W; Jumma, M; Al Shubali, A; Inshashi, J; Sharouqi, I; Al Khabouri, J

2007-01-01

To assess the knowledge of stroke in the general public in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The Arabian Gulf is a rapidly developing part of the world with major changes in the lifestyle that can increase the risk of stroke. To design effective stroke treatment and prevention strategies, an assessment of the public knowledge of stroke is required. A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted at primary health care centers (PHCs), in urban and semi-urban areas, of the GCC countries (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Oman) on the level of stroke awareness in the general public. Health care workers completed 3,750 face-to-face interviews. 1,089 (29.0%) were familiar with the term 'stroke', and 29.3% considered the age group 30-50 at the highest risk for stroke. The commonest risk factors identified were hypertension (23.1%) and smoking (27.3%). People who did not know the term stroke had a higher incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and had more than one risk factor (p < 0.05). The most frequently identified stroke symptoms were weakness (23%) and speech problems (21.7%). Of those who recognized stroke, blockage of blood vessels was identified as the commonest cause of stroke (22%) followed by tension/worrying (20%). Doctors and nurses were regarded as the best source of stroke information (70%). In the univariate comparison, younger age (p < 0.001), higher level of education (p < 0.001), and female gender (p = 0.008) better predicted stroke recognition. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the level of education, monthly income and smoking were independent variables predicting stroke knowledge. The majority of the patients had not even heard the term stroke. Stroke knowledge was poorest among the groups that were at the highest risk for stroke. Stroke education has to focus on the high-risk groups, particularly the younger population. The health care workers at the PHCs and hospitals will need instructions on providing stroke information to the public. The level of knowledge of stroke risk factors and symptoms emphasizes the need for stroke education efforts in the community. (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Contributors to the Excess Stroke Mortality in Rural Areas in the United States.

PubMed

Howard, George; Kleindorfer, Dawn O; Cushman, Mary; Long, D Leann; Jasne, Adam; Judd, Suzanne E; Higginbotham, John C; Howard, Virginia J

2017-07-01

Stroke mortality is 30% higher in the rural United States. This could be because of either higher incidence or higher case fatality from stroke in rural areas. The urban-rural status of 23 280 stroke-free participants recruited between 2003 and 2007 in the REGARDS study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) was classified using the Rural-Urban Commuting Area scheme as residing in urban, large rural town/city, or small rural town or isolated areas. The risk of incident stroke was assessed using proportional hazards analysis, and case fatality (death within 30 days of stroke) was assessed using logistic regression. Models were adjusted for demographics, traditional stroke risk factors, and measures of socioeconomic status. After adjustment for demographic factors and relative to urban areas, stroke incidence was 1.23-times higher (95% confidence intervals, 1.01-1.51) in large rural town/cities and 1.30-times higher (95% confidence intervals, 1.03-1.62) in small rural towns or isolated areas. Adjustment for risk factors and socioeconomic status only modestly attenuated this association, and the association became marginally nonsignificant ( P =0.071). There was no association of rural-urban status with case fatality ( P >0.47). The higher stroke mortality in rural regions seemed to be attributable to higher stroke incidence rather than case fatality. A higher prevalence of risk factors and lower socioeconomic status only modestly contributed to the increased risk of incident stroke risk in rural areas. There was no evidence of higher case fatality in rural areas. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Utility of Ward-Based Retinal Photography in Stroke Patients.

PubMed

Frost, Shaun; Brown, Michael; Stirling, Verity; Vignarajan, Janardhan; Prentice, David; Kanagasingam, Yogesan

2017-03-01

Improvements in acute care of stroke patients have decreased mortality, but survivors are still at increased risk of future vascular events and mitigation of this risk requires thorough assessment of the underlying factors leading to the stroke. The brain and eye share a common embryological origin and numerous similarities exist between the small vessels of the retina and brain. Recent population-based studies have demonstrated a close link between retinal vascular changes and stroke, suggesting that retinal photography could have utility in assessing underlying stroke risk factors and prognosis after stroke. Modern imaging equipment can facilitate precise measurement and monitoring of vascular features. However, use of this equipment is a challenge in the stroke ward setting as patients are frequently unable to maintain the required seated position, and pupil dilatation is often not feasible as it could potentially obscure important neurological signs of stroke progression. This small study investigated the utility of a novel handheld, nonmydriatic retinal camera in the stroke ward and explored associations between retinal vascular features and stroke risk factors. This camera circumvented the practical limitations of conducting retinal photography in the stroke ward setting. A positive correlation was found between carotid disease and both mean width of arterioles (r = .40, P = .00571) and venules (r = .30, P = .0381). The results provide further evidence that retinal vascular features are clinically informative about underlying stroke risk factors and demonstrate the utility of handheld retinal photography in the stroke ward. Copyright © 2017 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gender differences in the age-stratified prevalence of risk factors in Korean ischemic stroke patients: a nationwide stroke registry-based cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Park, Tai Hwan; Ko, Youngchai; Lee, Soo Joo; Lee, Kyung Bok; Lee, Jun; Han, Moon-Ku; Park, Jong-Moo; Kim, Dong-Eog; Cho, Yong-Jin; Hong, Keun-Sik; Kim, Joon-Tae; Cho, Ki-Hyun; Kim, Dae-Hyun; Cha, Jae-Kwan; Yu, Kyung-Ho; Lee, Byung-Chul; Yoon, Byung-Woo; Lee, Ji Sung; Lee, Juneyoung; Gorelick, Philip B; Bae, Hee-Joon

2014-08-01

Although ethnic or cultural differences affect prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, limited information is available about the age- and gender-stratified prevalence of the risk factors in Asian stroke population. We assessed gender- and age-stratified prevalences of major risk factors in Korean stroke patients, and assumed that the gender differences are attenuated by adjustment with lifestyle factors. Using the nationwide hospital-based stroke registry, we identified 9417 ischemic stroke patients admitted between April 2008 and January 2011. Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, prior stroke, and coronary heart disease was assessed in both genders by age groups. We analyzed gender differences of the prevalence among the age groups by calculating prevalence ratio, and further explored the influence of lifestyle factors on the gender difference in multivariable analyses. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia were more common in men until middle age, but after that more common in women, whereas diabetes was more common in women after 65 years of age. Atrial fibrillation increased steadily with age in both genders but was more common in women through all age groups. Prior stroke and coronary heart disease showed inconsistent gender differences. Gender differences in hypertension and diabetes among the age groups were attenuated by adjustment with accompanying risk factors including lifestyle factors. Korean women with stroke had more hypertension and hyperlipidemia after middle age, more diabetes after 65 years, and more atrial fibrillation throughout all ages. Strategies to control risk factors in women at risk for stroke are eagerly needed. © 2013 The Authors. International Journal of Stroke © 2013 World Stroke Organization.

Factors related to suicidal ideation in stroke patients in South Korea.

PubMed

Park, Eun-Young; Kim, Jung-Hee

2016-01-01

Suicide rates in Korea have increased dramatically. Stroke is considered one of the most debilitating neurological disorders, resulting in physical impairment, disability, and death. The present study attempted to examine factors related to suicidal ideation in community-dwelling stroke patients. The Korea Welfare Panel Study was used to investigate the relationship between demographic and psychological variables and suicidal ideation among these individuals. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale 11 (CES-D-11). Self-esteem was assessed using Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale. The prevalence of suicidal thought among stroke patients was estimated at 13.99%. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that both older age and depression were significant independent risk factors for suicidal ideation. High-priority health care plans can prevent suicide in stroke patients suffering from depression. Assessing risk for suicide and monitoring the high-risk group is integral to health care. Stroke patients with depression, particularly older patients, would be prime targets for suicide intervention programs.

How Can Diet Influence the Risk of Stroke?

PubMed Central

Medeiros, Fernanda; Casanova, Marcela de Abreu; Fraulob, Julio Cesar; Trindade, Michelle

2012-01-01

Cerebrovascular diseases are the second cause of mortality in the world, and hypertension is considered a main risk factor for occurrence of stroke. The mechanisms responsible for the increased stroke risk remain unclear. However, dietary interventions have been applied in the management and treatment of their risk factors, which include increased blood pressure levels, obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Further studies should be conducted to assess the effects of carotenoids, flavonoids, n-3 polyunsaturated fats, and lower salt and high glycemic index intake in risk of stroke. PMID:22693656

Contemporary approach to stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: Risks, benefits, and new options.

PubMed

Stock, Jonathan; Malm, Brian J

2018-04-04

Atrial fibrillation is a common diagnosis affecting nearly 3 million adults in the United States. Morbidity and mortality in these patients is driven largely by the associated increased risk of thromboembolic complications, especially stroke. Atrial fibrillation is a stronger risk factor than hypertension, coronary disease, or heart failure and is associated with an approximately five-fold increased risk. Mitigating stroke risk can be challenging and requires accurate assessment of stroke risk factors and careful selection of appropriate therapy. Anticoagulation, including the more recently introduced direct oral anticoagulants, is the standard of care for most patients. In addition, emerging non-pharmacologic mechanical interventions are playing an expanding role in reducing stroke risk in select patients. In this review we highlight the current approach to stroke risk stratification in atrial fibrillation and discuss in detail the mechanism, risks, and benefits of current and evolving therapies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Risk of recurrent stroke in patients with silent brain infarction in the PRoFESS Imaging Substudy

PubMed Central

Weber, Ralph; Weimar, Christian; Wanke, Isabel; Möller-Hartmann, Claudia; Gizewski, Elke R.; Blatchford, Jon; Hermansson, Karin; Demchuk, Andrew M.; Forsting, Michael; Sacco, Ralph L.; Saver, Jeffrey L.; Warach, Steven; Diener, Hans Christoph; Diehl, Anke

2012-01-01

Background and Purpose Silent brain infarctions are associated with an increased risk of stroke in healthy individuals. Risk of recurrent stroke in patients with both symptomatic and silent brain infarction (SBI) has only been investigated in patients with cardioembolic stroke in the European Atrial Fibrillation Trial. We assessed whether patients with recent non-cardioembolic stroke and SBI detected on MRI are at increased risk for recurrent stroke, other cardiovascular events, and mortality. Methods The prevalence of SBI detected on MRI was assessed in 1014 patients enrolled in the imaging substudy of the Prevention Regimen for Effectively Avoiding Second Strokes (PRoFESS) trial. The primary outcome was first recurrence of stroke in patients with both symptomatic stroke and SBI in comparison with age and sex matched stroke patients without SBI. Secondary outcomes were a combined vascular endpoint, other vascular events and mortality. The two groups were compared using conditional logistic regression. Results Silent brain infarction was detected in 207 (20.4%) patients of the 1014 patients. Twenty-seven (13.0%) patients with SBI and 19 (9.2%) without SBI had a recurrent stroke (odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 0.79 to 2.56; p=0.24) during a mean follow-op of 2.5 years. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference for all secondary outcome parameters between patients with SBI and matched patients without SBI. Conclusion The presence of SBI in patients with recent mild non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke could not be shown to be an independent risk factor for recurrent stroke, other vascular events, or a higher mortality. PMID:22267825

Predicting stroke through genetic risk functions: the CHARGE Risk Score Project.

PubMed

Ibrahim-Verbaas, Carla A; Fornage, Myriam; Bis, Joshua C; Choi, Seung Hoan; Psaty, Bruce M; Meigs, James B; Rao, Madhu; Nalls, Mike; Fontes, Joao D; O'Donnell, Christopher J; Kathiresan, Sekar; Ehret, Georg B; Fox, Caroline S; Malik, Rainer; Dichgans, Martin; Schmidt, Helena; Lahti, Jari; Heckbert, Susan R; Lumley, Thomas; Rice, Kenneth; Rotter, Jerome I; Taylor, Kent D; Folsom, Aaron R; Boerwinkle, Eric; Rosamond, Wayne D; Shahar, Eyal; Gottesman, Rebecca F; Koudstaal, Peter J; Amin, Najaf; Wieberdink, Renske G; Dehghan, Abbas; Hofman, Albert; Uitterlinden, André G; Destefano, Anita L; Debette, Stephanie; Xue, Luting; Beiser, Alexa; Wolf, Philip A; Decarli, Charles; Ikram, M Arfan; Seshadri, Sudha; Mosley, Thomas H; Longstreth, W T; van Duijn, Cornelia M; Launer, Lenore J

2014-02-01

Beyond the Framingham Stroke Risk Score, prediction of future stroke may improve with a genetic risk score (GRS) based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with stroke and its risk factors. The study includes 4 population-based cohorts with 2047 first incident strokes from 22,720 initially stroke-free European origin participants aged ≥55 years, who were followed for up to 20 years. GRSs were constructed with 324 single-nucleotide polymorphisms implicated in stroke and 9 risk factors. The association of the GRS to first incident stroke was tested using Cox regression; the GRS predictive properties were assessed with area under the curve statistics comparing the GRS with age and sex, Framingham Stroke Risk Score models, and reclassification statistics. These analyses were performed per cohort and in a meta-analysis of pooled data. Replication was sought in a case-control study of ischemic stroke. In the meta-analysis, adding the GRS to the Framingham Stroke Risk Score, age and sex model resulted in a significant improvement in discrimination (all stroke: Δjoint area under the curve=0.016, P=2.3×10(-6); ischemic stroke: Δjoint area under the curve=0.021, P=3.7×10(-7)), although the overall area under the curve remained low. In all the studies, there was a highly significantly improved net reclassification index (P<10(-4)). The single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with stroke and its risk factors result only in a small improvement in prediction of future stroke compared with the classical epidemiological risk factors for stroke.

Neutrophil counts, neutrophil ratio, and new stroke in minor ischemic stroke or TIA.

PubMed

Zhu, Bihong; Pan, Yuesong; Jing, Jing; Meng, Xia; Zhao, Xingquan; Liu, Liping; Wang, David; Johnston, S Claiborne; Li, Hao; Wang, Yilong; Wang, Zhimin; Wang, Yongjun

2018-05-22

Evidence about whether neutrophil counts or neutrophil ratio is associated with new stroke is scant. The aim of this study is to assess the association of neutrophil counts or neutrophil ratio with a new stroke in patients with minor stroke or TIA. We derived data from the Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients With Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events trial. Patients with a minor stroke or TIA were categorized into 4 groups according to the quartile of neutrophil counts or neutrophil ratio. The primary outcome was a new stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), and secondary outcomes included a new composite vascular event (stroke, myocardial infarction, or death resulting from cardiovascular causes) and ischemic stroke during the 90-day follow-up. We assessed the association between neutrophil counts, neutrophil ratio, and risk of new stroke. A total of 4,854 participants were enrolled, among whom 495 had new strokes at 90 days. Compared with the first quartile, the second, third, and fourth quartiles of neutrophil counts were associated with increased risk of new stroke (adjusted hazard ratio 1.40 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.87], 1.55 [95% CI 1.17-2.05], and 1.69 [95% CI 1.28-2.23], respectively, p for trend <0.001). Similar results were observed for the endpoint of composite events and ischemic stroke. Parallel results were found for neutrophil ratio. High levels of both neutrophil counts and neutrophil ratio were associated with an increased risk of new stroke, composite events, and ischemic stroke in patients with a minor ischemic stroke or TIA. © 2018 American Academy of Neurology.

Risk of recurrent stroke in patients with silent brain infarction in the Prevention Regimen for Effectively Avoiding Second Strokes (PRoFESS) imaging substudy.

PubMed

Weber, Ralph; Weimar, Christian; Wanke, Isabel; Möller-Hartmann, Claudia; Gizewski, Elke R; Blatchford, Jon; Hermansson, Karin; Demchuk, Andrew M; Forsting, Michael; Sacco, Ralph L; Saver, Jeffrey L; Warach, Steven; Diener, Hans Christoph; Diehl, Anke

2012-02-01

Silent brain infarctions are associated with an increased risk of stroke in healthy individuals. Risk of recurrent stroke in patients with both symptomatic and silent brain infarction (SBI) has only been investigated in patients with cardioembolic stroke in the European Atrial Fibrillation Trial. We assessed whether patients with recent noncardioembolic stroke and SBI detected on MRI are at increased risk for recurrent stroke, other cardiovascular events, and mortality. The prevalence of SBI detected on MRI was assessed in 1014 patients enrolled in the imaging substudy of the Prevention Regimen for Effectively Avoiding Second Strokes (PRoFESS) trial. The primary outcome was first recurrence of stroke in patients with both symptomatic stroke and SBI in comparison with age- and sex-matched patients with stroke without SBI. Secondary outcomes were a combined vascular end point, other vascular events, and mortality. The 2 groups were compared using conditional logistic regression. Silent brain infarction was detected in 207 (20.4%) of the 1014 patients. Twenty-seven (13.0%) patients with SBI and 19 (9.2%) without SBI had a recurrent stroke (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.79-2.56; P=0.24) during a mean follow-up of 2.5 years. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference for all secondary outcome parameters between patients with SBI and matched patients without SBI. The presence of SBI in patients with recent mild noncardioembolic ischemic stroke could not be shown to be an independent risk factor for recurrent stroke, other vascular events, or a higher mortality rate. URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00153062.

Differences in the role of black race and stroke risk factors for first vs. recurrent stroke.

PubMed

Howard, George; Kissela, Brett M; Kleindorfer, Dawn O; McClure, Leslie A; Soliman, Elsayed Z; Judd, Suzanne E; Rhodes, J David; Cushman, Mary; Moy, Claudia S; Sands, Kara A; Howard, Virginia J

2016-02-16

To assess whether black race and other cerebrovascular risk factors have a differential effect on first vs. recurrent stroke events. Estimate the differences in the magnitude of the association of demographic (age, back race, sex) or stroke risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, atrial fibrillation, left ventricular hypertrophy, or heart disease) for first vs. recurrent stroke from a longitudinal cohort study of 29,682 black or white participants aged 45 years and older. Over an average 6.8 years follow-up, 301 of 2,993 participants with a previous stroke at baseline had a recurrent stroke, while 818 of 26,689 participants who were stroke-free at baseline had a first stroke. Among those stroke-free at baseline, there was an age-by-race interaction (p = 0.0002), with a first stroke risk 2.70 (95% confidence interval: 1.86-3.91) times greater for black than white participants at age 45, but no racial disparity at age 85 (hazard ratio = 0.91; 95% confidence interval: 0.70-1.18). In contrast, there was no evidence of a higher risk of recurrent stroke at any age for black participants (p > 0.05). The association of traditional stroke risk factors was generally similar for first and recurrent stroke. The association of age and black race differs substantially on first vs. recurrent stroke risk, with risk factors playing a similar role. © 2016 American Academy of Neurology.

Diabetes is an Independent Risk Factor for Stroke Recurrence in Stroke Patients: A Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Shou, Juan; Zhou, Li; Zhu, Shanzhu; Zhang, Xiangjie

2015-09-01

This study aimed to assess the association between diabetes and risk of stroke recurrence (especially ischemic stroke recurrence) and to evaluate whether diabetes was an independent predictor for stroke recurrence in stroke patients with diabetes. The relevant studies were identified through searching databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled to evaluate the association between diabetes and risk of stroke recurrence. Funnel plot and Egger's regression tests were used to assess publication bias. All statistical analyses were conducted in Stata 12.0. Eighteen studies containing totally 43,899 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that stroke recurrence risk of all stroke patients with diabetes was significantly higher than those without diabetes (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.32-1.59), similar results were achieved in ischemic stroke patients (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.28-1.61), and there were no regional differences (Europe: HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.13-1.44; USA: HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.53-2.33; Asia: HR, 1.57, 95% CI, 1.28-1.92, respectively) and age differences (mean age <70 years: HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.34-1.86; mean age ≥70 years: HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.11-1.45, respectively). The heterogeneity of all included studies was not statistically significant, and no publication bias was observed. This meta-analysis shows that diabetes is an independent risk factor for stroke recurrence in stroke patients. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Aortic Valve Calcification and Risk of Stroke: The Rotterdam Study.

PubMed

Bos, Daniel; Bozorgpourniazi, Atefeh; Mutlu, Unal; Kavousi, Maryam; Vernooij, Meike W; Moelker, Adriaan; Franco, Oscar H; Koudstaal, Peter J; Ikram, M Arfan; van der Lugt, Aad

2016-11-01

It remains uncertain whether aortic valve calcification (AVC) is a risk factor for stroke. From the population-based Rotterdam Study, 2471 participants (mean age: 69.6 years; 51.8% women) underwent computed tomography to quantify AVC. We assessed prevalent stroke and continuously monitored the remaining participants for the incidence of stroke. Logistic and Cox regression models were used to investigate associations of AVC with prevalent stroke and risk of incident stroke. AVC was present in 33.1% of people. At baseline, 97 participants had ever suffered a stroke. During 18 665 person-years of follow-up (mean: 7.9 years), 135 people experienced a first-ever stroke. The presence of AVC was not associated with prevalent stroke (fully adjusted odds ratio: 0.97 (95% confidence interval, 0.61-1.53]) or with an increased risk of stroke (fully adjusted hazard ratio: 0.99 (95% confidence interval, 0.69-1.44]). Although AVC is a common finding in middle-aged and elderly community-dwelling people, our results suggest that AVC is not associated with an increased risk of stroke. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Poor sleep linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

PubMed

2017-04-19

Insomnia is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, according to a study in China. Researchers carried out a meta-analysis of 15 cohort studies to assess the association between insomnia symptoms and incidence or death from cardiovascular disease and stroke.

[Characterisation of thromboembolic risk in a mexican population with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and its effect on anticoagulation (MAYA Study)].

PubMed

Vázquez-Acosta, Jorge A; Ramírez-Gutiérrez, Álvaro E; Cerecedo-Rosendo, Mario A; Olivera-Barrera, Francisco M; Tenorio-Sánchez, Salvador S; Nieto-Villarreal, Javier; González-Borjas, José M; Villanueva-Rodríguez, Estefanie

2016-01-01

To evaluate the risk of stroke and bleeding using the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores in Mexican patients with atrial fibrillation and to analyze whether the risk score obtained determined treatment decisions regarding antithrombotic therapy. This is an observational, retrospective study in Mexican patients recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. The risk of stroke was assessed using the CHA2DS2-VASc scores. The bleeding risk was evaluated using the HAS-BLED score. The frequency of use of antithrombotic therapy was calculated according to the results of the score risk assessment. A total of 350 patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation were analyzed. A 92.9% of patients had a high risk (score ≥ 2) of stroke according to the CHA2DS2-VASc score and only 17.2% were treated with anticoagulants. A high proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation (72.5%) showed both a high risk of stroke and a high risk of bleeding based on HAS-BLED score. In this group of patients with atrial fibrillation, from Northeast Mexico, there is a remarkably underutilization of anticoagulation despite the high risk of stroke of these patients.

Left Ventricular Mass and Geometry and the Risk of Ischemic Stroke

PubMed Central

Di Tullio, Marco R.; Zwas, Donna R.; Sacco, Ralph L.; Sciacca, Robert R.; Homma, Shunichi

2009-01-01

Background and Purpose Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a risk factor for cardiovascular events, but its effect on ischemic stroke risk is established mainly in whites. The effect of LV geometry on stroke risk has not been defined. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether LVH and LV geometry are independently associated with increased ischemic stroke risk in a multiethnic population. Methods A population-based case-control study was conducted on 394 patients with first ischemic stroke and 413 age-, sex-, and race-ethnicity–matched community control subjects. LV mass was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. LV geometric patterns (normal, concentric remodeling, concentric or eccentric hypertrophy) were identified. Stroke risk associated with LVH and different LV geometric patterns was assessed by conditional logistic regression analysis in the overall group and age, sex, and race-ethnic strata, with adjustment for established stroke risk factors. Results Concentric hypertrophy carried the greatest stroke risk (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0 to 6.2), followed by eccentric hypertrophy (adjusted OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.0 to 4.3). Concentric remodeling carried slightly increased stroke risk (adjusted OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0 to 2.9). Increased LV relative wall thickness was independently associated with stroke after adjustment for LV mass (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.3). Conclusions LVH and abnormal LV geometry are independently associated with increased stroke risk. LVH is strongly associated with ischemic stroke in all age, sex, and race-ethnic subgroups. Increased LV relative wall thickness imparts an increased stroke risk after adjustment for LV mass and is of additional value in stroke risk prediction. PMID:12958319

Does cognitive impairment impact adherence? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between cognitive impairment and medication non-adherence in stroke

PubMed Central

Merriman, Niamh A.; Doyle, Frank; Bennett, Kathleen; Williams, David; Hickey, Anne

2017-01-01

Background While medication adherence is essential for the secondary prevention of stroke, it is often sub-optimal, and can be compromised by cognitive impairment. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyse the association between cognitive impairment and medication non-adherence in stroke. Methods A systematic literature search of longitudinal and cross-sectional studies of adults with any stroke type, which reported on the association between any measure of non-adherence and cognitive impairment, was carried out according to PRISMA guidelines. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were the primary measure of effect. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Bias Methods Group's Tool to Assess Risk of Bias in Cohort Studies, with evidence quality assessed according to the GRADE approach. We conducted sensitivity analyses according to measure of cognitive impairment, measure of medication adherence, population, risk of bias and adjustment for covariates. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO. Results From 1,760 titles and abstracts, we identified 9 studies for inclusion. Measures of cognitive impairment varied from dementia diagnosis to standardised cognitive assessments. Medication adherence was assessed through self-report or administrative databases. The majority of studies were of medium risk of bias (n = 6); two studies had low risk of bias. Findings were mixed; when all studies were pooled, there was no evidence of an association between cognitive impairment and medication non-adherence post-stroke [OR (95% CI): 0.85 (0.66, 1.03)]. However, heterogeneity was substantial [I2 = 90.9%, p < .001], and the overall evidence quality was low. Conclusions Few studies have explored associations between cognitive impairment and medication adherence post-stroke, with substantial heterogeneity in study populations, and definitions and assessments of non-adherence and cognitive impairment. Further research using clear, standardised and objective assessments is needed to clarify the association between cognitive impairment and medication non-adherence in stroke. PMID:29220386

Dietary potassium intake and risk of stroke: a dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.

PubMed

Larsson, Susanna C; Orsini, Nicola; Wolk, Alicja

2011-10-01

Potassium intake has been inconsistently associated with risk of stroke. Our aim was to conduct a meta-analysis of prospective studies to assess the relation between potassium intake and stroke risk. Pertinent studies were identified by a search of PubMed from January 1966 through March 2011 and by reviewing the reference lists of retrieved articles. We included prospective studies that reported relative risks with 95% CIs of stroke for ≥3 categories of potassium intake or for potassium intake analyzed as a continuous variable. Study-specific results were pooled using a random-effects model. Ten independent prospective studies, with a total of 8695 stroke cases and 268 276 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. We observed a statistically significant inverse association between potassium intake and risk of stroke. For every 1000-mg/day increase in potassium intake, the risk of stroke decreased by 11% (pooled relative risk, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.97). In the 5 studies that reported results for stroke subtypes, the pooled relative risks were 0.89 (95% CI, 0.81 to 0.97) for ischemic stroke, 0.95 (95% CI, 0.83 to 1.09) for intracerebral hemorrhage, and 1.08 (95% CI, 0.92 to 1.27) for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Dietary potassium intake is inversely associated with risk of stroke, in particular ischemic stroke.

Risk factors, mortality, and timing of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke with left ventricular assist devices.

PubMed

Frontera, Jennifer A; Starling, Randall; Cho, Sung-Min; Nowacki, Amy S; Uchino, Ken; Hussain, M Shazam; Mountis, Maria; Moazami, Nader

2017-06-01

Stroke is a major cause of mortality after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement. Prospectively collected data of patients with HeartMate II (n = 332) and HeartWare (n = 70) LVADs from October 21, 2004, to May 19, 2015, were reviewed. Predictors of early (during index hospitalization) and late (post-discharge) ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and association of stroke subtypes with mortality were assessed. Of 402 patients, 83 strokes occurred in 69 patients (17%; 0.14 events per patient-year [EPPY]): early ischemic stroke in 18/402 (4%; 0.03 EPPY), early hemorrhagic stroke in 11/402 (3%; 0.02 EPPY), late ischemic stroke in 25/402 (6%; 0.04 EPPY) and late hemorrhagic stroke in 29/402 (7%; 0.05 EPPY). Risk of stroke and death among patients with stroke was bimodal with highest risks immediately post-implant and increasing again 9-12 months later. Risk of death declined over time in patients without stroke. Modifiable stroke risk factors varied according to timing and stroke type, including tobacco use, bacteremia, pump thrombosis, pump infection, and hypertension (all p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, early hemorrhagic stroke (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-17.8, p = 0.04), late ischemic stroke (aOR 3.2, 95% CI 1.1-9.0, p = 0.03), and late hemorrhagic stroke (aOR 3.7, 95% CI 1.5-9.2, p = 0.005) predicted death, whereas early ischemic stroke did not. Stroke is a leading cause and predictor of death in patients with LVADs. Risk of stroke and death among patients with stroke is bimodal, with highest risk at time of implant and increasing risk again after 9-12 months. Management of modifiable risk factors may reduce stroke and mortality rates. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Postthrombolysis hemorrhage risk is affected by stroke assessment bias between hemispheres

PubMed Central

Singer, O.C.; Gotzler, B.; Vatankhah, B.; Boy, S.; Fiehler, J.; Lansberg, M.G.; Albers, G.W.; Kastrup, A.; Rovira, A.; Gass, A.; Rosso, C.; Derex, L.; Kim, J.S.; Heuschmann, P.

2011-01-01

Objective: Stroke symptoms in right hemispheric stroke tend to be underestimated in clinical assessment scales, resulting in greater infarct volumes in right as compared to left hemispheric strokes despite similar clinical stroke severity. We hypothesized that patients with right hemispheric nonlacunar stroke are at higher risk for secondary intracerebral hemorrhage after thrombolysis despite similar stroke severity. Methods: We analyzed data of 2 stroke cohorts with CT-based and MRI-based imaging before thrombolysis. Initial stroke severity was measured with the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Lacunar strokes were excluded through either the presence of cortical symptoms (CT cohort) or restriction to patients with prestroke diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion size >3.75 mL (MRI cohort). Probabilities of having a parenchymal hematoma were determined using multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 392 patients in the CT cohort and 400 patients in the MRI cohort were evaluated. Although NIHSS scores were similar in strokes of both hemispheres (median NIHSS: CT: 15 vs 13, MRI: 14 vs 16), the frequencies of parenchymal hematoma were higher in right hemispheric compared to left hemispheric strokes (CT: 12.4% vs 5.7%, MRI: 10.4% vs 6.8%). After adjustment for potential confounders (but not pretreatment lesion volume), the probability of parenchymal hematoma was higher in right hemispheric nonlacunar strokes (CT: odds ratio [OR] 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–4.89; p = 0.032) and showed a borderline significant effect in the MRI cohort (OR 2.1; 95% CI 0.98–4.49; p = 0.057). Adjustment for pretreatment DWI lesion size eliminated hemispheric differences in hemorrhage risk. Conclusions: Higher hemorrhage rates in right hemispheric nonlacunar strokes despite similar stroke severity may be caused by clinical underestimation of the proportion of tissue at bleeding risk. PMID:21248275

Hospitalized Infection as a Trigger for Acute Ischemic Stroke: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

PubMed

Cowan, Logan T; Alonso, Alvaro; Pankow, James S; Folsom, Aaron R; Rosamond, Wayne D; Gottesman, Rebecca F; Lakshminarayan, Kamakshi

2016-06-01

Acute triggers for ischemic stroke, which may include infection, are understudied, as is whether background cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk modifies such triggering. We hypothesized that infection increases acute stroke risk, especially among those with low CVD risk. Hospitalized strokes and infections were identified in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort. A case-crossover design and conditional logistic regression were used to compare hospitalized infections among patients with stroke (14, 30, 42, and 90 days before stroke) with corresponding control periods 1 year and 2 years before stroke. Background CVD risk was assessed at both visit 1 and the visit most proximal to stroke, with risk dichotomized at the median. A total of 1008 adjudicated incident ischemic strokes were included. Compared with control periods, hospitalized infection was more common within 2 weeks before stroke (14-day odds ratio [OR], 7.7; 95% CI, 2.1-27.3); the strength of association declined with increasing time in the exposure window before stroke (30-day OR, 5.7 [95% CI, 2.3-14.3]; 42-day OR, 4.5 [95% CI, 2.0-10.2]; and 90-day OR, 3.6 [95% CI, 2.1-6.5]). Stroke risk was higher among those with low compared with high CVD risk, with this interaction reaching statistical significance for some exposure periods. These results support the hypothesis that hospitalized infection is a trigger of ischemic stroke and may explain some cryptogenic strokes. Infection control efforts may prevent strokes. CVD preventive therapies may prevent strokes if used in the peri-infection period, but clinical trials are needed. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Post-stroke infection: a role for IL-1ra?

PubMed

Tanzi, Pat; Cain, Kevin; Kalil, Angela; Zierath, Dannielle; Savos, Anna; Gee, J Michael; Shibata, Dean; Hadwin, Jessica; Carter, Kelly; Becker, Kyra

2011-04-01

Infection is common following stroke and is independently associated with worse outcome. Clinical studies suggest that infections occur more frequently in those individuals with stroke-induced immunologic dysfunction. This study sought to explore the contribution of immunomodulatory cytokines and hormones to lymphocyte function and infection risk. Patients (N = 112) were enrolled as soon as possible after the onset of ischemic stroke. Blood was drawn to assess plasma cortisol, IL-10, IL-1ra, lymphocyte numbers, and lymphocyte function at 72 h after stroke onset; infections were censored through 21 days after stroke onset. Infection occurred in 25% of patients. Stroke severity was the most important predictor of infection risk. Increased plasma cortisol, IL-10, and IL-1ra, as well as decreased lymphocyte numbers, at 72 h after stroke onset were associated with risk of subsequent infection. After controlling for stroke severity, only IL-1ra was independently associated with infection risk, and the degree of risk was consistent throughout the post-stroke period. Infection, but not IL-1ra itself, was associated with worse outcome at 3 months. In this study cohort, increased plasma IL-1ra was independently associated with the risk of post-stroke infection. Further studies are needed to validate this finding, which could have important implications for stroke therapy.

Bilirubin and Stroke Risk Using a Mendelian Randomization Design.

PubMed

Lee, Sun Ju; Jee, Yon Ho; Jung, Keum Ji; Hong, Seri; Shin, Eun Soon; Jee, Sun Ha

2017-05-01

Circulating bilirubin, a natural antioxidant, is associated with decreased risk of stroke. However, the nature of the relationship between the two remains unknown. We used a Mendelian randomization analysis to assess the causal effect of serum bilirubin on stroke risk in Koreans. The 14 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (<10 -7 ) including rs6742078 of uridine diphosphoglucuronyl-transferase were selected from genome-wide association study of bilirubin level in the KCPS-II (Korean Cancer Prevention Study-II) Biobank subcohort consisting of 4793 healthy Korean and 806 stroke cases. Weighted genetic risk score was calculated using 14 SNPs selected from the top SNPs. Both rs6742078 (F statistics=138) and weighted genetic risk score with 14 SNPs (F statistics=187) were strongly associated with bilirubin levels. Simultaneously, serum bilirubin level was associated with decreased risk of stroke in an ordinary least-squares analysis. However, in 2-stage least-squares Mendelian randomization analysis, no causal relationship between serum bilirubin and stroke risk was found. There is no evidence that bilirubin level is causally associated with risk of stroke in Koreans. Therefore, bilirubin level is not a risk determinant of stroke. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

A population-specific Mini-Nutritional Assessment can effectively grade the nutritional status of stroke rehabilitation patients in Taiwan.

PubMed

Tsai, Alan C; Shih, Chi-Ling

2009-01-01

To determine whether a modified version of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment without body mass index could effectively assess the nutritional risk status of stroke rehabilitation patients in Taiwan. The Mini-Nutritional Assessment was developed on the basis of clinical data of Western populations. Although widely used, its application to assess stroke rehabilitation patients has been limited. Further, to get best results, population-specific modifications to address anthropometric and lifestyle differences have been suggested, especially for non-Caucasian populations. The study assessed the nutritional status of stroke rehabilitation patients who enrolled in the Long-Term Care Service of Taipei. Strokes who were >40 years old, in the program for >1 month and cognitively able to answer the questions were recruited to participate in the study. An on-site in-person interview with structured questionnaire elicited information on personal data, disease history and healthcare use and answers to the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Activities of Daily Living and the Mini-Nutritional Assessment. Patient's nutritional status was assessed with the Mini-Nutritional Assessment in three versions: the original, population-specific (MNA-TI) and population-specific, without body mass index (MNA-TII). The original Mini-Nutritional Assessment rated 24% of patients malnourished and 57% at risk of malnutrition. Similar results, 14 and 64%, respectively, for MNA-TI; and 19 and 57%, respectively, for MNA-TII were observed. Both the original and the modified versions of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment can effectively rate the nutritional risk status of stroke rehabilitation patients in Taiwan. Version MNA-TII that adopted population-specific anthropometric cut-values but without body mass index can effectively predict the nutritional status of stroke patients. The modified scale (MNA-TII) can enhance the application of the tool and timely detection and intervention of undernutrition among stroke rehabilitation patients. It can also help to improve job efficiency of the primary care professionals.

Dietary Intake of α-Linolenic Acid Is Not Appreciably Associated with Risk of Ischemic Stroke among Middle-Aged Danish Men and Women.

PubMed

Bork, Christian S; Venø, Stine K; Lundbye-Christensen, Søren; Jakobsen, Marianne U; Tjønneland, Anne; Schmidt, Erik B; Overvad, Kim

2018-06-01

Intake of the plant-derived omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA) may reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. We have investigated the associations between dietary intake of ALA and the risk of ischemic stroke and ischemic stroke subtypes. This was a follow-up study. A total of 57,053 participants aged 50-64 y were enrolled into the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort between 1993 and 1997. Intake of ALA was assessed by a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Potential incident cases of ischemic stroke were identified in the Danish National Patient Register, validated, and classified into subtypes based on assumed etiology. Statistical analyses were performed via Cox proportional hazard regression with adjustment for established ischemic stroke risk factors. A total of 1859 ischemic stroke cases were identified during a median of 13.5 y of follow-up. In multivariable analyses using restricted cubic splines adjusting for traditional risk factors for ischemic stroke, we observed no clear associations between dietary intake of ALA and the risk of total ischemic stroke or any of its subtypes including ischemic stroke due to large artery atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke due to small-vessel occlusion, and ischemic stroke due to cardio-embolism. Dietary intake of ALA was neither consistently nor appreciably associated with the risk of ischemic stroke or ischemic stroke subtypes among middle-aged Danish men and women. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03258983.

Knowledge of Stroke Risk Factors and Warning Signs in Patients with Recurrent Stroke or Recurrent Transient Ischaemic Attack in Thailand.

PubMed

Saengsuwan, Jittima; Suangpho, Pathitta; Tiamkao, Somsak

2017-01-01

Stroke is a global burden. It is not known whether patients who are most at risk of stroke (recurrent stroke or recurrent transient ischaemic attack) have enough knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs in this high-risk population. We performed a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of patients with recurrent stroke or recurrent TIA admitted to Srinagarind Hospital and Khon Kaen Hospital, Thailand. A total of 140 patients were included in the study (age 65.6 ± 11.3 years [mean ± SD], 62 females). Using an open-ended questionnaire, nearly one-third of patients (31.4%) could not name any risk factors for stroke. The most commonly recognized risk factors were hypertension (35%), dyslipidemia (28.6%), and diabetes (22.9%). Regarding stroke warning signs, the most commonly recognized warning signs were sudden unilateral weakness (61.4%), sudden trouble with speaking (25.7%), and sudden trouble with walking, loss of balance, or dizziness (21.4%). Nineteen patients (13.6%) could not identify any warning signs. The results showed that knowledge of stroke obtained from open-ended questionnaires is still unsatisfactory. The healthcare provider should provide structured interventions to increase knowledge and awareness of stroke in these patients.

Measures of abdominal adiposity and the risk of stroke: the MOnica Risk, Genetics, Archiving and Monograph (MORGAM) study.

PubMed

Bodenant, Marie; Kuulasmaa, Kari; Wagner, Aline; Kee, Frank; Palmieri, Luigi; Ferrario, Marco M; Montaye, Michèle; Amouyel, Philippe; Dallongeville, Jean

2011-10-01

Excess fat accumulates in the subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue compartments. We tested the hypothesis that indicators of visceral adiposity, namely, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), are better predictors of stroke risk than body mass index (BMI). The association of BMI, WC, WHR, and WHtR with stroke was assessed in 31,201 men and 23,516 women, free of vascular disease at baseline, from the MOnica Risk, Genetics, Archiving and Monograph (MORGAM) study. During a mean follow-up of 11 years, 1130 strokes were recorded. Relative risks (95% CI) were calculated by Cox regression after stratification for center and adjustment for age, smoking, educational level, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and BMI and model fit was assessed using log-likelihoods. BMI, WC, WHR, and WHtR were associated with the risk of stroke in men. After full adjustment including BMI, the relative risks for stroke remained significant for WC (1.19 [1.02 to 1.34] per 1 SD increase in WC), WHR (1.14 [1.03 to 1.26]), and WHtR (1.50 [1.28 to 1.77]). Among women, the extent of the associations with stroke risk was similar for WHtR (1.31 [1.04 to 1.65]), WC (1.19 [0.96 to 1.47]), and WHR (1.08 [0.97 to 1.22]). Further analyses by World Health Organization obesity categories showed that WC, WHR, and WHtR were associated with the risk of stroke also in lean men and women (BMI<25 kg/m2), independently of confounders, cardiovascular risk factors, and BMI. Indicators of abdominal adiposity, especially WHtR, are more strongly associated with stroke risk than BMI. These results emphasize the importance of measuring abdominal adiposity, especially in lean subjects.

The clinical importance of white matter hyperintensities on brain magnetic resonance imaging: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Debette, Stéphanie; Markus, H S

2010-07-26

To review the evidence for an association of white matter hyperintensities with risk of stroke, cognitive decline, dementia, and death. Systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed from 1966 to 23 November 2009. Prospective longitudinal studies that used magnetic resonance imaging and assessed the impact of white matter hyperintensities on risk of incident stroke, cognitive decline, dementia, and death, and, for the meta-analysis, studies that provided risk estimates for a categorical measure of white matter hyperintensities, assessing the impact of these lesions on risk of stroke, dementia, and death. Population studied, duration of follow-up, method used to measure white matter hyperintensities, definition of the outcome, and measure of the association of white matter hyperintensities with the outcome. 46 longitudinal studies evaluated the association of white matter hyperintensities with risk of stroke (n=12), cognitive decline (n=19), dementia (n=17), and death (n=10). 22 studies could be included in a meta-analysis (nine of stroke, nine of dementia, eight of death). White matter hyperintensities were associated with an increased risk of stroke (hazard ratio 3.3, 95% confidence interval 2.6 to 4.4), dementia (1.9, 1.3 to 2.8), and death (2.0, 1.6 to 2.7). An association of white matter hyperintensities with a faster decline in global cognitive performance, executive function, and processing speed was also suggested. White matter hyperintensities predict an increased risk of stroke, dementia, and death. Therefore white matter hyperintensities indicate an increased risk of cerebrovascular events when identified as part of diagnostic investigations, and support their use as an intermediate marker in a research setting. Their discovery should prompt detailed screening for risk factors of stroke and dementia.

Autonomic Nervous System and Stress to Predict Secondary Ischemic Events after Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Stroke: Possible Implications of Heart Rate Variability.

PubMed

Guan, Ling; Collet, Jean-Paul; Mazowita, Garey; Claydon, Victoria E

2018-01-01

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke have high risks of recurrence and deterioration into severe ischemic strokes. Risk stratification of TIA and minor stroke is essential for early effective treatment. Traditional tools have only moderate predictive value, likely due to their inclusion of the limited number of stroke risk factors. Our review follows Hans Selye's fundamental work on stress theory and the progressive shift of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) from adaptation to disease when stress becomes chronic. We will first show that traditional risk factors and acute triggers of ischemic stroke are chronic and acute stress factors or "stressors," respectively. Our first review shows solid evidence of the relationship between chronic stress and stroke occurrence. The stress response is tightly regulated by the ANS whose function can be assessed with heart rate variability (HRV). Our second review demonstrates that stress-related risk factors of ischemic stroke are correlated with ANS dysfunction and impaired HRV. Our conclusions support the idea that HRV parameters may represent the combined effects of all body stressors that are risk factors for ischemic stroke and, thus, may be of important predictive value for the risk of subsequent ischemic events after TIA or minor stroke.

Autonomic Nervous System and Stress to Predict Secondary Ischemic Events after Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Stroke: Possible Implications of Heart Rate Variability

PubMed Central

Guan, Ling; Collet, Jean-Paul; Mazowita, Garey; Claydon, Victoria E.

2018-01-01

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke have high risks of recurrence and deterioration into severe ischemic strokes. Risk stratification of TIA and minor stroke is essential for early effective treatment. Traditional tools have only moderate predictive value, likely due to their inclusion of the limited number of stroke risk factors. Our review follows Hans Selye’s fundamental work on stress theory and the progressive shift of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) from adaptation to disease when stress becomes chronic. We will first show that traditional risk factors and acute triggers of ischemic stroke are chronic and acute stress factors or “stressors,” respectively. Our first review shows solid evidence of the relationship between chronic stress and stroke occurrence. The stress response is tightly regulated by the ANS whose function can be assessed with heart rate variability (HRV). Our second review demonstrates that stress-related risk factors of ischemic stroke are correlated with ANS dysfunction and impaired HRV. Our conclusions support the idea that HRV parameters may represent the combined effects of all body stressors that are risk factors for ischemic stroke and, thus, may be of important predictive value for the risk of subsequent ischemic events after TIA or minor stroke. PMID:29556209

Atrial Fibrillation Genetic Risk and Ischemic Stroke Mechanisms.

PubMed

Lubitz, Steven A; Parsons, Owen E; Anderson, Christopher D; Benjamin, Emelia J; Malik, Rainer; Weng, Lu-Chen; Dichgans, Martin; Sudlow, Cathie L; Rothwell, Peter M; Rosand, Jonathan; Ellinor, Patrick T; Markus, Hugh S; Traylor, Matthew

2017-06-01

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a leading cause of cardioembolic stroke, but the relationship between AF and noncardioembolic stroke subtypes are unclear. Because AF may be unrecognized, and because AF has a substantial genetic basis, we assessed for predisposition to AF across ischemic stroke subtypes. We examined associations between AF genetic risk and Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment stroke subtypes in 2374 ambulatory individuals with ischemic stroke and 5175 without from the Wellcome Trust Case-Control Consortium 2 using logistic regression. We calculated AF genetic risk scores using single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with AF in a previous independent analysis across a range of preselected significance thresholds. There were 460 (19.4%) individuals with cardioembolic stroke, 498 (21.0%) with large vessel, 474 (20.0%) with small vessel, and 814 (32.3%) individuals with strokes of undetermined cause. Most AF genetic risk scores were associated with stroke, with the strongest association ( P =6×10 - 4 ) attributed to scores of 944 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (each associated with AF at P <1×10 - 3 in a previous analysis). Associations between AF genetic risk and stroke were enriched in the cardioembolic stroke subset (strongest P =1.2×10 - 9 , 944 single-nucleotide polymorphism score). In contrast, AF genetic risk was not significantly associated with noncardioembolic stroke subtypes. Comprehensive AF genetic risk scores were specific for cardioembolic stroke. Incomplete workups and subtype misclassification may have limited the power to detect associations with strokes of undetermined pathogenesis. Future studies are warranted to determine whether AF genetic risk is a useful biomarker to enhance clinical discrimination of stroke pathogeneses. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Exertional heat stroke in navy and marine personnel: a hot topic.

PubMed

Goforth, Carl W; Kazman, Josh B

2015-02-01

Although exertional heat stroke is considered a preventable condition, this life-threatening emergency affects hundreds of military personnel annually. Because heat stroke is preventable, it is important that Navy critical care nurses rapidly recognize and treat heat stroke casualties. Combined intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors can quickly lead to heat stroke if not recognized by deployed critical care nurses and other first responders. In addition to initial critical care nursing interventions, such as establishing intravenous access, determining body core temperature, and assessing hemodynamic status, aggressive cooling measures should be initiated immediately. The most important determinant in heat stroke outcome is the amount of time that patients sustain hyperthermia. Heat stroke survival approaches 100% when evidence-based cooling guidelines are followed, but mortality from heat stroke is a significant risk when care is delayed. Navy critical care and other military nurses should be aware of targeted assessments and cooling interventions when heat stroke is suspected during military operations. ©2015 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

White Matter Hyperintensities Improve Ischemic Stroke Recurrence Prediction.

PubMed

Andersen, Søren Due; Larsen, Torben Bjerregaard; Gorst-Rasmussen, Anders; Yavarian, Yousef; Lip, Gregory Y H; Bach, Flemming W

2017-01-01

Nearly one in 5 patients with ischemic stroke will invariably experience a second stroke within 5 years. Stroke risk stratification schemes based solely on clinical variables perform only modestly in non-atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and improvement of these schemes will enhance their clinical utility. Cerebral white matter hyperintensities are associated with an increased risk of incident ischemic stroke in the general population, whereas their association with the risk of ischemic stroke recurrence is more ambiguous. In a non-AF stroke cohort, we investigated the association between cerebral white matter hyperintensities and the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke, and we evaluated the predictive performance of the CHA2DS2VASc score and the Essen Stroke Risk Score (clinical scores) when augmented with information on white matter hyperintensities. In a registry-based, observational cohort study, we included 832 patients (mean age 59.6 (SD 13.9); 42.0% females) with incident ischemic stroke and no AF. We assessed the severity of white matter hyperintensities using MRI. Hazard ratios stratified by the white matter hyperintensities score and adjusted for the components of the CHA2DS2VASc score were calculated based on the Cox proportional hazards analysis. Recalibrated clinical scores were calculated by adding one point to the score for the presence of moderate to severe white matter hyperintensities. The discriminatory performance of the scores was assessed with the C-statistic. White matter hyperintensities were significantly associated with the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke after adjusting for clinical risk factors. The hazard ratios ranged from 1.65 (95% CI 0.70-3.86) for mild changes to 5.28 (95% CI 1.98-14.07) for the most severe changes. C-statistics for the prediction of recurrent ischemic stroke were 0.59 (95% CI 0.51-0.65) for the CHA2DS2VASc score and 0.60 (95% CI 0.53-0.68) for the Essen Stroke Risk Score. The recalibrated clinical scores showed improved C-statistics: the recalibrated CHA2DS2VASc score 0.62 (95% CI 0.54-0.70; p = 0.024) and the recalibrated Essen Stroke Risk Score 0.63 (95% CI 0.56-0.71; p = 0.031). C-statistics of the white matter hyperintensities score were 0.62 (95% CI 0.52-0.68) to 0.65 (95% CI 0.58-0.73). An increasing burden of white matter hyperintensities was independently associated with recurrent ischemic stroke in a cohort of non-AF ischemic stroke patients. Recalibration of the CHA2DS2VASc score and the Essen Stroke Risk Score with one point for the presence of moderate to severe white matter hyperintensities led to improved discriminatory performance in ischemic stroke recurrence prediction. Risk scores based on white matter hyperintensities alone were at least as accurate as the established clinical risk scores in the prediction of ischemic stroke recurrence. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Stroke Risk After Non-Stroke ED Dizziness Presentations: A Population-Based Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Kerber, Kevin A.; Zahuranec, Darin B.; Brown, Devin L.; Meurer, William J.; Burke, James F.; Smith, Melinda A.; Lisabeth, Lynda D.; Fendrick, A. Mark; McLaughlin, Thomas; Morgenstern, Lewis B.

2014-01-01

Objective Acute stroke is a serious concern in Emergency Department (ED) dizziness presentations. Prior studies, however, suggest that stroke is actually an unlikely cause of these presentations. Lacking are data on short- and long-term follow-up from population-based studies to establish stroke risk after presumed non-stroke ED dizziness presentations. Methods From 5/8/2011 to 5/7/2012, patients ≥ 45 years of age presenting to EDs in Nueces County, Texas, with dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance were identified, excluding those with stroke as the initial diagnosis. Stroke events after the ED presentation up to 10/2/2012 were determined using the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) study, which uses rigorous surveillance and neurologist validation. Cumulative stroke risk was calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Results 1,245 patients were followed for a median of 347 days (IQR 230- 436 days). Median age was 61.9 years (IQR, 53.8-74.0 years). After the ED visit, fifteen patients (1.2%) had a stroke. Stroke risk was 0.48% (95% CI, 0.22%-1.07%) at 2 days; 0.48% (95% CI, 0.22%-1.07%) at 7 days; 0.56% (95% CI, 0.27%-1.18%) at 30 days; 0.56% (95% CI, 0.27%-1.18%) at 90 days; and 1.42% (95% CI, 0.85%-2.36%) at 12 months. Interpretation Using rigorous case ascertainment and outcome assessment in a population-based design, we found that the risk of stroke after presumed non-stroke ED dizziness presentations is very low, supporting a non-stroke etiology to the overwhelming majority of original events. High-risk subgroups likely exist, however, because most of the 90-day stroke risk occurred within 2-days. Vascular risk stratification was insufficient to identify these cases. PMID:24788511

Risk for myocardial infarction and stroke after community-acquired bacteremia: a 20-year population-based cohort study.

PubMed

Dalager-Pedersen, Michael; Søgaard, Mette; Schønheyder, Henrik Carl; Nielsen, Henrik; Thomsen, Reimar Wernich

2014-04-01

Infections may trigger acute cardiovascular events, but the risk after community-acquired bacteremia is unknown. We assessed the risk for acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke within 1 year of community-acquired bacteremia. This population-based cohort study was conducted in Northern Denmark. We included 4389 hospitalized medical patients with positive blood cultures obtained on the day of admission. Patients hospitalized with bacteremia were matched with up to 10 general population controls and up to 5 acutely admitted nonbacteremic controls, matched on age, sex, and calendar time. All incident events of myocardial infarction and stroke during the following 365 days were ascertained from population-based healthcare databases. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for myocardial infarction and stroke among bacteremia patients and their controls. The risk for myocardial infarction or stroke was greatly increased within 30 days of community-acquired bacteremia: 3.6% versus 0.2% among population controls (adjusted relative risk, 20.86; 95% CI, 15.38-28.29) and 1.7% among hospitalized controls (adjusted relative risk, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.80-2.65). The risks for myocardial infarction or stroke remained modestly increased from 31 to 180 days after bacteremia in comparison with population controls (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.18-2.27), but not versus hospitalized controls (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.69-1.32). No differences in cardiovascular risk were seen after >6 months. Increased 30-day risks were consistently found for a variety of etiologic agents and infectious foci. Community-acquired bacteremia is associated with increased short-term risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.

Predicting stroke through genetic risk functions: The CHARGE risk score project

PubMed Central

Ibrahim-Verbaas, Carla A; Fornage, Myriam; Bis, Joshua C; Choi, Seung Hoan; Psaty, Bruce M; Meigs, James B; Rao, Madhu; Nalls, Mike; Fontes, Joao D; O’Donnell, Christopher J.; Kathiresan, Sekar; Ehret, Georg B.; Fox, Caroline S; Malik, Rainer; Dichgans, Martin; Schmidt, Helena; Lahti, Jari; Heckbert, Susan R; Lumley, Thomas; Rice, Kenneth; Rotter, Jerome I; Taylor, Kent D; Folsom, Aaron R; Boerwinkle, Eric; Rosamond, Wayne D; Shahar, Eyal; Gottesman, Rebecca F.; Koudstaal, Peter J; Amin, Najaf; Wieberdink, Renske G.; Dehghan, Abbas; Hofman, Albert; Uitterlinden, André G; DeStefano, Anita L.; Debette, Stephanie; Xue, Luting; Beiser, Alexa; Wolf, Philip A.; DeCarli, Charles; Ikram, M. Arfan; Seshadri, Sudha; Mosley, Thomas H; Longstreth, WT; van Duijn, Cornelia M; Launer, Lenore J

2014-01-01

Background and Purpose Beyond the Framingham Stroke Risk Score (FSRS), prediction of future stroke may improve with a genetic risk score (GRS) based on Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with stroke and its risk factors. Methods The study includes four population-based cohorts with 2,047 first incident strokes from 22,720 initially stroke-free European origin participants aged 55 years and older, who were followed for up to 20 years. GRS were constructed with 324 SNPs implicated in stroke and 9 risk factors. The association of the GRS to first incident stroke was tested using Cox regression; the GRS predictive properties were assessed with Area under the curve (AUC) statistics comparing the GRS to age sex, and FSRS models, and with reclassification statistics. These analyses were performed per cohort and in a meta-analysis of pooled data. Replication was sought in a case-control study of ischemic stroke (IS). Results In the meta-analysis, adding the GRS to the FSRS, age and sex model resulted in a significant improvement in discrimination (All stroke: Δjoint AUC =0.016, p-value=2.3*10-6; IS: Δ joint AUC =0.021, p-value=3.7*10−7), although the overall AUC remained low. In all studies there was a highly significantly improved net reclassification index (p-values <10−4). Conclusions The SNPs associated with stroke and its risk factors result only in a small improvement in prediction of future stroke compared to the classical epidemiological risk factors for stroke. PMID:24436238

Awareness of risk factors and warning signs of stroke in a Nigeria university.

PubMed

Obembe, Adebimpe O; Olaogun, Matthew O; Bamikole, Adesola A; Komolafe, Morenikeji A; Odetunde, Marufat O

2014-04-01

Rapid access to medical services which is an important predictor of treatment and rehabilitation outcome requires that there is an understanding of stroke risk factors and early warning signs. This study assessed awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs among students and staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. This was a cross sectional survey involving 994 (500 students and 494 staff) respondents. Information on the awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs was collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Weakness (66.2%) was the most commonly identified warning sign of stroke with more staff (69.8%) identifying correctly than students (62.6%). Hypertension (83.4%) was the most commonly identified stroke risk factor, with more staff (91.7%) identifying correctly than students (83.2%). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the awareness of some risk factors (age, hypertension, stress and obesity), and warning signs (dizziness, numbness, weakness, headache and vision problems) between students and staff. Predictors for adequate awareness of both stroke risk factors and warning signs were younger age, smoking history and higher educational level. Majority of the respondents recognized individual important stroke risk factors and warning signs, but few recognized multiple stroke risk factors and warning signs. Awareness programs on stroke should be organized, even in communities with educated people to increase public awareness on the prevention of stroke and on the reduction of morbidity in the survivors. Copyright © 2014 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Risk of Stroke after Herpes Zoster - Evidence from a German Self-Controlled Case-Series Study.

PubMed

Schink, Tania; Behr, Sigrid; Thöne, Kathrin; Bricout, Hélène; Garbe, Edeltraut

2016-01-01

Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by reactivation of the latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV). A severe complication of HZ is VZV vasculopathy which can result in ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. The aims of our study were to assess the risk of stroke after the onset of HZ and to investigate the roles of stroke subtype, HZ location and the time interval between HZ onset and stroke. A self-controlled case-series study was performed on a cohort of patients with incident stroke recorded in the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD), which covers about 20 million persons throughout Germany. We estimated adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) by comparing the rate of stroke in risk periods (i.e., periods following HZ) with the rate of stroke in control periods (i.e., periods without HZ) in the same individuals, controlling for both time-invariant and major potentially time-variant confounders. The cohort included 124,462 stroke patients, of whom 6,035 (5%) had at least one HZ diagnosis identified in GePaRD either as main hospital discharge diagnosis or as HZ treated with antivirals. The risk of stroke was about 1.3 times higher in the risk periods 3 months after HZ onset, than in the control periods (IRR: 1.29; 95% confidence interval: 1.16-1.44). An elevated risk of similar magnitude was observed for ischemic and unspecified stroke, but a 1.5-fold higher risk was observed for hemorrhagic stroke. A slightly stronger effect on the risk of stroke was also observed during the 3 months after HZ ophthalmicus (HZO) onset (1.59; 1.10-2.32). The risk was highest 3 and 4 weeks after HZ onset and decreased thereafter. Our study corroborates an increased risk of stroke after HZ, which is highest 3 to 4 weeks after HZ onset. The results suggest that the risk is more pronounced after HZO and is numerically higher for hemorrhagic than for ischemic stroke.

Sex differences in sleep-disordered breathing after stroke: results from the BASIC project.

PubMed

McDermott, Mollie; Brown, Devin L; Li, Chengwei; Garcia, Nelda M; Case, Erin; Chervin, Ronald D; Morgenstern, Lewis B; Lisabeth, Lynda D

2018-03-01

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), an independent risk factor for stroke, is associated with worse post-stroke outcomes. Differences in the relationship between SDB and stroke may exist for women versus men. In this population-based study, we compared the prevalence of both pre- and post-stroke SDB by sex. We also explored whether menopausal status is related to post-stroke SDB. We performed a cross-sectional study of subjects enrolled in the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project. Each subject (n = 1815) underwent a baseline interview including the Berlin Questionnaire to assess pre-stroke SDB risk and, if relevant, questions regarding menopausal status. Subjects were offered overnight SDB screening with a validated portable respiratory device (n = 832 with complete data). Log Poisson and linear regression models were used to assess the differences in SDB between men and women with adjustment for demographics, stroke risk factors, stroke severity, and other potential confounders. Women were less likely than men to be at high risk for pre-stroke SDB (56.6% versus 61.9%) (prevalence ratio [PR] 0.87 for women; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-0.95). A lower proportion of women than men (50.8% versus 70.2%) had post-stroke SDB by respiratory monitoring (PR 0.71; 95% CI, 0.63-0.80). SDB severity was higher for men than for women (mean difference in respiratory event index [REI] 6.5; 95% CI, 4.3-8.7). No significant association existed between post-stroke SDB and either menopausal status or age at menopause. After acute ischemic stroke, SDB was more prevalent and more severe in men than in women. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Magnetic resonance angiography detection of abnormal carotid artery plaque in patients with cryptogenic stroke.

PubMed

Gupta, Ajay; Gialdini, Gino; Lerario, Michael P; Baradaran, Hediyeh; Giambrone, Ashley; Navi, Babak B; Marshall, Randolph S; Iadecola, Costantino; Kamel, Hooman

2015-06-15

Magnetic resonance imaging of carotid plaque can aid in stroke risk stratification in patients with carotid stenosis. However, the prevalence of complicated carotid plaque in patients with cryptogenic stroke is uncertain, especially as assessed by plaque imaging techniques routinely included in acute stroke magnetic resonance imaging protocols. We assessed whether the magnetic resonance angiography-defined presence of intraplaque high-intensity signal (IHIS), a marker of intraplaque hemorrhage, is associated with ipsilateral cryptogenic stroke. Cryptogenic stroke patients with magnetic resonance imaging evidence of unilateral anterior circulation infarction and without hemodynamically significant (≥50%) stenosis of the cervical carotid artery were identified from a prospective stroke registry at a tertiary-care hospital. High-risk plaque was assessed by evaluating for IHIS on routine magnetic resonance angiography source images using a validated technique. To compare the presence of IHIS on the ipsilateral versus contralateral side within individual patients, we used McNemar's test for correlated proportions. A total of 54 carotid arteries in 27 unique patients were included. A total of 6 patients (22.2%) had IHIS-positive nonstenosing carotid plaque ipsilateral to the side of ischemic stroke compared to 0 patients who had IHIS-positive carotid plaques contralateral to the side of stroke (P=0.01). Stroke severity measures, diagnostic evaluations, and prevalence of vascular risk factors were not different between the IHIS-positive and IHIS-negative groups. Our findings suggest that a proportion of strokes classified as cryptogenic may be mechanistically related to complicated, nonhemodynamically significant cervical carotid artery plaque that can easily be detected by routine magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography acute stroke protocols. © 2015 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

Cardiovascular, Rheumatologic, and Pharmacologic Predictors of Stroke in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Nested, Casee–Control Study

PubMed Central

Nadareishvili, Zurab; Michaud, Kaleb; Hallenbeck, John M.; Wolfe, Frederick

2009-01-01

Objective To determine the risk of stroke in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and risk factors associated with stroke. Methods We performed nested case–control analyses within a longitudinal databank, matching up to 20 controls for age, sex, and time of cohort entry to each patient with stroke. Conditional logistic regression was performed as an estimate of the relative risk of stroke in RA patients compared with those with noninflammatory rheumatic disorders, and to examine severity and anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treatment effects in RA. Results We identified 269 patients with first-ever all-category strokes and 67 with ischemic stroke, including 41 in RA patients. The odds ratio (OR) for the risk of all-category stroke in RA was 1.64 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.16–2.30, P = 0.005), and for ischemic stroke was 2.66 (95% CI 1.24–5.70, P = 0.012). Ischemic stroke was predicted by hypertension, myocardial infarction, low-dose aspirin, comorbidity score, Health Assessment Questionnaire score, and presence of total joint replacement, but not by diabetes, smoking, exercise, or body mass index. Adjusted for cardiovascular and RA risk factors, ischemic stroke was associated with rofecoxib (P = 0.060, OR 2.27 [95% CI 0.97–5.28]), and possibly with corticosteroid use. Anti-TNF therapy was not associated with ischemic stroke (P = 0.584, OR 0.80 [95% CI 0.34–1.82]). Conclusion RA is associated with increased risk of stroke, particularly ischemic stroke. Stroke is predicted by RA severity, certain cardiovascular risk factors, and comorbidity. Except for rofecoxib, RA treatment does not appear to be associated with stroke, although the effect of corticosteroids remains uncertain. PMID:18668583

Impact of metabolic syndrome components on incident stroke subtypes: a Chinese cohort study.

PubMed

Chen, Y-C; Sun, C-A; Yang, T; Chu, C-H; Bai, C-H; You, S-L; Hwang, L-C; Chen, C-H; Wei, C-Y; Chou, Y-C

2014-11-01

Limited evidence is available on the risk differences in the development of stroke subtypes in relation to particular clustering patterns of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) components. A follow-up study of a Chinese cohort involving 10,292 individuals was performed to assess the roles of cluster patterns of the MetS components in the prediction of incident stroke subtypes. During follow-up, there were 161 incident cases of ischemic strokes and 41 incident cases of hemorrhagic strokes. Among MetS components, only the hypertensive trait was associated with significantly elevated risks of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Furthermore, MetS with hypertension as components was associated with increased risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes (adjusted hazards ratio (95% confidence interval) was 2.96 (1.94-4.50) and 2.93 (1.25-6.90), respectively) as compared with those who had neither hypertension nor MetS. Notably, as the number of the MetS components increased, the risk of ischemic stroke significantly and dose-dependently increased. This implies a cumulative effect of MetS components in elevating the risk of ischemic stroke. These findings suggest that MetS comprises heterogenous clusters with respect to the risk of developing the subtype of stroke.

Dietary and circulating lycopene and stroke risk: a meta-analysis of prospective studies

PubMed Central

LI, Xinli; XU, Jiuhong

2014-01-01

Epidemiological studies support a protective role of lycopene against stroke occurrence or mortality, but the results have been conflicting. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the relationship between dietary or circulating lycopene and stroke risk (including stroke occurrence or mortality). Relevant papers were collected by screening the PubMed database through October 2013. Only prospective studies providing relative risk estimates with 95% confidence intervals for the association between lycopene and stroke were included. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimate. Subgroup analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of various factors on the final results. The pooled analysis of seven prospective studies, with 116,127 participants and 1,989 cases, demonstrated that lycopene decreased stroke risk by 19.3% (RR = 0.807, 95% CI = 0.680–0.957) after adjusting for confounding factors. No heterogeneity was observed (p = 0.234, I2 = 25.5%). Circulating lycopene, not dietary lycopene, was associated with a statistically significant decrease in stroke risk (RR = 0.693, 95% CI = 0.503–0.954). Lycopene could protect European, or males against stroke risk. Duration of follow-up had no effect on the final results. There was no evidence of publication bias. Lycopene, especially circulating lycopene, is negatively associated with stroke risk. PMID:24848940

Full Implementation of Screening for Nutritional Risk and Dysphagia in an Acute Stroke Unit: A Clinical Audit.

PubMed

Kampman, Margitta T; Eltoft, Agnethe; Karaliute, Migle; Børvik, Margrethe T; Nilssen, Hugo; Rasmussen, Ida; Johnsen, Stein H

2015-10-01

In patients with acute stroke, undernutrition and aspiration pneumonia are associated with increased mortality and length of hospital stay. Formal screening for nutritional risk and dysphagia helps to ensure optimal nutritional management in all patients with stroke and to reduce the risk of aspiration in patients with dysphagia. We developed a national guideline for nutritional and dysphagia screening in acute stroke, which was introduced in our stroke unit on June 1, 2012. The primary objective was to audit adherence to the guideline and to achieve full implementation. Second, we assessed the prevalence of nutritional risk and dysphagia. We performed a chart review to assess performance of screening for nutritional risk and dysphagia in all patients with stroke hospitalized for ≥48 hours between June 1, 2012, and May 31, 2013. Next we applied a "clinical microsystems approach" with rapid improvement cycles and audits over a 6-month period to achieve full implementation. The chart review showed that nutritional risk screening was performed in 65% and swallow testing in 91% of eligible patients (n = 185). Proactive implementation resulted in >95% patients screened (n = 79). The overall prevalence of nutritional risk was 29%, and 23% of the patients failed the initial swallow test. Proactive implementation is required to obtain high screening rates for nutritional risk and swallowing difficulties using validated screening tools. The proportion of patients at nutritional risk and the prevalence of dysphagia at initial swallow test were in the lower range of previous reports.

Chocolate consumption and risk of stroke: a prospective cohort of men and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Larsson, Susanna C; Virtamo, Jarmo; Wolk, Alicja

2012-09-18

To investigate the association between chocolate consumption and risk of stroke in men and conduct a meta-analysis to summarize available evidence from prospective studies of chocolate consumption and stroke. We prospectively followed 37,103 men in the Cohort of Swedish Men. Chocolate consumption was assessed at baseline using a food-frequency questionnaire. Cases of first stroke were ascertained from the Swedish Hospital Discharge Registry. For the meta-analysis, pertinent studies were identified by searching the PubMed and EMBASE databases through January 13, 2012. Study-specific results were combined using a random-effects model. During 10.2 years of follow-up, we ascertained 1,995 incident stroke cases, including 1,511 cerebral infarctions, 321 hemorrhagic strokes, and 163 unspecified strokes. High chocolate consumption was associated with a lower risk of stroke. The multivariable relative risk of stroke comparing the highest quartile of chocolate consumption (median 62.9 g/week) with the lowest quartile (median 0 g/week) was 0.83 (95 % CI 0.70-0.99). The association did not differ by stroke subtypes. In a meta-analysis of 5 studies, with a total of 4,260 stroke cases, the overall relative risk of stroke for the highest vs lowest category of chocolate consumption was 0.81 (95% CI 0.73-0.90), without heterogeneity among studies (p = 0.47). These findings suggest that moderate chocolate consumption may lower the risk of stroke.

Periodontal Disease Associated with Aortic Arch Atheroma in Patients with Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack.

PubMed

Sen, Souvik; Chung, Matthew; Duda, Viktoriya; Giamberardino, Lauren; Hinderliter, Alan; Offenbacher, Steven

2017-10-01

Periodontal disease (PD) is associated with recurrent vascular event in stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). In this study, we investigated whether PD is independently associated with aortic arch atheroma (AA). We also explored the relationship PD has with AA plaque thickness and other characteristics associated with atheroembolic risk among patients with stroke or TIA. Finally, we confirmed the association between AA and recurrent vascular event in patients with stroke or TIA. In this prospective longitudinal hospital-based cohort study, PD was assessed in patients with stroke and TIA. Patients with confirmed stroke and TIA (n = 106) were assessed by calibrated dental examiners to determine periodontal status and were followed over a median of 24 months for recurrent vascular events (stroke, myocardial infarction, and death). The extent of AA and other plaque characteristics was assessed by transesophageal echocardiography. Within our patient cohort, 27 of the 106 participants had recurrent vascular events (including 16 with stroke or TIA) over the median of 24-month follow-up. Severe PD was associated with increased AA plaque thickness and calcification. The results suggest that PD may be a risk factor for AA. In this cohort, we confirm the association of severe AA with recurrent vascular events. In patients with stroke or TIA, severe PD is associated with increased AA plaque thickness, a risk factor for recurrent events. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding and to determine whether treatment of PD can reduce the rate of AA plaque progression and recurrent vascular events. Copyright © 2017 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prevention of ischemic stroke in clinical practice: a role of internists and general practitioners.

PubMed

Niewada, Maciej; Członkowska, Anna

2014-01-01

Stroke constitutes a substantial clinical and socio-economic burden. It is currently the third cause of death worldwide and results in mortality or disability in every third patient at the end of the first year following an acute cerebrovascular event. Although in-hospital mortality rates in stroke patients have decreased, prevention and cardiovascular risk control remain critical for improving the prognosis and reducing stroke burden worldwide. The definitions of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) have been recently modified following the findings from neuroimaging and thrombolysis research. Both stroke and TIA are recurrent and preventable disorders. Both patients with stroke and those with TIA require prompt clinical workup, risk assessment, and appropriate management because the risk of recurrence, stroke, and coronary events is significant. The 5 most common cardiovascular risk factors (high blood pressure, smoking, abdominal obesity, diet, and lack of physical activity) are responsible for 80% of the cases. Stroke prevention involves lifestyle modification and specific treatment. Secondary prevention of ischemic stroke involves early treatment (antiplatelets and carotid interventions) and long-term management including lifestyle changes, antihypertensive therapy, antiplatelets, antithrombotic drugs in patients with atrial fibrillation, and the use of statins and other lipid-lowering drugs. Stroke patients are at risk of depression, dementia, epilepsy, and other complications that also require targeted treatment.

Predictors of stroke recurrence in patients with recent lacunar stroke and response to interventions according to risk status: secondary prevention of small subcortical strokes trial.

PubMed

Hart, Robert G; Pearce, Lesly A; Bakheet, Majid F; Benavente, Oscar R; Conwit, Robin A; McClure, Leslie A; Talbert, Robert L; Anderson, David C

2014-04-01

Among participants in the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes randomized trial, we sought to identify patients with high versus low rates of recurrent ischemic stroke and to assess effects of aggressive blood pressure control and dual antiplatelet therapy according to risk status. Multivariable analyses of 3020 participants with recent magnetic resonance imaging-defined lacunar strokes followed for a mean of 3.7 years with 243 recurrent ischemic strokes. Prior symptomatic lacunar stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) (hazard ratio [HR] 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6, 2.9), diabetes (HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5, 2.5), black race (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3, 2.3), and male sex (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1, 1.9) were each independently predictive of recurrent ischemic stroke. Recurrent ischemic stroke occurred at a rate of 4.3% per year (95% CI 3.4, 5.5) in patients with prior symptomatic lacunar stroke or TIA (15% of the cohort), 3.1% per year (95% CI 2.6, 3.9) in those with more than 1 of the other 3 risk factors (27% of the cohort), and 1.3% per year (95% CI 1.0, 1.7) in those with 0-1 risk factors (58% of the cohort). There were no significant interactions between treatment effects and stroke risk status. In this large, carefully followed cohort of patients with recent lacunar stroke and aggressive blood pressure management, prior symptomatic lacunar ischemia, diabetes, black race, and male sex independently predicted ischemic stroke recurrence. The effects of blood pressure targets and dual antiplatelet therapy were similar across the spectrum of independent risk factors and recurrence risk. Copyright © 2014 National Stroke Association. All rights reserved.

Systemic risk score evaluation in ischemic stroke patients (SCALA): a prospective cross sectional study in 85 German stroke units.

PubMed

Weimar, Christian; Goertler, Michael; Röther, Joachim; Ringelstein, E Bernd; Darius, Harald; Nabavi, Darius Günther; Kim, In-Ha; Theobald, Karlheinz; Diener, Han-Christoph

2007-11-01

Stratification of patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke (IS) by risk of recurrent stroke can contribute to optimized secondary prevention. We therefore aimed to assess cardiovascular risk factor profiles of consecutive patients hospitalized with TIA/IS to stratify the risk of recurrent stroke according to the Essen Stroke Risk Score (ESRS) and of future cardiovascular events according to the ankle brachial index (ABI) as a marker of generalized atherosclerosis In this cross-sectional observational study, 85 neurological stroke units throughout Germany documented cardiovascular risk factor profiles of 10 consecutive TIA/IS patients on standardized questionnaires. Screening for PAD was done with Doppler ultrasonography to calculate the ABI. A total of 852 patients (57% men) with a mean age of 67+/-12.4 years were included of whom 82.9 % had IS. The median National Institutes of Health stroke sum score was 4 (TIA: 1). Arterial hypertension was reported in 71%, diabetes mellitus in 26%, clinical PAD in 10%, and an ABI < or = 0.9 in 51%. An ESRS > or = 3 was observed in 58%, which in two previous retrospective analyses corresponded to a recurrent stroke risk of > or = 4%/year. The correlation between the ESRS and the ABI was low (r = 0.21). A high proportion of patients had asymptomatic atherosclerotic disease and a considerable risk of recurrent stroke according to the ABI and ESRS category. The prognostic accuracy as well as the potential benefit of various risk stratification scores in secondary stroke prevention require validation in a larger prospective study.

Heart rate as a predictor of stroke in high-risk, hypertensive patients with previous stroke or transient ischemic attack.

PubMed

Sandset, Else Charlotte; Berge, Eivind; Kjeldsen, Sverre E; Julius, Stevo; Holzhauer, Björn; Krarup, Lars-Henrik; Hua, Tsushung A

2014-01-01

Risk factors for first stroke are well established, but less is known about risk factors for recurrent stroke. In the present analysis, we aimed to assess the effect of heart rate and other possible predictors of stroke in a hypertensive population with previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The Valsartan Antihypertensive Long-Term Use Evaluation trial was a multicentre, double-masked, randomized controlled, parallel group trial comparing the effects of an angiotensin receptor blocker (valsartan) and a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) in patients with hypertension and high cardiovascular risk. We used Cox proportional hazard models to investigate the effect of baseline variables on the risk of stroke. Quadratic terms of the continuous variables were entered in the models to test for linearity. Of 15,245 patients included in the trial, 3014 had a previous stroke or TIA at baseline and were included in the present analysis. Stroke recurrence occurred in 239 patients (7.9%) during a median of 4.5 years of follow-up. Resting heart rate (per 10 beats per minute; hazard ratio [HR], 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-6.58) and diabetes mellitus at baseline (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.03-2.10) were significantly associated with an increased risk of stroke recurrence in the multivariable analysis. In high-risk, hypertensive patients with previous stroke or TIA, resting heart rate was the strongest predictor of recurrent stroke. Copyright © 2014 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sauna bathing reduces the risk of stroke in Finnish men and women: A prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Kunutsor, Setor K; Khan, Hassan; Zaccardi, Francesco; Laukkanen, Tanjaniina; Willeit, Peter; Laukkanen, Jari A

2018-05-29

To assess the association between frequency of sauna bathing and risk of future stroke. Baseline habits of sauna bathing were assessed in 1,628 adult men and women aged 53-74 years (mean age, 62.7 years) without a known history of stroke in the Finnish Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease prospective cohort study. Three sauna bathing frequency groups were defined: 1, 2-3, and 4-7 sessions per week. Hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) were estimated for incident stroke. During a median follow-up of 14.9 years, 155 incident stroke events were recorded. Compared with participants who had one sauna bathing session per week, the age- and sex-adjusted HR (95% CI) for stroke was 0.39 (0.18-0.83) for participants who had 4-7 sauna sessions per week. After further adjustment for established cardiovascular risk factors and other potential confounders, the corresponding HR (95% CI) was 0.39 (0.18-0.84) and this remained persistent on additional adjustment for physical activity and socioeconomic status at 0.38 (0.18-0.81). The association between frequency of sauna bathing and risk of stroke was not modified by age, sex, or other clinical characteristics ( p for interaction > 0.10 for all subgroups). The association was similar for ischemic stroke but modest for hemorrhagic stroke, which could be attributed to the low event rate (n = 34). This long-term follow-up study shows that middle-aged to elderly men and women who take frequent sauna baths have a substantially reduced risk of new-onset stroke. © 2018 American Academy of Neurology.

High prevalence of stroke symptoms among persons without a diagnosis of stroke or transient ischemic attack in a general population: the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study.

PubMed

Howard, Virginia J; McClure, Leslie A; Meschia, James F; Pulley, Leavonne; Orr, Sean C; Friday, Gary H

2006-10-09

A substantial portion of the general population has clinically silent stroke on brain imaging. These lesions may cause symptoms. This study assessed the prevalence of stroke symptoms in a stroke- and transient ischemic attack (TIA)-free population and the association of symptoms with risk factors indexed by the Framingham Stroke Risk Score. We performed a cross-sectional analysis from a randomly sampled national cohort enrolled from January 25, 2003, through November 30, 2005, with oversampling from the southeastern stroke belt and African American populations. The main outcome measure was stroke symptoms assessed by validated questionnaire. The study included 18 462 (41% African American; 51% female; mean age, 65.8 years) participants who reported no stroke or TIA. The prevalence of stroke symptoms was 5.8% for sudden painless hemibody weakness, 8.5% for sudden hemibody numbness, 4.6% for sudden painless loss of vision in one or both eyes, 3.1% for sudden hemifield visual loss, 2.7% for sudden inability to understand speech, and 3.8% for sudden inability of linguistic expression. The prevalence of 1 or more symptoms was 17.8%. Relative to the first quartile of the Framingham Stroke Risk Score, the adjusted odds ratio for 1 or more stroke symptoms increased from 1.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-1.2) in the second quartile to 1.2 (95% CI, 1.1-1.5) and 1.5 (95% CI, 1.3-1.6) in successive quartiles. Symptoms were more prevalent among African American compared with white participants and among those with lower income, lower educational level, and fair to poor perceived health status. The general population without prior diagnosed stroke or TIA has a high prevalence of stroke symptoms. The relationship between symptoms and risk factors suggests that some symptomatic individuals may have had clinically undetected cerebrovascular events and may benefit from aggressive stroke prophylaxis.

Coffee consumption and risk of stroke in women

PubMed Central

Lopez-Garcia, Esther; Rodriguez-Artalejo, Fernando; Rexrode, Kathryn M.; Logroscino, Giancarlo; Hu, Frank B.; van Dam, Rob M.

2009-01-01

Background Data on the association between coffee consumption and risk of stroke are sparse. We assessed the association between coffee consumption and the risk of stroke over 24 years of follow-up in women. Methods and Results We analyzed data from a prospective cohort of 83,076 women in the Nurses' Health Study without history of stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes, or cancer at baseline. Coffee consumption was first assessed in 1980, and then repeatedly every 2-4 years; with follow-up through 2004. We documented 2280 strokes of which 426 were hemorrhagic strokes, 1224 ischemic strokes, and 630 undetermined. In multivariable Cox regression models with adjustment for age, smoking status, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol intake, menopausal status, hormone replacement therapy, aspirin use, and dietary factors, the relative risks (RRs) of stroke across categories of coffee consumption (<1 cup/mo, 1/mo-4/wk, 5-7/wk, 2-3/d, and ≥4/d) were: 1, 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-1.15), 0.88 (0.77-1.02), 0.81 (0.70-0.95), and 0.80 (0.64-0.98); p for trend= 0.003. After further adjustment for high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, and type 2 diabetes the inverse association remained significant. The association was stronger among never and past smokers [RR (95% CI) for ≥4 cups/d vs. <1 cup/mo: 0.57 (0.39-0.84)] than among current smokers [RR (95% CI) for ≥4 cups/d vs. <1 cup/mo: 0.97 (0.63-1.48)]. Other drinks containing caffeine, such as tea and caffeinated soft drinks, were not associated with stroke. Decaffeinated coffee was associated with a trend towards lower risk of stroke after adjustment for caffeinated coffee consumption [RR (95% CI) for 2 or more cups/d vs. <1 cup/mo: 0.89 (0.73-1.08); p for trend= 0.05]. Conclusions Long-term coffee consumption was not associated with an increased risk of stroke in women. In contrast, our data suggest that coffee consumption may modestly reduce risk of stroke. PMID:19221216

Sleep Duration and the Risk of Mortality From Stroke in Japan: The Takayama Cohort Study.

PubMed

Kawachi, Toshiaki; Wada, Keiko; Nakamura, Kozue; Tsuji, Michiko; Tamura, Takashi; Konishi, Kie; Nagata, Chisato

2016-01-01

Few studies have assessed the associations between sleep duration and stroke subtypes. We examined whether sleep duration is associated with mortality from total stroke, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke in a population-based cohort of Japanese men and women. Subjects included 12 875 men and 15 021 women aged 35 years or older in 1992, who were followed until 2008. The outcome variable was stroke death (ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and total stroke). During follow-up, 611 stroke deaths (354 from ischemic stroke, 217 from hemorrhagic stroke, and 40 from undetermined stroke) were identified. Compared with 7 h of sleep, ≥9 h of sleep was significantly associated with an increased risk of total stroke and ischemic stroke mortality after controlling for covariates. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 1.51 (95% CI, 1.16-1.97) and 1.65 (95% CI, 1.16-2.35) for total stroke mortality and ischemic stroke mortality, respectively. Short sleep duration (≤6 h of sleep) was associated with a decreased risk of mortality from total stroke (HR 0.77; 95% CI, 0.59-1.01), although this association was of borderline significance (P = 0.06). The trends for total stroke and ischemic stroke mortality were also significant (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0002, respectively). There was a significant risk reduction of hemorrhagic stroke mortality for ≤6 h of sleep as compared with 7 h of sleep (HR 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42-0.98; P for trend = 0.08). The risk reduction was pronounced for men (HR 0.31; 95% CI, 0.16-0.64). Data suggest that longer sleep duration is associated with increased mortality from total and ischemic stroke. Short sleep duration may be associated with a decreased risk of mortality from hemorrhagic stroke in men.

Risk stratification and stroke prevention therapy care gaps in Canadian atrial fibrillation patients (from the Co-ordinated National Network to Engage Physicians in the Care and Treatment of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation chart audit).

PubMed

Patel, Ashish D; Tan, Mary K; Angaran, Paul; Bell, Alan D; Berall, Murray; Bucci, Claudia; Demchuk, Andrew M; Essebag, Vidal; Goldin, Lianne; Green, Martin S; Gregoire, Jean C; Gross, Peter L; Heilbron, Brett; Lin, Peter J; Ramanathan, Krishnan; Skanes, Allan; Wheeler, Bruce H; Goodman, Shaun G

2015-03-01

The objectives of this national chart audit (January to June 2013) of 6,346 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF; ≥18 years without a significant heart valve disorder) from 647 primary care physicians were to (1) describe the frequency of stroke and bleed risk assessments in patients with nonvalvular AF by primary care physicians, including the accuracy of these assessments relative to established predictive indexes; (2) outline contemporary methods of anticoagulation used; and (3) report the time in the therapeutic range among patients prescribed warfarin. An annual stroke risk assessment was not undertaken in 15% and estimated without a formal risk tool in 33%; agreement with CHADS2 score estimation was seen in 87% of patients. Major bleeding risk assessment was not undertaken in 25% and estimated without a formal risk tool in 47%; agreement with HAS-BLED score estimation was observed in 64% with physician overestimation in 26% of patients. Antithrombotic therapy included warfarin (58%), dabigatran (22%), rivaroxaban (14%), and apixaban (<1%). Among warfarin-treated patients, the median international normalized ratio was 2.4 and time in therapeutic range (TTR) was 73%; however, the TTR was <50% in 845 (25%), 50% to 69% in 674 (20%), and ≥70% in 1,827 (55%) patients. In conclusion, we describe a contemporary real-world elderly population with AF at important risk for stroke. There is apparent overestimation of bleeding risk in many patients. Warfarin was the dominant stroke prevention treatment; however, the suggested TTR target was achieved in only 55% of these patients. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association between subjective risk perception and objective risk estimation in patients with atrial fibrillation: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Zweiker, David; Zweiker, Robert; Winkler, Elisabeth; Roesch, Konstantina; Schumacher, Martin; Stepan, Vinzenz; Krippl, Peter; Bauer, Norbert; Heine, Martin; Reicht, Gerhard; Zweiker, Gudrun; Sprenger, Martin; Watzinger, Norbert

2017-09-25

Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is state-of-the-art therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia worldwide. However, little is known about the perception of patients with AF and how it correlates with risk scores used by their physicians. Therefore, we correlated patients' estimates of their own stroke and bleeding risk with the objectively predicted individual risk using CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and HAS-BLED scores. Cross-sectional prevalence study using convenience sampling and telephone follow-up. Eight hospital departments and one general practitioner in Austria. Patients' perception of stroke and bleeding risk was opposed to commonly used risk scoring. Patients with newly diagnosed AF and indication for anticoagulation. Comparison of subjective risk perception with CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and HAS-BLED scores showing possible discrepancies between subjective and objective risk estimation. Patients' judgement of their own knowledge on AF and education were also correlated with accuracy of subjective risk appraisal. Ninety-one patients (age 73±11 years, 45% female) were included in this study. Subjective stroke and bleeding risk estimation did not correlate with risk scores (ρ=0.08 and ρ=0.17). The majority of patients (57%) underestimated the individual stroke risk. Patients feared stroke more than bleeding (67% vs 10%). There was no relationship between accurate perception of stroke and bleeding risks and education level. However, we found a correlation between the patients' judgement of their own knowledge of AF and correct assessment of individual stroke risk (ρ=0.24, p=0.02). During follow-up, patients experienced the following events: death (n=5), stroke (n=2), bleeding (n=1). OAC discontinuation rate despite indication was 3%. In this cross-sectional analysis of OAC-naive patients with AF, we found major differences between patients' perceptions and physicians' assessments of risks and benefits of OAC. To ensure shared decision-making and informed consent, more attention should be given to evidence-based and useful communication strategies. NCT03061123. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Contemporary thinking in stroke prevention and management.

PubMed

Bryan, Jenny

Stroke is the third largest cause of death in the UK, after heart disease and cancer, and the largest single cause of severe adult disability (Stroke Association, 2003). Specialist and consultant stroke nurses are playing a growing role in rapid assessment clinics and acute care, as well as in coordinating rehabilitation and other follow-up services, including secondary prevention clinics. Health promotion to reduce the risk of stroke is also an important consideration and an area where nurses can play a leading role. Risk prevention measures and behaviours include physical activity, and cutting down on smoking and alcohol intake. A healthy diet is also a major factor in reducing stroke risk. This year Stoke Awareness Week, which starts on 29 September, is focusing on the importance of eating a colourful variety of fruit and vegetables, with the message: 'Eat a rainbow. Beat a stroke'.

Cognitive impairment and risk of future stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Lee, Meng; Saver, Jeffrey L.; Hong, Keun-Sik; Wu, Yi-Ling; Liu, Hsing-Cheng; Rao, Neal M.; Ovbiagele, Bruce

2014-01-01

Background: Several studies have assessed the link between cognitive impairment and risk of future stroke, but results have been inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies to determine the association between cognitive impairment and risk of future stroke. Methods: We searched MEDLINE and Embase (1966 to November 2013) and conducted a manual search of bibliographies of relevant retrieved articles and reviews. We included cohort studies that reported multivariable adjusted relative risks and 95% confidence intervals or standard errors for stroke with respect to baseline cognitive impairment. Results: We identified 18 cohort studies (total 121 879 participants) and 7799 stroke events. Pooled analysis of results from all studies showed that stroke risk increased among patients with cognitive impairment at baseline (relative risk [RR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–1.56). The results were similar when we restricted the analysis to studies that used a widely adopted definition of cognitive impairment (i.e., Mini-Mental State Examination score < 25 or nearest equivalent) (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.46–1.84). Cognitive impairment at baseline was also associated with an increased risk of fatal stroke (RR 1.68, 95% CI 1.21–2.33) and ischemic stroke (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.41–1.93). Interpretation: Baseline cognitive impairment was associated with a significantly higher risk of future stroke, especially ischemic and fatal stroke. PMID:25157064

National survey of emergency physicians for transient ischemic attack (TIA) risk stratification consensus and appropriate treatment for a given level of risk.

PubMed

Perry, Jeffrey J; Losier, Justin H; Stiell, Ian G; Sharma, Mukul; Abdulaziz, Kasim

2016-01-01

Five percent of transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients have a subsequent stroke within 7 days. The Canadian TIA Score uses clinical findings to calculate the subsequent stroke risk within 7 days. Our objectives were to assess 1) anticipated use; 2) component face validity; 3) risk strata for stroke within 7 days; and 4) actions required, for a given risk for subsequent stroke. After a rigorous development process, a survey questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 300 emergency physicians selected from those registered in a national medical directory. The surveys were distributed using a modified Dillman technique. From a total of 271 eligible surveys, we received 131 (48.3%) completed surveys; 96.2% of emergency physicians would use a validated Canadian TIA Score; 8 of 13 components comprising the Canadian TIA Score were rated as Very Important or Important by survey respondents. Risk categories for subsequent stroke were defined as minimal-risk: 10% risk of subsequent stroke within 7 days. A validated Canadian TIA Score will likely be used by emergency physicians. Most components of the TIA Score have high face validity. Risk strata are definable, which may allow physicians to determine immediate actions, based on subsequent stroke risk, in the emergency department.

Predictors of stroke recurrence in patients with recent lacunar stroke and response to interventions according to risk status: Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes (SPS3) trial

PubMed Central

Hart, Robert G.; Pearce, Lesly A.; Bakheet, Majid F.; Benavente, Oscar; Conwit, Robin A.; McClure, Leslie A.; Talbert, Robert L.; Anderson, David C.

2013-01-01

Background Among participants in the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes randomized trial, we sought to identify patients with high vs. low rates of recurrent ischemic stroke and to assess effects of aggressive blood pressure control and dual antiplatelet therapy according to risk status. Methods Multivariable analyses of 3020 participants with recent MRI-defined lacunar strokes followed for a mean of 3.7 years with 243 recurrent ischemic strokes. Results: Prior symptomatic lacunar stroke or TIA (HR 2.2, 95%CI 1.6,2.9), diabetes (HR 2.0, 95%CI 1.5,2.5), Black race (HR 1.7, 95%CI 1.3,2.3) and male sex (HR 1.5, 95%CI 1.1,1.9) were each independently predictive of recurrent ischemic stroke. Recurrent ischemic stroke occurred at a rate of 4.3%/yr (95% CI 3.3, 5.5) in patients with prior symptomatic lacunar stroke or TIA (15% of the cohort), 3.1%/yr (95%CI 2.6, 3.9) in those with >1 of the other 3 risk factors (27% of the cohort), and 1.3%/yr (95%CI 1.0,1.7) in those with 0 to 1 risk factors (58% of the cohort). There were no significant interactions between treatment effects and stroke risk status. Conclusions In this large, carefully followed cohort of patients with recent lacunar stroke and aggressive blood pressure management, prior symptomatic lacunar ischemia, diabetes, Black race and male sex independently predicted ischemic stroke recurrence. The effects of blood pressure targets and dual antiplatelet therapy were similar across the spectrum of independent risk factors and recurrence risk. PMID:23800503

Anxiety disorders and risk of stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Pérez-Piñar, M; Ayerbe, L; González, E; Mathur, R; Foguet-Boreu, Q; Ayis, S

2017-03-01

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem worldwide. However, the evidence on the association between anxiety disorders and risk of stroke is limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis presents a critical appraisal and summary of the available evidence on the association between anxiety disorders and risk of stroke. Cohort studies reporting risk of stroke among patients with anxiety disorders were searched in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, and the Web of Science, from database inception to June 2016. The quality of the studies was assessed using standard criteria. A meta-analysis was undertaken to obtain pooled estimates of the risk of stroke among patients with anxiety disorders. Eight studies, including 950,759 patients, from the 11,764 references initially identified, were included in this review. A significantly increased risk of stroke for patients with anxiety disorders was observed, with an overall hazard ratio: 1.24 (1.09-1.41), P=0.001. No significant heterogeneity between studies was detected and the funnel plot suggested that publication bias was unlikely. Limited evidence suggests that the risk of stroke is increased shortly after the diagnosis of anxiety and that risk of stroke may be higher for patients with severe anxiety. Anxiety disorders are a very prevalent modifiable condition associated with risk of stroke increased by 24%. This evidence could inform the development of interventions for the management of anxiety and the prevention of stroke. Further studies on the risk of stroke in patients with anxiety, and the explanatory factors for this association, are required. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Stroke Risk Stratification and its Validation using Ultrasonic Echolucent Carotid Wall Plaque Morphology: A Machine Learning Paradigm.

PubMed

Araki, Tadashi; Jain, Pankaj K; Suri, Harman S; Londhe, Narendra D; Ikeda, Nobutaka; El-Baz, Ayman; Shrivastava, Vimal K; Saba, Luca; Nicolaides, Andrew; Shafique, Shoaib; Laird, John R; Gupta, Ajay; Suri, Jasjit S

2017-01-01

Stroke risk stratification based on grayscale morphology of the ultrasound carotid wall has recently been shown to have a promise in classification of high risk versus low risk plaque or symptomatic versus asymptomatic plaques. In previous studies, this stratification has been mainly based on analysis of the far wall of the carotid artery. Due to the multifocal nature of atherosclerotic disease, the plaque growth is not restricted to the far wall alone. This paper presents a new approach for stroke risk assessment by integrating assessment of both the near and far walls of the carotid artery using grayscale morphology of the plaque. Further, this paper presents a scientific validation system for stroke risk assessment. Both these innovations have never been presented before. The methodology consists of an automated segmentation system of the near wall and far wall regions in grayscale carotid B-mode ultrasound scans. Sixteen grayscale texture features are computed, and fed into the machine learning system. The training system utilizes the lumen diameter to create ground truth labels for the stratification of stroke risk. The cross-validation procedure is adapted in order to obtain the machine learning testing classification accuracy through the use of three sets of partition protocols: (5, 10, and Jack Knife). The mean classification accuracy over all the sets of partition protocols for the automated system in the far and near walls is 95.08% and 93.47%, respectively. The corresponding accuracies for the manual system are 94.06% and 92.02%, respectively. The precision of merit of the automated machine learning system when compared against manual risk assessment system are 98.05% and 97.53% for the far and near walls, respectively. The ROC of the risk assessment system for the far and near walls is close to 1.0 demonstrating high accuracy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Natriuretic peptides and integrated risk assessment for cardiovascular disease: an individual-participant-data meta-analysis.

PubMed

Natriuretic Peptides Studies Collaboration; Willeit, Peter; Kaptoge, Stephen; Welsh, Paul; Butterworth, Adam; Chowdhury, Rajiv; Spackman, Sarah; Pennells, Lisa; Gao, Pei; Burgess, Stephen; Freitag, Daniel; Sweeting, Michael; Wood, Angela; Cook, Nancy; Judd, Suzanne; Trompet, Stella; Nambi, Vijay; Olsen, Michael; Everett, Brendan; Kee, Frank; Ärnlöv, Johan; Salomaa, Veikko; Levy, Daniel; Kauhanen, Jussi; Laukkanen, Jari; Kavousi, Maryam; Ninomiya, Toshiharu; Casas, Juan-Pablo; Daniels, Lori; Lind, Lars; Kistorp, Caroline; Rosenberg, Jens; Mueller, Thomas; Rubattu, Speranza; Panagiotakos, Demosthenes; Franco, Oscar; de Lemos, James; Luchner, Andreas; Kizer, Jorge; Kiechl, Stefan; Salonen, Jukka; Goya Wannamethee, S; de Boer, Rudolf; Nordestgaard, Børge; Andersson, Jonas; Jørgensen, Torben; Melander, Olle; Ballantyne, Christie; DeFilippi, Christopher; Ridker, Paul; Cushman, Mary; Rosamond, Wayne; Thompson, Simon; Gudnason, Vilmundur; Sattar, Naveed; Danesh, John; Di Angelantonio, Emanuele

2016-10-01

Guidelines for primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases focus on prediction of coronary heart disease and stroke. We assessed whether or not measurement of N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration could enable a more integrated approach than at present by predicting heart failure and enhancing coronary heart disease and stroke risk assessment. In this individual-participant-data meta-analysis, we generated and harmonised individual-participant data from relevant prospective studies via both de-novo NT-proBNP concentration measurement of stored samples and collection of data from studies identified through a systematic search of the literature (PubMed, Scientific Citation Index Expanded, and Embase) for articles published up to Sept 4, 2014, using search terms related to natriuretic peptide family members and the primary outcomes, with no language restrictions. We calculated risk ratios and measures of risk discrimination and reclassification across predicted 10 year risk categories (ie, <5%, 5% to <7·5%, and ≥7·5%), adding assessment of NT-proBNP concentration to that of conventional risk factors (ie, age, sex, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, history of diabetes, and total and HDL cholesterol concentrations). Primary outcomes were the combination of coronary heart disease and stroke, and the combination of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. We recorded 5500 coronary heart disease, 4002 stroke, and 2212 heart failure outcomes among 95 617 participants without a history of cardiovascular disease in 40 prospective studies. Risk ratios (for a comparison of the top third vs bottom third of NT-proBNP concentrations, adjusted for conventional risk factors) were 1·76 (95% CI 1·56-1·98) for the combination of coronary heart disease and stroke and 2·00 (1·77-2·26) for the combination of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Addition of information about NT-proBNP concentration to a model containing conventional risk factors was associated with a C-index increase of 0·012 (0·010-0·014) and a net reclassification improvement of 0·027 (0·019-0·036) for the combination of coronary heart disease and stroke and a C-index increase of 0·019 (0·016-0·022) and a net reclassification improvement of 0·028 (0·019-0·038) for the combination of coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. In people without baseline cardiovascular disease, NT-proBNP concentration assessment strongly predicted first-onset heart failure and augmented coronary heart disease and stroke prediction, suggesting that NT-proBNP concentration assessment could be used to integrate heart failure into cardiovascular disease primary prevention. British Heart Foundation, Austrian Science Fund, UK Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, European Research Council, and European Commission Framework Programme 7. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY license. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Dietary flavonoid intake and the risk of stroke: a dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

PubMed Central

Tang, Zhenyu; Li, Min; Zhang, Xiaowei; Hou, Wenshang

2016-01-01

Objective To clarify and quantify the potential association between intake of flavonoids and risk of stroke. Design Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Data source Studies published before January 2016 identified through electronic searches using PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Prospective cohort studies with relative risks and 95% CIs for stroke according to intake of flavonoids (assessed as dietary intake). Results The meta-analysis yielded 11 prospective cohort studies involving 356 627 participants and more than 5154 stroke cases. The pooled estimate of the multivariate relative risk of stroke for the highest compared with the lowest dietary flavonoid intake was 0.89 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.97; p=0.006). Dose-response analysis indicated that the summary relative risk of stroke for an increase of 100 mg flavonoids consumed per day was 0.91 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.08) without heterogeneity among studies (I2=0%). Stratifying by follow-up duration, the relative risk of stroke for flavonoid intake was 0.89 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.99) in studies with more than 10 years of follow-up. Conclusions Results from this meta-analysis suggest that higher dietary flavonoid intake may moderately lower the risk of stroke. PMID:27279473

Lifestyle and stroke risk: a review.

PubMed

Galimanis, Aekaterini; Mono, Marie-Luise; Arnold, Marcel; Nedeltchev, Krassen; Mattle, Heinrich P

2009-02-01

In recent years, many epidemiological studies have given new insights into old and new lifestyle factors that influence the risk of cerebrovascular events. In this review, we refer to the most important articles to highlight recent advances, especially those important for stroke prevention. This review focuses on the most recent studies that show the association of environmental factors, nutrition, alcohol, tobacco, education, lifestyle and behavior with the risk of vascular disease, including ischemic stroke and cerebral hemorrhage. The link between air pollution and stroke risk has become evident. Low education levels and depression are established as risk factors. This is also true for heavy alcohol consumption, although moderate drinking may be protective. Active and passive smoking are independent risk factors, and a smoking ban in public places has already reduced cardiovascular events in the short term. Physical activity reduces stroke risk; overweight increases it. However, clinical trials to assess the effect of weight reduction on stroke risk are still lacking. Fruits, vegetables, fish, fibers, low-fat dairy products, potassium and low sodium consumption are known and recommended to reduce cardiovascular risk. Data on omega 3 fatty acid, folic acid and B vitamins are inconsistent, and antioxidants are not recommended. Stroke can be substantially reduced by an active lifestyle, cessation of smoking and a healthy diet. Both public and professional education should promote the awareness that a healthy lifestyle and nutrition have the potential to reduce the burden of stroke.

Stroke awareness and knowledge in an urban New Zealand population.

PubMed

Bay, Jacquie L; Spiroski, Ana-Mishel; Fogg-Rogers, Laura; McCann, Clare M; Faull, Richard L M; Barber, Peter A

2015-06-01

Stroke is the third most common cause of death and a major cause of chronic disability in New Zealand. Linked to risk factors that develop across the life-course, stroke is considered to be largely preventable. This study assessed the awareness of stroke risk, symptoms, detection, and prevention behaviors in an urban New Zealand population. Demographics, stroke risk factors awareness, symptoms, responsiveness, and prevention behaviors were evaluated using a structured oral questionnaire. Binomial logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of stroke literacy. Although personal experience of stroke increased awareness of symptoms and their likeliness to indicate the need for urgent medical attention, only 42.7% of the respondents (n = 850) identified stroke as involving both blood and the brain. Educational attainment at or above a trade certificate, apprenticeship, or diploma increased the awareness of stroke symptoms compared with those with no formal educational attainment. Pacific Island respondents were less likely than New Zealand Europeans to identify a number of stroke risk factors. Māori, Pacific Island, and Asian respondents were less likely to identify symptoms of stroke and indicate the need for urgent medical attention. The variability in stroke awareness and knowledge may suggest the need to enhance stroke-related health literacy that facilitates understanding of risk and of factors that reduce morbidity and mortality after stroke in people of Māori and Pacific Island descent and in those with lower educational attainment or socioeconomic status. It is therefore important that stroke awareness campaigns include tailored components for target audiences. Copyright © 2015 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Health Inequalities Associated with Post-Stroke Visual Impairment in the United Kingdom and Ireland: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Hanna, K. L.; Rowe, F. J.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to report on the health inequalities facing stroke survivors with visual impairments as described in the current literature. A systemic review of the literature was conducted to investigate the potential health inequalities facing stroke survivors with subsequent visual impairments. A quality-of-evidence and risk-of-bias assessment was conducted for each of the included articles using the appropriate tool dependent on the type of article. Only four articles discussed health inequalities affecting stroke survivors with visual impairment specifically. A further 23 articles identified health inequalities after stroke, and 38 reported on health inequalities within the visually impaired UK or Irish population. Stroke survivors with visual impairment face inconsistency in eye care provision nationally, along with variability in the assessment and management of visual disorders. The subgroups identified as most at risk were females; black ethnicity; lower socioeconomic status; older age; and those with lower education attainment. The issue of inconsistent service provision for this population must be addressed in future research. Further research must be conducted in order to firmly establish whether or not stroke survivors are at risk of the aforementioned sociodemographic and economic inequalities. PMID:28512502

Mediterranean-style diet and risk of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death: the Northern Manhattan Study.

PubMed

Gardener, Hannah; Wright, Clinton B; Gu, Yian; Demmer, Ryan T; Boden-Albala, Bernadette; Elkind, Mitchell S V; Sacco, Ralph L; Scarmeas, Nikolaos

2011-12-01

A dietary pattern common in regions near the Mediterranean appears to reduce risk of all-cause mortality and ischemic heart disease. Data on blacks and Hispanics in the United States are lacking, and to our knowledge only one study has examined a Mediterranean-style diet (MeDi) in relation to stroke. In this study, we examined an MeDi in relation to vascular events. The Northern Manhattan Study is a population-based cohort to determine stroke incidence and risk factors (mean ± SD age of participants: 69 ± 10 y; 64% women; 55% Hispanic, 21% white, and 24% black). Diet was assessed at baseline by using a food-frequency questionnaire in 2568 participants. A higher score on a 0-9 scale represented increased adherence to an MeDi. The relation between the MeDi score and risk of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and vascular death was assessed with Cox models, with control for sociodemographic and vascular risk factors. The MeDi-score distribution was as follows: 0-2 (14%), 3 (17%), 4 (22%), 5 (22%), and 6-9 (25%). Over a mean follow-up of 9 y, 518 vascular events accrued (171 ischemic strokes, 133 MIs, and 314 vascular deaths). The MeDi score was inversely associated with risk of the composite outcome of ischemic stroke, MI, or vascular death (P-trend = 0.04) and with vascular death specifically (P-trend = 0.02). Moderate and high MeDi scores were marginally associated with decreased risk of MI. There was no association with ischemic stroke. Higher consumption of an MeDi was associated with decreased risk of vascular events. Results support the role of a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil in the promotion of ideal cardiovascular health.

Dietary Protein Sources and the Risk of Stroke in Men and Women

PubMed Central

Bernstein, Adam M.; Pan, An; Rexrode, Kathryn M.; Stampfer, Meir; Hu, Frank B.; Mozaffarian, Dariush; Willett, Walter C.

2012-01-01

Background and Purpose Few dietary protein sources have been studied prospectively in relation to stroke. We examined the relation between foods that are major protein sources and risk of stroke. Methods We prospectively followed 84,010 women aged 30–55 years at baseline and 43,150 men aged 40–75 years at baseline without diagnosed cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. Diet was assessed repeatedly by a standardized and validated questionnaire. We examined the association between protein sources and incidence of stroke using a proportional hazard model adjusted for stroke risk factors. Results During 26 and 22 years of follow-up in women and men, respectively, we documented 2,633 and 1,397 strokes, respectively. In multivariable analyses, higher intake of red meat was associated with an elevated risk of stroke, while a higher intake of poultry was associated with lower risk. In models estimating the effects of exchanging different protein sources, compared to one serving/day of red meat, one serving/day of poultry was associated with a 27% (95% CI: 12% to 39%) lower risk of stroke, nuts with a 17% (95% CI: 4% to 27%) lower risk, fish with a 17% (95% CI: 0% to 30%) lower risk, low-fat dairy with an 11% (95% CI: 5% to 17%) lower risk, and whole-fat dairy with a 10% (95% CI: 4% to 16%) lower risk. We did not see significant associations with exchanging legumes or eggs for red meat. Conclusions These data suggest that stroke risk may be reduced by replacing red meat with other dietary sources of protein. PMID:22207512

An International Standard Set of Patient-Centered Outcome Measures After Stroke.

PubMed

Salinas, Joel; Sprinkhuizen, Sara M; Ackerson, Teri; Bernhardt, Julie; Davie, Charlie; George, Mary G; Gething, Stephanie; Kelly, Adam G; Lindsay, Patrice; Liu, Liping; Martins, Sheila C O; Morgan, Louise; Norrving, Bo; Ribbers, Gerard M; Silver, Frank L; Smith, Eric E; Williams, Linda S; Schwamm, Lee H

2016-01-01

Value-based health care aims to bring together patients and health systems to maximize the ratio of quality over cost. To enable assessment of healthcare value in stroke management, an international standard set of patient-centered stroke outcome measures was defined for use in a variety of healthcare settings. A modified Delphi process was implemented with an international expert panel representing patients, advocates, and clinical specialists in stroke outcomes, stroke registers, global health, epidemiology, and rehabilitation to reach consensus on the preferred outcome measures, included populations, and baseline risk adjustment variables. Patients presenting to a hospital with ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage were selected as the target population for these recommendations, with the inclusion of transient ischemic attacks optional. Outcome categories recommended for assessment were survival and disease control, acute complications, and patient-reported outcomes. Patient-reported outcomes proposed for assessment at 90 days were pain, mood, feeding, selfcare, mobility, communication, cognitive functioning, social participation, ability to return to usual activities, and health-related quality of life, with mobility, feeding, selfcare, and communication also collected at discharge. One instrument was able to collect most patient-reported subdomains (9/16, 56%). Minimum data collection for risk adjustment included patient demographics, premorbid functioning, stroke type and severity, vascular and systemic risk factors, and specific treatment/care-related factors. A consensus stroke measure Standard Set was developed as a simple, pragmatic method to increase the value of stroke care. The set should be validated in practice when used for monitoring and comparisons across different care settings. © 2015 The Authors.

Association of Osteopontin, Neopterin, and Myeloperoxidase With Stroke Risk in Patients With Prior Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attacks: Results of an Analysis of 13 Biomarkers From the Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels Trial.

PubMed

Ganz, Peter; Amarenco, Pierre; Goldstein, Larry B; Sillesen, Henrik; Bao, Weihang; Preston, Gregory M; Welch, K Michael A

2017-12-01

Established risk factors do not fully identify patients at risk for recurrent stroke. The SPARCL trial (Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels) evaluated the effect of atorvastatin on stroke risk in patients with a recent stroke or transient ischemic attack and no known coronary heart disease. This analysis explored the relationships between 13 plasma biomarkers assessed at trial enrollment and the occurrence of outcome strokes. We conducted a case-cohort study of 2176 participants; 562 had outcome strokes and 1614 were selected randomly from those without outcome strokes. Time to stroke was evaluated by Cox proportional hazards models. There was no association between time to stroke and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A 2 , monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, resistin, matrix metalloproteinase-9, N-terminal fragment of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, or soluble CD40 ligand. In adjusted analyses, osteopontin (hazard ratio per SD change, 1.362; P <0.0001), neopterin (hazard ratio, 1.137; P =0.0107), myeloperoxidase (hazard ratio, 1.177; P =0.0022), and adiponectin (hazard ratio, 1.207; P =0.0013) were independently associated with outcome strokes. After adjustment for the Stroke Prognostic Instrument-II and treatment, osteopontin, neopterin, and myeloperoxidase remained independently associated with outcome strokes. The addition of these 3 biomarkers to Stroke Prognostic Instrument-II increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve by 0.023 ( P =0.015) and yielded a continuous net reclassification improvement (29.1%; P <0.0001) and an integrated discrimination improvement (42.3%; P <0.0001). Osteopontin, neopterin, and myeloperoxidase were independently associated with the risk of recurrent stroke and improved risk classification when added to a clinical risk algorithm. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique Identifier: NCT00147602. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Is gout a risk equivalent to diabetes for stroke and myocardial infarction? A retrospective claims database study.

PubMed

Singh, Jasvinder A; Ramachandaran, Rekha; Yu, Shaohua; Yang, Shuo; Xie, Fenglong; Yun, Huifeng; Zhang, Jie; Curtis, Jeffrey R

2017-10-17

Gout is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but associations with specific cardiovascular outcomes, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke are unclear. Our objective in the present study was to assess whether gout is as strong a risk factor as diabetes mellitus (DM) for incident MI and incident stroke. In this retrospective study, we used U.S. claims data from 2007 to 2010 that included a mix of private and public health plans. Four mutually exclusive cohorts were identified: (1) DM only, (2) gout only, (3) gout and DM, and (4) neither gout nor DM. Outcomes were acute MI or stroke with hospitalization. We compared the age- and sex-specific rates of incident MI and stroke across the four cohorts and assessed multivariable-adjusted HRs. In this study, 232,592 patients had DM, 71,755 had gout, 23,261 had both, and 1,010,893 had neither. The incidence of acute MI was lowest in patients with neither gout nor DM, followed by patients with gout alone, DM alone, and both. Among men >80 years of age, the respective rates/1000 person-years were 14.6, 25.4, 27.7, and 37.4. Similar trends were noted for stroke and in women. Compared with DM only, gout was associated with a significantly lower adjusted HR of incident MI (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.76-0.87) but a similar risk of stroke (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.95-1.10). Compared with patients with DM only, patients with both gout and DM had higher HRs for incident MI and stroke (respectively, HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.25-1.47; HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.29-1.56). Gout is a risk equivalent to DM for incident stroke but not for incident MI. Having both gout and DM confers incremental risk compared with DM alone for both incident MI and stroke.

Periodontal Disease, Regular Dental Care Use, and Incident Ischemic Stroke.

PubMed

Sen, Souvik; Giamberardino, Lauren D; Moss, Kevin; Morelli, Thiago; Rosamond, Wayne D; Gottesman, Rebecca F; Beck, James; Offenbacher, Steven

2018-02-01

Periodontal disease is independently associated with cardiovascular disease. Identification of periodontal disease as a risk factor for incident ischemic stroke raises the possibility that regular dental care utilization may reduce the stroke risk. In the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study, pattern of dental visits were classified as regular or episodic dental care users. In the ancillary dental ARIC study, selected subjects from ARIC underwent fullmouth periodontal measurements collected at 6 sites per tooth and classified into 7 periodontal profile classes (PPCs). In the ARIC study 10 362 stroke-free participants, 584 participants had incident ischemic strokes over a 15-year period. In the dental ARIC study, 6736 dentate subjects were assessed for periodontal disease status using PPC with a total of 299 incident ischemic strokes over the 15-year period. The 7 levels of PPC showed a trend toward an increased stroke risk (χ 2 trend P <0.0001); the incidence rate for ischemic stroke/1000-person years was 1.29 for PPC-A (health), 2.82 for PPC-B, 4.80 for PPC-C, 3.81 for PPC-D, 3.50 for PPC-E, 4.78 for PPC-F, and 5.03 for PPC-G (severe periodontal disease). Periodontal disease was significantly associated with cardioembolic (hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.6) and thrombotic (hazard ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-3.8) stroke subtypes. Regular dental care utilization was associated with lower adjusted stroke risk (hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.94). We confirm an independent association between periodontal disease and incident stroke risk, particularly cardioembolic and thrombotic stroke subtype. Further, we report that regular dental care utilization may lower this risk for stroke. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

In-hospital risk prediction for post-stroke depression: development and validation of the Post-stroke Depression Prediction Scale.

PubMed

de Man-van Ginkel, Janneke M; Hafsteinsdóttir, Thóra B; Lindeman, Eline; Ettema, Roelof G A; Grobbee, Diederick E; Schuurmans, Marieke J

2013-09-01

The timely detection of post-stroke depression is complicated by a decreasing length of hospital stay. Therefore, the Post-stroke Depression Prediction Scale was developed and validated. The Post-stroke Depression Prediction Scale is a clinical prediction model for the early identification of stroke patients at increased risk for post-stroke depression. The study included 410 consecutive stroke patients who were able to communicate adequately. Predictors were collected within the first week after stroke. Between 6 to 8 weeks after stroke, major depressive disorder was diagnosed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted. A bootstrap-backward selection process resulted in a reduced model. Performance of the model was expressed by discrimination, calibration, and accuracy. The model included a medical history of depression or other psychiatric disorders, hypertension, angina pectoris, and the Barthel Index item dressing. The model had acceptable discrimination, based on an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 (0.72-0.85), and calibration (P value of the U-statistic, 0.96). Transforming the model to an easy-to-use risk-assessment table, the lowest risk category (sum score, <-10) showed a 2% risk of depression, which increased to 82% in the highest category (sum score, >21). The clinical prediction model enables clinicians to estimate the degree of the depression risk for an individual patient within the first week after stroke.

Education, Socioeconomic Status, and Intelligence in Childhood and Stroke Risk in Later Life: A Meta-analysis.

PubMed

McHutchison, Caroline A; Backhouse, Ellen V; Cvoro, Vera; Shenkin, Susan D; Wardlaw, Joanna M

2017-07-01

Stroke is the second most common cause of death, and a common cause of dependency and dementia. Adult vascular risk factors and socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with increased risk, but less is known about early life risk factors, such as education, childhood SES, or intelligence (IQ). We comprehensively searched Medline, PsycINFO, and EMBASE from inception to November 2015. We included all studies reporting data on >50 strokes examining childhood/premorbid IQ, SES, and education. Two reviewers independently screened full texts and extracted and cross-checked data, including available risk factor adjustments. We meta-analyzed stroke risk using hazard ratios (HR), odds ratios (OR), and mean differences (MD). We tested effects of study and participant characteristics in sensitivity analyses and meta-regression, and assessed heterogeneity and publication bias. We identified 90 studies examining stroke risk and education (79), SES (10), or IQ (nine) including approximately 164,683 stroke and over 5 million stroke-free participants. Stroke risk increased with lower education (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.24, 1.48), SES (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.12, 1.46), and IQ (HR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.37) in studies reporting point estimates, with similar associations for MD. We found minimal publication bias. Between-study heterogeneity was partly explained by participant age and case ascertainment method. Education, childhood SES, and intelligence have modest but important associations with lifetime stroke, and hence dementia, risks. Future studies distinguishing between the individual and combined effects of education, childhood SES and intelligence are needed to determine the independent contribution of each factor to stroke risk. See video abstract at, http://links.lww.com/EDE/B210.

Self-Reported Sleep Duration in Relation to Incident Stroke Symptoms: Nuances by Body Mass and Race from the REGARDS Study

PubMed Central

Ruiter Petrov, Megan E.; Letter, Abraham J.; Howard, Virginia J.; Kleindorfer, Dawn

2013-01-01

Objectives Determine, amongst employed persons with low risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), if sleep duration is associated with incident stroke symptoms, independent of body mass index (BMI), and if sleep duration mediates racial differences in stroke symptoms. Methods In 2008, 5,666 employed participants (US blacks and whites, ≥45years) from the longitudinal and nationally-representative REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, self-reported their average sleep duration. Participants had no history of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or stroke symptoms, and were low risk for OSA. After the sleep assessment, self-reported stroke symptoms were collected at six-month intervals, up to 3 years (M=751 days). Interval-censored, parametric survival models were conducted to estimate hazard ratios predicting time from sleep duration measurement (<6, 6-6.9, 7-7.9(reference), 8-8.9, ≥9 hours) to first stroke symptom. Adjusted models included demographics, stroke risk factors, psychological symptoms, health behaviors, and diet. Results During follow-up, 224 participants reported ≥1 stroke symptom. In the unadjusted model, short sleep (<6hrs) significantly predicted increased risk of stroke symptoms, but not in adjusted models. Stratification by BMI revealed a significant association between short sleep duration and stroke symptoms only for normal BMI persons in unadjusted (HR: 2.93, 95%CI: 1.38-6.22) and fully adjusted models (HR: 4.19, 95%CI: 1.62-10.84). The mediating effect of sleep duration on the relationship between race and stroke symptoms was borderline significant in normal weight participants. Conclusions Among middle-aged to older employed individuals of normal weight and low risk of OSA, self-reported short sleep duration is prospectively associated with increased risk of stroke symptoms. PMID:24119626

Plaque Echolucency and Stroke Risk in Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Gupta, Ajay; Kesavabhotla, Kartik; Baradaran, Hediyeh; Kamel, Hooman; Pandya, Ankur; Giambrone, Ashley E.; Wright, Drew; Pain, Kevin J.; Mtui, Edward E.; Suri, Jasjit S.; Sanelli, Pina C.; Mushlin, Alvin I.

2014-01-01

Background and Purpose Ultrasonographic plaque echolucency has been studied as a stroke risk marker in carotid atherosclerotic disease. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the association between ultrasound determined carotid plaque echolucency and future ipsilateral stroke risk. Methods We searched the medical literature for studies evaluating the association between carotid plaque echolucency and future stroke in asymptomatic patients. We included prospective observational studies with stroke outcome ascertainment after baseline carotid plaque echolucency assessment. We performed a meta-analysis and assessed study heterogeneity and publication bias. We also performed subgroup analyses limited to patients with stenosis ≥50%, studies in which plaque echolucency was determined via subjective visual interpretation, studies with a relatively lower risk of bias, and studies published after the year 2000. Results We analyzed data from 7 studies on 7557 subjects with a mean follow up of 37.2 months. We found a significant positive relationship between predominantly echolucent (compared to predominantly echogenic) plaques and the risk of future ipsilateral stroke across all stenosis severities (0-99%) (relative risk [RR], 2.31, 95% CI, 1.58-3.39, P<.001) and in subjects with ≥50% stenosis (RR, 2.61 95% CI, 1.47-4.63, P=.001). A statistically significant increased RR for future stroke was preserved in all additional subgroup analyses. No statistically significant heterogeneity or publication bias was present in any of the meta-analyses. Conclusions The presence of ultrasound-determined carotid plaque echolucency provides predictive information in asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis beyond luminal stenosis. However, the magnitude of the increased risk is not sufficient on its own to identify patients likely to benefit from surgical revascularization. PMID:25406150

Inherited and Uncommon Causes of Stroke.

PubMed

Majersik, Jennifer Juhl

2017-02-01

This article is a practical guide to identifying uncommon causes of stroke and offers guidance for evaluation and management, even when large controlled trials are lacking in these rarer forms of stroke. Fabry disease causes early-onset stroke, particularly of the vertebrobasilar system; enzyme replacement therapy should be considered in affected patients. Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis, causes migraines, early-onset lacunar strokes, and dementia. Moyamoya disease can cause either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke; revascularization is recommended in some patients. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy causes both microhemorrhages and macrohemorrhages, resulting in typical stroke symptoms and progressive dementia. Pregnancy raises the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, particularly in women with preeclampsia/eclampsia. Pregnant women are also at risk for posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Experts recommend that pregnant women with acute ischemic stroke not be systematically denied the potential benefits of IV recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Neurologists should become familiar with these uncommon causes of stroke to provide future risk assessment and family counseling and to implement appropriate treatment plans to prevent recurrence.

Recurrent transient ischaemic attack and early risk of stroke: data from the PROMAPA study.

PubMed

Purroy, Francisco; Jiménez Caballero, Pedro Enrique; Gorospe, Arantza; Torres, María José; Alvarez-Sabin, José; Santamarina, Estevo; Martínez-Sánchez, Patricia; Cánovas, David; Freijo, María José; Egido, Jose Antonio; Ramírez-Moreno, Jose M; Alonso-Arias, Arantza; Rodríguez-Campello, Ana; Casado, Ignacio; Delgado-Mederos, Raquel; Martí-Fàbregas, Joan; Fuentes, Blanca; Silva, Yolanda; Quesada, Helena; Cardona, Pere; Morales, Ana; de la Ossa, Natalia Pérez; García-Pastor, Antonio; Arenillas, Juan F; Segura, Tomas; Jiménez, Carmen; Masjuán, Jaime

2013-06-01

Many guidelines recommend urgent intervention for patients with two or more transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) within 7 days (multiple TIAs) to reduce the early risk of stroke. To determine whether all patients with multiple TIAs have the same high early risk of stroke. Between April 2008 and December 2009, we included 1255 consecutive patients with a TIA from 30 Spanish stroke centres (PROMAPA study). We prospectively recorded clinical characteristics. We also determined the short-term risk of stroke (at 7 and 90 days). Aetiology was categorised using the TOAST (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) classification. Clinical variables and extracranial vascular imaging were available and assessed in 1137/1255 (90.6%) patients. 7-Day and 90-day stroke risk were 2.6% and 3.8%, respectively. Large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) was confirmed in 190 (16.7%) patients. Multiple TIAs were seen in 274 (24.1%) patients. Duration <1 h (OR=2.97, 95% CI 2.20 to 4.01, p<0.001), LAA (OR=1.92, 95% CI 1.35 to 2.72, p<0.001) and motor weakness (OR=1.37, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.81, p=0.031) were independent predictors of multiple TIAs. The subsequent risk of stroke in these patients at 7 and 90 days was significantly higher than the risk after a single TIA (5.9% vs 1.5%, p<0.001 and 6.8% vs 3.0%, respectively). In the logistic regression model, among patients with multiple TIAs, no variables remained as independent predictors of stroke recurrence. According to our results, multiple TIAs within 7 days are associated with a greater subsequent risk of stroke than after a single TIA. Nevertheless, we found no independent predictor of stroke recurrence among these patients.

PCOS, coronary heart disease, stroke and the influence of obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

de Groot, P C M; Dekkers, O M; Romijn, J A; Dieben, S W M; Helmerhorst, F M

2011-01-01

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at risk of arterial disease. We examined the risk of (non)fatal coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke in patients with PCOS and ovulatory women without PCOS, and assessed whether obesity might explain a higher risk of CHD or stroke. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled observational studies. Four definitions of PCOS were considered: World Health Organization type II anovulation, National Institutes of Health criteria, Rotterdam consensus and Androgen-excess criteria. Obesity was defined as BMI > 30 kg/m(2) and/or waist circumference >88 cm. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Primary outcome was fatal/non-fatal CHD or stroke. Definitions of CHD and stroke were based on criteria used by the various authors. The effect measure was the pooled relative risk in a random effects model. Risk ratios and rate ratios were combined here. After identifying 1340 articles, 5 follow-up studies published between 2000 and 2008 were included. The studies showed heterogeneity in design, definitions and quality. In a random effects model the relative risk for CHD or stroke were 2.02 comparing women with PCOS to women without PCOS (95% confidence interval 1.47, 2.76). Pooling the two studies with risk estimates adjusted for BMI showed a relative risk of 1.55 (1.27, 1.89). This meta-analysis showed a 2-fold risk of arterial disease for patients with PCOS relative to women without PCOS. BMI adjustment did not affect this finding, suggesting the increased risk for cardiovascular events in PCOS is not completely related to a higher BMI in patients with PCOS.

Silent Brain Infarction and Risk of Future Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Gupta, Ajay; Giambrone, Ashley E.; Gialdini, Gino; Finn, Caitlin; Delgado, Diana; Gutierrez, Jose; Wright, Clinton; Beiser, Alexa S.; Seshadri, Sudha; Pandya, Ankur; Kamel, Hooman

2016-01-01

Background and Purpose Silent brain infarction (SBI) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed as a subclinical risk marker for future symptomatic stroke. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the association between MRI-defined SBI and future stroke risk. Methods We searched the medical literature to identify cohort studies involving adults with MRI detection of SBI who were subsequently followed for incident clinically-defined stroke. Study data and quality assessment were recorded in duplicate with disagreements in data extraction resolved by a third reader. Strength association between MRI detected SBI and future symptomatic stroke measured by a hazard ratio (HR). Results The meta-analysis included 13 studies (14,764 subjects) with a mean follow-up ranging from 25.7 to 174 months. SBI predicted the occurrence of stroke with a random effects crude relative risk of 2.94 (95% CI 2.24–3.86, P<0.001; Q=39.65, P<0.001). In the eight studies of 10,427 subjects providing HR adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors, SBI was an independent predictor of incident stroke (HR 2.08 [95% CI 1.69–2.56, P<0.001]; Q=8.99, P=0.25). In a subgroup analysis pooling 9,483 stroke-free individuals from large population-based studies, SBI was present in ~18% of participants and remained a strong predictor of future stroke (HR 2.06 [95% CI 1.64–2.59], p<0.01). Conclusions SBI is present in approximately one in five stroke-free older adults and is associated with a 2-fold increased risk of future stroke. Future studies of in-depth stroke risk evaluations and intensive prevention measures are warranted in patients with clinically unrecognized radiologically evident brain infarctions. PMID:26888534

The Framingham study and treatment guidelines for stroke prevention.

PubMed

Grossi, Enzo

2008-06-01

In recent years, institutional bodies and scientific societies of principal Western countries have produced several guidelines dealing with risk assessment, primary prevention, and treatment of acute stroke. From a prospective, community-based, observational cohort of patients from the Framingham Heart Study, an absolute estimate of risk for stroke alone or stroke or death was determined based on several risk factors, including advanced age, female sex, increased systolic blood pressure, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack, and diabetes mellitus. This algorithm considers many variables and expresses their results as the percentage of risk of developing a fatal or nonfatal stroke in the following 5 years. The author has identified three major pitfalls of this algorithm, which are related to the limitation of the classic statistical approach in handling this kind of nonlinear and complex information: 1) the very large confidence interval of individual risk assessment, 2) the inability to capture the process dynamics, and 3) the inability to capture the disease complexity. The artificial intelligence armamentarium may provide an advantage in the attempt to overcome these limitations. The theoretic background and some application examples related to artificial neural networks (ANNs) and fuzzy logic are reviewed and discussed. Newer approaches linked to artificial intelligence, such as fuzzy logic and ANNs, seem better at addressing the challenge of the increasing complexity of the predisposing factors linked to cerebrovascular events and at predicting future events in an individual patient.

Stroke outcomes measures must be appropriately risk adjusted to ensure quality care of patients: a presidential advisory from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

PubMed

Fonarow, Gregg C; Alberts, Mark J; Broderick, Joseph P; Jauch, Edward C; Kleindorfer, Dawn O; Saver, Jeffrey L; Solis, Penelope; Suter, Robert; Schwamm, Lee H

2014-05-01

Because stroke is among the leading causes of death, disability, hospitalizations, and healthcare expenditures in the United States, there is interest in reporting outcomes for patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, as part of its commitment to promote high-quality, evidence-based care for cardiovascular and stroke patients, fully supports the development of properly risk-adjusted outcome measures for stroke. To accurately assess and report hospital-level outcomes, adequate risk adjustment for case mix is essential. During the development of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 30-day stroke mortality and 30-day stroke readmission measures, concerns were expressed that these measures were not adequately designed because they do not include a valid initial stroke severity measure, such as the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. These outcome measures, as currently constructed, may be prone to mischaracterizing the quality of stroke care being delivered by hospitals and may ultimately harm acute ischemic stroke patients. This article details (1) why the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services acute ischemic stroke outcome measures in their present form may not provide adequate risk adjustment, (2) why the measures as currently designed may lead to inaccurate representation of hospital performance and have the potential for serious unintended consequences, (3) what activities the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has engaged in to highlight these concerns to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and other interested parties, and (4) alternative approaches and opportunities that should be considered for more accurately risk-adjusting 30-day outcomes measures in patients with ischemic stroke.

Platypnea-Orthodeoxia: An Unusual Case of Hypoxemia

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

Valsalva maneuver. Both are thought to open the PFO via increased right atrial filling. In a small study using transesophageal echocardiography , the...for stroke assessed by transesophageal echocardiography and carotid ultrasonography: the SPARC study. Stroke prevention: assessment of risk in a

Systolic blood pressure, arterial rigidity, and risk of stroke. The Framingham study.

PubMed

Kannel, W B; Wolf, P A; McGee, D L; Dawber, T R; McNamara, P; Castelli, W P

1981-03-27

Based on prospective data from the Framingham study relating systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, age, and pulse-wave configuration to future stroke incidence, it would appear that isolated systolic hypertension predisposes to stroke independent of arterial rigidity. The prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension increased with age and with the degree of blunting of the dicrotic notch in the pulse wave. Subjects with isolated systolic hypertension experienced two to four times as many strokes as did normotensive persons. While diastolic pressure is related to stroke incidence, in the subject with systolic hypertension, the diastolic component adds little to risk assessment and in men, in this subgroup, appears unrelated to stroke incidence.

Effect of urgent treatment of transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke on early recurrent stroke (EXPRESS study): a prospective population-based sequential comparison.

PubMed

Rothwell, Peter M; Giles, Matthew F; Chandratheva, Arvind; Marquardt, Lars; Geraghty, Olivia; Redgrave, Jessica N E; Lovelock, Caroline E; Binney, Lucy E; Bull, Linda M; Cuthbertson, Fiona C; Welch, Sarah J V; Bosch, Shelley; Alexander, Faye C; Carasco-Alexander, Faye; Silver, Louise E; Gutnikov, Sergei A; Mehta, Ziyah

2007-10-20

The risk of recurrent stroke is up to 10% in the week after a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke. Modelling studies suggest that urgent use of existing preventive treatments could reduce the risk by 80-90%, but in the absence of evidence many health-care systems make little provision. Our aim was to determine the effect of more rapid treatment after TIA and minor stroke in patients who are not admitted direct to hospital. We did a prospective before (phase 1: April 1, 2002, to Sept 30, 2004) versus after (phase 2: Oct 1, 2004, to March 31, 2007) study of the effect on process of care and outcome of more urgent assessment and immediate treatment in clinic, rather than subsequent initiation in primary care, in all patients with TIA or minor stroke not admitted direct to hospital. The study was nested within a rigorous population-based incidence study of all TIA and stroke (Oxford Vascular Study; OXVASC), such that case ascertainment, investigation, and follow-up were complete and identical in both periods. The primary outcome was the risk of stroke within 90 days of first seeking medical attention, with independent blinded (to study period) audit of all events. Of the 1278 patients in OXVASC who presented with TIA or stroke (634 in phase 1 and 644 in phase 2), 607 were referred or presented direct to hospital, 620 were referred for outpatient assessment, and 51 were not referred to secondary care. 95% (n=591) of all outpatient referrals were to the study clinic. Baseline characteristics and delays in seeking medical attention were similar in both periods, but median delay to assessment in the study clinic fell from 3 (IQR 2-5) days in phase 1 to less than 1 (0-3) day in phase 2 (p<0.0001), and median delay to first prescription of treatment fell from 20 (8-53) days to 1 (0-3) day (p<0.0001). The 90-day risk of recurrent stroke in the patients referred to the study clinic was 10.3% (32/310 patients) in phase 1 and 2.1% (6/281 patients) in phase 2 (adjusted hazard ratio 0.20, 95% CI 0.08-0.49; p=0.0001); there was no significant change in risk in patients treated elsewhere. The reduction in risk was independent of age and sex, and early treatment did not increase the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage or other bleeding. Early initiation of existing treatments after TIA or minor stroke was associated with an 80% reduction in the risk of early recurrent stroke. Further follow-up is required to determine long-term outcome, but these results have immediate implications for service provision and public education about TIA and minor stroke.

The risk of stroke after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at hysterectomy for benign diseases: A nationwide cohort study.

PubMed

Lai, Jerry Cheng-Yen; Chou, Yiing-Jenq; Huang, Nicole; Chen, Hung-Hui; Wang, Kung-Liahng; Wang, Chien-Wei; Shen, I-Hsuan; Chang, Hung-Chang

2018-08-01

To assess the risk of stroke (and subtypes of stroke) in women after elective bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at hysterectomy for benign diseases. We conducted a nationwide population-based, retrospective cohort study using claims data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance program between 1997 and 2013. Women aged 20 years or more who underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at hysterectomy for benign diseases (n = 1083) were compared with women who did not undergo bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at hysterectomy for benign diseases (n = 3903). The follow-up period ranged from 10 to 16 years. Age-adjusted (or unadjusted) and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the risk of stroke between the two groups. A diagnosis of stroke (and subtypes of stroke). We did not find a significant association between bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and the risk of incident stroke (or subtypes of stroke) over an average follow-up of 13 years. Among women aged 50 years or more who used estrogen therapy, the risk of developing stroke was 64% lower in those who had undergone bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.79) than in those who had undergone hysterectomy only. This study suggests that the use of estrogen after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at hysterectomy for benign diseases reduces the risk of stroke in women aged 50 years or more. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Low density lipoprotein receptor related protein-1 and 6 gene variants and ischemic stroke risk

PubMed Central

Harriott, Andrea M.; Heckman, Michael G.; Rayaprolu, Sruti; Soto-Ortolaza, Alexandra I.; Diehl, Nancy N.; Kanekiyo, Takahisa; Liu, Chia-Chen; Bu, Guojun; Malik, Rainer; Cole, John W.; Meschia, James F.; Ross, Owen A.

2015-01-01

Background Low density lipoprotein receptor related proteins-1 and 6 have been implicated in cerebral ischemia. In addition, genetic variation in LRP1 and LRP6 has been linked with various factors that are related to risk of ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to examine the association of LRP1 and LRP6 gene variants with risk of ischemic stroke as part of the Ischemic Stroke Genetics Study (ISGS). Methods We included a Caucasian series (434 stroke patients, 319 controls) and an African American series (161 stroke patients, 116 controls). Fourteen LRP6 variants and 3 LRP1 variants were genotyped and assessed for association with ischemic stroke. Results In the Caucasian series, significant associations with ischemic stroke were observed for LRP6 rs2075241 (OR:0.42, P=0.023), rs2302685 (OR:0.44, P=0.049), rs7975614 (OR: 0.07, P=0.017), rs10492120 (OR: 0.62, P=0.036), and rs10743980 (OR: 0.66, P=0.037). Risk of ischemic stroke was significantly lower for carriers of any of these five protective LRP6 variants (24.0% of subjects) compared to non-carriers (OR:0.57, P=0.003). The protective association for LRP6 rs2075241 was observed at a similar magnitude across ischemic stroke subtypes, while the effects of rs23022685, rs10492120, and rs10743980 were most apparent for cardioembolic and large vessel stroke. In the African American series, LRP1 rs11172113 was associated with an increased risk of stroke (OR:1.89, P=0.006). Conclusions The results of our preliminary study provide evidence that LRP6 and LRP1 variants may be associated with risk of ischemic stroke. Validation in larger studies is warranted. PMID:26031789

Burden of stroke attributable to selected lifestyle risk factors in rural South Africa.

PubMed

Maredza, Mandy; Bertram, Melanie Y; Gómez-Olivé, Xavier F; Tollman, Stephen M

2016-02-12

Rural South Africa (SA) is undergoing a rapid health transition characterized by increases in non-communicable diseases; stroke in particular. Knowledge of the relative contribution of modifiable risk factors on disease occurrence is needed for public health prevention efforts and community-oriented health promotion. Our aim was to estimate the burden of stroke in rural SA that is attributable to high blood pressure, excess weight and high blood glucose using World Health Organization's comparative risk assessment (CRA) framework. We estimated current exposure distributions of the risk factors in rural SA using 2010 data from the Agincourt health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS). Relative risks of stroke per unit of exposure were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010. We used data from the Agincourt HDSS to estimate age-, sex-, and stroke specific deaths and disability adjusted life years (DALYs). We estimated the proportion of the years of life lost (YLL) and DALY loss attributable to the risk factors and incorporate uncertainty intervals into these estimates. Overall, 38 % of the documented stroke burden was due to high blood pressure (12 % males; 26 % females). This translated to 520 YLL per year (95 % CI: 325-678) and 540 DALYs (CI: 343-717). Excess Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated as responsible for 20 % of the stroke burden (3.5 % males; 16 % females). This translated to 260 YLLs (CI: 199-330) and 277 DALYs (CI: 211-350). Burden was disproportionately higher in young females when BMI was assessed. High blood pressure and excess weight, which both have effective interventions, are responsible for a significant proportion of the stroke burden in rural SA; the burden varies across age and sex sub-groups. The most effective way forward to reduce the stroke burden requires both population wide policies that have an impact across the age spectra and targeted (health promotion/disease prevention) interventions on women and young people.

The Stroke Riskometer™ App: Validation of a data collection tool and stroke risk predictor

PubMed Central

Parmar, Priya; Krishnamurthi, Rita; Ikram, M Arfan; Hofman, Albert; Mirza, Saira S; Varakin, Yury; Kravchenko, Michael; Piradov, Michael; Thrift, Amanda G; Norrving, Bo; Wang, Wenzhi; Mandal, Dipes Kumar; Barker-Collo, Suzanne; Sahathevan, Ramesh; Davis, Stephen; Saposnik, Gustavo; Kivipelto, Miia; Sindi, Shireen; Bornstein, Natan M; Giroud, Maurice; Béjot, Yannick; Brainin, Michael; Poulton, Richie; Narayan, K M Venkat; Correia, Manuel; Freire, António; Kokubo, Yoshihiro; Wiebers, David; Mensah, George; BinDhim, Nasser F; Barber, P Alan; Pandian, Jeyaraj Durai; Hankey, Graeme J; Mehndiratta, Man Mohan; Azhagammal, Shobhana; Ibrahim, Norlinah Mohd; Abbott, Max; Rush, Elaine; Hume, Patria; Hussein, Tasleem; Bhattacharjee, Rohit; Purohit, Mitali; Feigin, Valery L

2015-01-01

Background The greatest potential to reduce the burden of stroke is by primary prevention of first-ever stroke, which constitutes three quarters of all stroke. In addition to population-wide prevention strategies (the ‘mass’ approach), the ‘high risk’ approach aims to identify individuals at risk of stroke and to modify their risk factors, and risk, accordingly. Current methods of assessing and modifying stroke risk are difficult to access and implement by the general population, amongst whom most future strokes will arise. To help reduce the burden of stroke on individuals and the population a new app, the Stroke Riskometer™, has been developed. We aim to explore the validity of the app for predicting the risk of stroke compared with current best methods. Methods 752 stroke outcomes from a sample of 9501 individuals across three countries (New Zealand, Russia and the Netherlands) were utilized to investigate the performance of a novel stroke risk prediction tool algorithm (Stroke Riskometer™) compared with two established stroke risk score prediction algorithms (Framingham Stroke Risk Score [FSRS] and QStroke). We calculated the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and area under the ROC curve (AUROC) with 95% confidence intervals, Harrels C-statistic and D-statistics for measure of discrimination, R2 statistics to indicate level of variability accounted for by each prediction algorithm, the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic for calibration, and the sensitivity and specificity of each algorithm. Results The Stroke Riskometer™ performed well against the FSRS five-year AUROC for both males (FSRS = 75·0% (95% CI 72·3%–77·6%), Stroke Riskometer™ = 74·0(95% CI 71·3%–76·7%) and females [FSRS = 70·3% (95% CI 67·9%–72·8%, Stroke Riskometer™ = 71·5% (95% CI 69·0%–73·9%)], and better than QStroke [males – 59·7% (95% CI 57·3%–62·0%) and comparable to females = 71·1% (95% CI 69·0%–73·1%)]. Discriminative ability of all algorithms was low (C-statistic ranging from 0·51–0·56, D-statistic ranging from 0·01–0·12). Hosmer-Lemeshow illustrated that all of the predicted risk scores were not well calibrated with the observed event data (P < 0·006). Conclusions The Stroke Riskometer™ is comparable in performance for stroke prediction with FSRS and QStroke. All three algorithms performed equally poorly in predicting stroke events. The Stroke Riskometer™ will be continually developed and validated to address the need to improve the current stroke risk scoring systems to more accurately predict stroke, particularly by identifying robust ethnic/race ethnicity group and country specific risk factors. PMID:25491651

Pearls: stroke.

PubMed

Wozniak, Marcella A

2010-02-01

The diagnosis of ischemic stroke continues to be a clinical one, although advances in neuroimaging have expanded our understanding of the correlation between clinical symptoms and neuroanatomical localization. Careful neurologic examination allows localization in both neuroanatomical and vascular space. Findings on neuroimaging are then correlated to assess their clinical relevance. Transient ischemic attack is recognized as a warning sign for impending vascular disease, but even less specific transient neurologic symptoms are associated with increased risk. Stroke can occur at any age. For women, the postpartum period is a time of elevated risk for arterial ischemic stroke. (c) Thieme Medical Publishers.

Over-the-counter and prescription sleep medication and incident stroke: the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study.

PubMed

Petrov, Megan E; Howard, Virginia J; Kleindorfer, Dawn; Grandner, Michael A; Molano, Jennifer R; Howard, George

2014-09-01

Preliminary evidence suggests sleep medications are associated with risk of vascular events; however, the long-term vascular consequences are understudied. This study investigated the relation between sleep medication use and incident stroke. Within the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke study, 21,678 black participants and white participants (≥45 years) with no history of stroke were studied. Participants were recruited from 2003 to 2007. From 2008 to 2010, participants self reported their prescription and over-the-counter sleep medication use over the past month. Suspected stroke events were identified by telephone contact at 6-month intervals and associated medical records were retrieved and physician-adjudicated. Proportional hazards analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios for incident stroke associated with sleep medication use (0, 1-14, and 15+ days per month) controlling for sociodemographics, stroke risk factors, mental health symptoms, and sleep apnea risk. At the sleep assessment, 9.6% of the sample used prescription sleep medication and 11.1% used over-the-counter sleep aids. Over an average follow-up of 3.3 ± 1.0 years, 297 stroke events occurred. Over-the-counter sleep medication use was associated with increased risk of incident stroke in a frequency-response relationship (P = .014), with a 46% increased risk for 1-14 days of use per month (hazards ratio [HR] = 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], .99-2.15) and a 65% increased risk for 15+ days (HR = 1.65; 95% CI, .96-2.85). There was no significant association with prescription sleep medications (P = .80). Over-the-counter sleep medication use may independently increase the risk of stroke beyond other risk factors in middle-aged to older individuals with no history of stroke. Copyright © 2014 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High-risk carotid plaque: lessons learned from histopathology.

PubMed

Kolodgie, Frank D; Yahagi, Kazuyuki; Mori, Hiroyoshi; Romero, Maria E; Trout, Hugh H; Finn, Aloke V; Virmani, Renu

2017-03-01

The pathophysiology and natural history of atherosclerotic carotid disease is predicated on a more extensive knowledge of lesion progression gained in the studies conducted in the coronary arteries, and these will be reviewed. While the precise sequence of lesion progression leading to carotid plaque vulnerability and cerebrovascular events remain less well understood, specific early and more advanced progressive lesion morphologies associated with stroke risk have been characterized. Of late, there has been a conscious effort for stroke prevention in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients to move beyond luminal stenosis as the only guidance to predict future cerebrovascular events. Driving this strategy are recent advances in medical imaging modalities to assess carotid atherosclerosis vulnerability particularly involving molecular imaging, which is now positioned at the forefront to provide a more detailed and mechanistic assessment of stroke risk. As such, we will spotlight the pathology of high-risk carotid plaques in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid disease with further reference into more recent mechanistic insights involving a recognized macrophage-mediated inflammatory change, intraplaque neoangiogenesis/hemorrhage, hypoxia, and microcalcification, as potential morphologic indicators of stroke risk. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Changes in the living arrangement and risk of stroke in Japan; does it matter who lives in the household? Who among the family matters?

PubMed

Eshak, Ehab Salah; Iso, Hiroyasu; Honjo, Kaori; Noda, Ai; Sawada, Norie; Tsugane, Shoichiro

2017-01-01

Previous studies have suggested associations of family composition with morbidity and mortality; however, the evidence of associations with risk of stroke is limited. We sought to examine the impact of changes in the household composition on risk of stroke and its types in Japanese population. Cox proportional hazard modelling was used to assess the risk of incident stroke and stroke types within a cohort of 77,001 Japanese men and women aged 45-74 years who experienced addition and/or loss of family members [spouse, child(ren), parent(s) and others] to their households over a five years interval (between 1990-1993 and 1995-1998). During 1,043,446 person-years of the follow-up for 35,247 men and 41,758 women, a total of 3,858 cases of incident stroke (1485 hemorrhagic and 2373 ischemic) were documented. When compared with a stable family composition, losing at least one family member was associated with 11-15% increased risk of stroke in women and men; hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.11 (1.01-1.22) and 1.15 (1.05-1.26), respectively. The increased risk was associated with the loss of a spouse, and was evident for ischemic stroke in men and hemorrhagic stroke in women. The addition of any family members to the household was not associated with risk of stroke in men, whereas the addition of a parent (s) to the household was associated with increased risk in women: 1.49 (1.09-2.28). When the loss of a spouse was accompanied by the addition of other family members to the household, the increased risk of stroke disappeared in men: 1.18 (0.85-1.63), but exacerbated in women: 1.58 (1.19-2.10). In conclusion, men who have lost family members, specifically a spouse have higher risk of ischemic stroke, and women who gained family members; specifically a parent (s) had the higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke than those with a stable family composition.

Objective fall risk detection in stroke survivors using wearable sensor technology: a feasibility study.

PubMed

Taylor-Piliae, Ruth E; Mohler, M Jane; Najafi, Bijan; Coull, Bruce M

2016-12-01

Stroke survivors often have persistent neural deficits related to motor function and sensation, which increase their risk of falling, most of which occurs at home or in community settings. The use of wearable technology to monitor fall risk and gait in stroke survivors may prove useful in enhancing recovery and/or preventing injuries. Determine the feasibility of using wearable technology (PAMSys™) to objectively monitor fall risk and gait in home and community settings in stroke survivors. In this feasibility study, we used the PAMSys to identify fall risk indicators (postural transitions: duration in seconds, and number of unsuccessful attempts), and gait (steps, speed, duration) for 48 hours during usual daily activities in stroke survivors (n = 10) compared to age-matched controls (n = 10). A questionnaire assessed device acceptability. Stroke survivors mean age was 70 ± 8 years old, were mainly Caucasian (60%) women (70%), and not significantly different than the age-matched controls (all P-values >0.20). Stroke survivors (100%) reported that the device was comfortable to wear, didn't interfere with everyday activities, and were willing to wear it for another 48 hours. None reported any difficulty with the device while sleeping, removing/putting back on for showering or changing clothes. When compared to controls, stroke survivors had significantly worse fall risk indicators and walked less (P < 0.05). Stroke survivors reported high acceptability of 48 hours of continuous PAMSys monitoring. The use of in-home wearable technology may prove useful in monitoring fall risk and gait in stroke survivors, potentially enhancing recovery.

Cough reflex attenuation and swallowing dysfunction in sub-acute post-stroke patients: prevalence, risk factors, and clinical outcome.

PubMed

Vilardell, N; Rofes, L; Nascimento, W V; Muriana, D; Palomeras, E; Clavé, P

2017-01-01

Cough and swallowing impairments in post-stroke patients (PSP) have been associated with increased risk for respiratory complications. To assess the prevalence of alterations in protective cough responses in subacute PSP and its association with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD), clinical, and neurotopographic stroke factors and clinical outcomes. Three months after stroke, the cough reflex test (CRT) was performed by nebulizing incremental citric acid concentrations (7.8-1000 mmol L -1 ) to determine the concentration that elicited two and five coughs; OD was assessed by the volume-viscosity swallow test. Clinical and neurotopographic stroke risk factors and complications (readmissions, respiratory infections, institutionalization, and mortality) were recorded from 3 to 12 months post-stroke. We included 225 PSP. Prevalence of impaired CRT was 5.8%, that of OD was 40.4% (20.4% with impaired safety of swallow), and of both impairments was, 1.8%. No specific risk factors associated with impaired CRT were found; however, hemorrhagic, wide circulation infarction (TACI), and brainstem strokes delayed the cough response. OD was associated with age, TACI and poor functional and nutritional status. Outcome of PSPs was unaffected by impaired CRT but OD and impaired safety of swallow increased institutionalization, respiratory infections, and mortality with the poorest outcome for those with both impairments. Prevalence of subacute post-stroke OD and swallow safety impairments was much higher than CRT attenuation, and risk factors strongly differed suggesting that the swallow response receives a stronger cortical control than the cough reflex. OD has a greater impact on PSP clinical outcome than impaired cough, the poorest prognosis being for patients with both airway protective dysfunctions. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Trends in one-year mortality for stroke in a tertiary academic center in Saudi Arabia: a 5-year retrospective analysis.

PubMed

Almekhlafi, Mohammed A

2016-01-01

Numerous studies have reported a decline in stroke-related mortality in developed countries. To assess trends in one-year mortality following a stroke diagnosis in Saudi Arabia. Retrospective longitudinal cohort study. Single tertiary care center from 2010 through 2014. All patients admitted with a primary admitting diagnosis of stroke. Demographic data (age, gender, nationality), risk factor profile, stroke subtypes, in-hospital complications and mortality data as well as cause of death were collected for all patients. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess factors associated with one-year mortality following a stroke admission. One-year mortality. In 548 patients with a mean age of 62.9 years (SD 16.9), the most frequent vascular risk factors were hypertension (90.6%), diabetes (65.5%), and hyperlipidemia (27.2%). Hemorrhagic stroke was diagnosed in 9.9%. The overall mortality risk was 26.9%. Non-Saudis had a significantly higher one-year mortality risk compared with Saudis (25% vs. 16.8%, respectively; P=.025). The most frequently reported causes of mortality were neurological and related to the underlying stroke (32%), sepsis (30%), and cardiac or other organ dysfunction-related (each 9%) in addition to other etiologies (collectively 9.5%) such as pulmonary embolism or an underlying malignancy. Significant predictors in the multivariate model were age (P < .0001), non-Saudi nationality (OR 1.8, CI 95 1.1 to 2.9; P=.019), and hospital length of stay (OR 1.01, CI 95 1 to 1.004; P=.001). We observed no decline in stroke mortality in our center over the 5-year span. The establishment of stroke systems of care, use of thrombolytic agents, and opening of a stroke unit should play an important role in a decline in stroke mortality. Retrospective single center study. Mortality data were available only for patients who died in our hospital.

Dietary glycemic index, glycemic load, and refined carbohydrates are associated with risk of stroke: a prospective cohort study in urban Chinese women.

PubMed

Yu, Danxia; Zhang, Xianglan; Shu, Xiao-Ou; Cai, Hui; Li, Honglan; Ding, Ding; Hong, Zhen; Xiang, Yong-Bing; Gao, Yu-Tang; Zheng, Wei; Yang, Gong

2016-11-01

Epidemiologic evidence on dietary carbohydrates and stroke risk remains controversial. Very few prospective cohort studies have been conducted in Asian populations, who usually consume a high-carbohydrate diet and have a high burden of stroke. We examined dietary glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL), and intakes of refined and total carbohydrates in relation to risks of total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic stroke and stroke mortality. This study included 64,328 Chinese women, aged 40-70 y, with no history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or cancer. A validated, interviewer-administered food-frequency questionnaire was used to assess usual dietary intakes at baseline and during follow-up. Incident stroke cases and deaths were identified via follow-up interviews and death registries and were confirmed by review of medical records and death certificates. During mean follow-ups of 10 y for stroke incidence and 12 y for stroke mortality, we ascertained 2991 stroke cases (2750 ischemic and 241 hemorrhagic) and 609 stroke deaths. After potential confounders were controlled for, we observed significant positive associations of dietary GI and GL with total stroke risk; multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for high compared with low levels (90th compared with 10th percentile) were 1.19 (1.04, 1.36) for GI and 1.27 (1.04, 1.54) for GL (both P-linearity < 0.05 and P-overall significance < 0.05). Similar linear associations were found for ischemic stroke, but the associations with hemorrhagic stroke appeared to be J-shaped. Similar trends of positive associations with stroke risks were suggested for refined carbohydrates but not for total carbohydrates. No significant associations were found for stroke mortality after multivariable adjustment. Our results suggest that high dietary GI and GL, primarily due to high intakes of refined grains, are associated with increased risks of total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic stroke in middle-aged and older urban Chinese women. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Clinical and Economic Implications of Apixaban Versus Aspirin in the Low-Risk Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients.

PubMed

Lip, Gregory Y H; Lanitis, Tereza; Mardekian, Jack; Kongnakorn, Thitima; Phatak, Hemant; Dorian, Paul

2015-10-01

Although recommended by guidelines, the benefits of treating patients with atrial fibrillation with a low-stroke risk score, with aspirin or anticoagulants, have not been clearly established. With advent of safer non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant, we assessed the clinical and economic implications of 5 mg BID of apixaban versus aspirin among patients with a relative low risk of stroke as assessed using the CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age>75, diabetes mellitus, stroke/transient ischemic attack) and CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, stroke/transient ischemic attack, vascular disease) stroke risk classification. A previously developed and validated Markov model was adapted. A secondary analysis of the Apixaban Versus Acetylsalicylic Acid to Prevent Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Who Have Failed or Are Unsuitable for Vitamin K Antagonist Treatment (AVERROES) study was conducted to estimate event rates in different low-risk cohorts by treatment. Three cohorts (n=1000) with a CHADS2 score of 1, CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1, and CHA2DS2-VASc of score 2 to 4 were simulated to assess the number of clinical events avoided in terms of strokes and major bleeds, as well as life years gained, quality-adjusted life years gained, costs, and incremental costs per quality-adjusted life year gained. Apixaban was associated with fewer strokes and systemic embolism versus aspirin across all subgroups; however, it caused more major bleeding events. The reduction in systemic embolism offset the increase in major bleeding events leading to increased life expectancy and quality-adjusted life year gains, achieved at an increased cost that was lower than the UK threshold of $44,400 (ie, £30,000) per quality-adjusted life year gained across the 3 cohorts examined. Anticoagulant treatment with apixaban versus aspirin in low-risk patients, as identified using CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc, is projected to increase life expectancy and provide clinical benefits that are cost effective. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Lipid profiles and ischemic stroke risk: variations by sex within racial/ethnic groups

PubMed Central

Gezmu, Tefera; Schneider, Dona; Demissie, Kitaw; Lin, Yong; Giordano, Christine; Gizzi, Martin S

2014-01-01

Evidence implicates lipid abnormalities as important but modifiable risk factors for stroke. This study assesses whether hypercholesterolemia can be used to predict the risk for etiologic subtypes of ischemic stroke between sexes within racial/ethnic groups. Data elements related to stroke risk, diagnosis, and outcomes were abstracted from the medical records of 3,290 acute stroke admissions between 2006 and 2010 at a regional stroke center. Sex comparison within racial/ethnic groups revealed that South Asian and Hispanic men had a higher proportion of ischemic stroke than women, while the inverse was true for Whites and African Americans (P=0.0014). All women, except South Asian women, had higher mean plasma total cholesterol and higher blood circulating low-density lipoprotein levels (≥100 mg/dL) than men at the time of their admissions. The incidence of large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) was more common among women than men, except among Hispanics, where men tended to have higher incidences. A regression analysis that considered patients diagnosed with either LAA or small-artery occlusion etiologic subtype as the outcomes and high-density lipoproteins and triglycerides as predictors showed inconsistent associations between lipid profiles and the incidence of these subtypes between the sexes within racial/ethnic groups. In conclusion, our investigation suggests that women stroke patients may be at increased risk for stroke etiologic subtype LAA than men. Although the higher prevalence of stroke risk factors examined in this study predicts the increase in the incidence of the disease, lack of knowledge/awareness and lack of affordable treatments for stroke risk factors among women and immigrants/non-US-born subpopulations may explain the observed associations. PMID:24940081

Lipid profiles and ischemic stroke risk: variations by sex within racial/ethnic groups.

PubMed

Gezmu, Tefera; Schneider, Dona; Demissie, Kitaw; Lin, Yong; Giordano, Christine; Gizzi, Martin S

2014-01-01

Evidence implicates lipid abnormalities as important but modifiable risk factors for stroke. This study assesses whether hypercholesterolemia can be used to predict the risk for etiologic subtypes of ischemic stroke between sexes within racial/ethnic groups. Data elements related to stroke risk, diagnosis, and outcomes were abstracted from the medical records of 3,290 acute stroke admissions between 2006 and 2010 at a regional stroke center. Sex comparison within racial/ethnic groups revealed that South Asian and Hispanic men had a higher proportion of ischemic stroke than women, while the inverse was true for Whites and African Americans (P=0.0014). All women, except South Asian women, had higher mean plasma total cholesterol and higher blood circulating low-density lipoprotein levels (≥100 mg/dL) than men at the time of their admissions. The incidence of large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) was more common among women than men, except among Hispanics, where men tended to have higher incidences. A regression analysis that considered patients diagnosed with either LAA or small-artery occlusion etiologic subtype as the outcomes and high-density lipoproteins and triglycerides as predictors showed inconsistent associations between lipid profiles and the incidence of these subtypes between the sexes within racial/ethnic groups. In conclusion, our investigation suggests that women stroke patients may be at increased risk for stroke etiologic subtype LAA than men. Although the higher prevalence of stroke risk factors examined in this study predicts the increase in the incidence of the disease, lack of knowledge/awareness and lack of affordable treatments for stroke risk factors among women and immigrants/non-US-born subpopulations may explain the observed associations.

Falls and Fear of Falling After Stroke: A Case-Control Study.

PubMed

Goh, Hui-Ting; Nadarajah, Mohanasuntharaam; Hamzah, Norhamizan Binti; Varadan, Parimalaganthi; Tan, Maw Pin

2016-12-01

Falls are common after stroke, with potentially serious consequences. Few investigations have included age-matched control participants to directly compare fall characteristics between older adults with and without stroke. Further, fear of falling, a significant psychological consequence of falls, has only been examined to a limited degree as a risk factor for future falls in a stroke population. To compare the fall history between older adults with and without a previous stroke and to identify the determinants of falls and fear of falling in older stroke survivors. Case-control observational study. Primary teaching hospital. Seventy-five patients with stroke (mean age ± standard deviation, 66 ± 7 years) and 50 age-matched control participants with no previous stroke were tested. Fall history, fear of falling, and physical, cognitive, and psychological function were assessed. A χ 2 test was performed to compare characteristics between groups, and logistic regression was performed to determine the risk factors for falls and fear of falling. Fall events in the past 12 months, Fall Efficacy Scale-International, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Ambulation Category, Fatigue Severity Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Patient Healthy Questionnaire-9 were measured for all participants. Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment was used to quantify severity of stroke motor impairments. Twenty-three patients and 13 control participants reported at least one fall in the past 12 months (P = .58). Nine participants with stroke had recurrent falls (≥2 falls) compared with none of the control participants (P < .01). Participants with stroke reported greater concern for falling than did nonstroke control participants (P < .01). Female gender was associated with falls in the nonstroke group, whereas falls in the stroke group were not significantly associated with any measured outcomes. Fear of falling in the stroke group was associated with functional ambulation level and balance. Functional ambulation level alone explained 22% of variance in fear of falling in the stroke group. Compared with persons without a stroke, patients with stroke were significantly more likely to experience recurrent falls and fear of falling. Falls in patients with stroke were not explained by any of the outcome measures used, whereas fear of falling was predicted by functional ambulation level. This study has identified potentially modifiable risk factors with which to devise future prevention strategies for falls in patients with stroke. III. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Predictive variables for mortality after acute ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Carter, Angela M; Catto, Andrew J; Mansfield, Michael W; Bamford, John M; Grant, Peter J

2007-06-01

Stroke is a major healthcare issue worldwide with an incidence comparable to coronary events, highlighting the importance of understanding risk factors for stroke and subsequent mortality. In the present study, we determined long-term (all-cause) mortality in 545 patients with ischemic stroke compared with a cohort of 330 age-matched healthy control subjects followed up for a median of 7.4 years. We assessed the effect of selected demographic, clinical, biochemical, hematologic, and hemostatic factors on mortality in patients with ischemic stroke. Stroke subtype was classified according to the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project criteria. Patients who died 30 days or less after the acute event (n=32) were excluded from analyses because this outcome is considered to be directly attributable to the acute event. Patients with ischemic stroke were at more than 3-fold increased risk of death compared with the age-matched control cohort. In multivariate analyses, age, stroke subtype, atrial fibrillation, and previous stroke/transient ischemic attack were predictive of mortality in patients with ischemic stroke. Albumin and creatinine and the hemostatic factors von Willebrand factor and beta-thromboglobulin were also predictive of mortality in patients with ischemic stroke after accounting for demographic and clinical variables. The results indicate that subjects with acute ischemic stroke are at increased risk of all-cause mortality. Advancing age, large-vessel stroke, atrial fibrillation, and previous stroke/transient ischemic attack predict mortality; and analysis of albumin, creatinine, von Willebrand factor, and beta-thromboglobulin will aid in the identification of patients at increased risk of death after stroke.

The Translation of Knowledge into Practice in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Singapore.

PubMed

Woo, Fong Yeong Brigitte; Lim, Toon Wei; Tam, Wai San Wilson

2018-03-12

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a clinically significant cardiac arrhythmia known to increase the risk of stroke by at least four times. Stroke-risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis are vital components in AF management. Guidelines are available to standardise AF management, but physicians' adherence to the recommended guidelines has been low. The aims were to: 1. Examine and compare the level of knowledge and current practice in AF management between cardiologists and non-cardiologist physicians in Singapore; 2. Identify physicians' perceived barriers to prescribing oral anticoagulants (OACs) when indicated; 3. Identify strategies to optimise AF management. From June 2017 to August 2017, a cross-sectional online survey involving physicians was conducted in Singapore. The survey instrument was adapted from a previously developed instrument, and validated locally by five cardiologists. It explored the physicians' stroke-risk assessment practices, estimation of stroke risk and benefits of anticoagulation, likelihood of prescribing anticoagulation when indicated, perceived barriers to anticoagulation, and strategies to optimise AF management. Sixty-three physicians completed the survey (14 cardiologists and 49 non-cardiologist physicians). No significant difference was found between cardiologists and non-cardiologist physicians in their assessment and estimation of stroke risk for stable AF patients. However, when presented with an AF patient with stroke risk, cardiologists were more likely than non-cardiologist physicians to prescribe novel OACs (93% vs. 51%; χ 2 =7.933, p=0.004). Compared to cardiologists, the majority of the non-cardiologist physicians thought the risk of falls were usually or always barriers to prescribing OACs (29% vs 69%; χ 2 =7.579, p=0.006). Among the suggested strategies to support them in AF management, physicians have overwhelmingly rated two as "quite useful" and "very useful": the establishment of clinics for monitoring anticoagulated patients (100%); and involvement of pharmacists in managing patients on warfarin (98.4%). Physicians possess good knowledge about stroke-risk assessment in AF patients yet it is not translated into effective measures for stroke prevention. Physicians, especially non-cardiologist ones, were not anticoagulating AF patients when indicated. Although novel OACs are safer alternatives to warfarin, non-cardiologist physicians were less inclined to use them for stroke prevention. All physicians opined that establishing anticoagulation clinics and collaborating with pharmacists were useful strategies to optimise AF management. Existing barriers to anticoagulation impeded the translation of knowledge into practice in the management of AF patients in Singapore, for which optimal strategies to optimise AF management are ascertained. Copyright © 2018 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Increased stroke risk and lipoprotein(a) in a multiethnic community: the Northern Manhattan Stroke Study.

PubMed

Boden-Albala, Bernadette; Kargman, Douglas E; Lin, I-Feng; Paik, Myunghee C; Sacco, Ralph L; Berglund, Lars

2010-08-01

Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is associated with ischemic stroke (IS) among Whites, but data is sparse for non-White populations. Using a population-based case-control study design with subjects from the Northern Manhattan Stroke Study, we assessed whether Lp(a) levels were independently associated with IS risk among Whites, Blacks and Hispanics. Lp(a) levels were measured in 317 IS cases (mean age 69 +/- 13 years; 56% women; 16% Whites, 31% Blacks and 52% Hispanics) and 413 community-based controls, matched by age, race/ethnicity and gender. In-person assessments included demographics, socioeconomic status, presence of vascular risk factors and fasting lipid levels. Logistic regression was used to determine the independent association of Lp(a) and IS. Stratified analyses investigated gender and race/ethnic differences. Mean Lp(a) levels were greater among cases than controls (46.3 +/- 41.0 vs. 38.9 +/- 38.2 mg/dl; p < 0.01). After adjusting for stroke risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, cigarette smoking), lipid levels, and socioeconomic status, Lp(a) levels > or =30 mg/dl were independently associated with an increased stroke risk in the overall cohort (adjusted odds ratio, OR, 1.8, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.20-2.6; p = 0.004). There was a significant linear dose-response relationship between Lp(a) levels and IS risk. The association between IS risk and Lp(a) > or =30 mg/dl was more pronounced among men (adjusted OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.5; p = 0.02) and among Blacks (adjusted OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2-6.2; p = 0.02). Elevated Lp(a) levels were significantly and independently associated with increased stroke risk, suggesting that Lp(a) is a risk factor for IS across White, Black and Hispanic race/ethnic groups. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Duration of diabetes and risk of ischemic stroke: the Northern Manhattan Study.

PubMed

Banerjee, Chirantan; Moon, Yeseon P; Paik, Myunghee C; Rundek, Tatjana; Mora-McLaughlin, Consuelo; Vieira, Julio R; Sacco, Ralph L; Elkind, Mitchell S V

2012-05-01

Diabetes increases stroke risk, but whether diabetes status immediately before stroke improves prediction and whether duration is important are less clear. We hypothesized that diabetes duration independently predicts ischemic stroke. Among 3298 stroke-free participants in the Northern Manhattan Study, baseline diabetes and age at diagnosis were determined. Incident diabetes was assessed annually (median, 9 years). Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI for incident ischemic stroke using baseline diabetes, diabetes as a time-dependent covariate, and duration of diabetes as a time-varying covariate; models were adjusted for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors. Mean age was 69 ± 10 years (52% Hispanic, 21% white, and 24% black); 22% had diabetes at baseline and 10% had development of diabetes. There were 244 ischemic strokes, and both baseline diabetes (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.9-3.3) and diabetes considered as a time-dependent covariate (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.8-3.2) were similarly associated with stroke risk. Duration of diabetes was associated with ischemic stroke (adjusted HR, 1.03 per year with diabetes; 95% CI, 1.02-1.04). Compared to nondiabetic participants, those with diabetes for 0 to 5 years (adjusted HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7), 5 to 10 years (adjusted HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-3.0), and ≥ 10 years (adjusted HR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.4-4.5) were at increased risk. Duration of diabetes is independently associated with ischemic stroke risk adjusting for risk factors. The risk increases 3% each year, and triples with diabetes ≥ 10 years.

Ultrasonographic measurements of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in prediction of ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Mathiesen, E B; Johnsen, S H

2009-01-01

Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque measurements are widely used to quantify atherosclerosis and assess the risk of future stroke, and are used as surrogate endpoints for clinical disease. In recent years, it has become clear that carotid IMT and plaque reflect biologically and genetically different aspects of the atherosclerotic process, and are differentially related to risk factors and cardiovascular disease. Plaques are focal manifestations of atherosclerosis while increased IMT represents mainly hypertensive medial hypertrophy. Several prospective studies have showed that IMT and plaque measurements, such as total plaque area and plaque number, are predictive of future stroke. Plaque echogenicity predicts future stroke independent of plaque size. The contribution of IMT and plaque measurements in individual stroke risk prediction in the general population seems to be limited, but may be useful as a tool for individual stratification of high-risk patients.

Acute-Phase Blood Pressure Levels Correlate With a High Risk of Recurrent Strokes in Young-Onset Ischemic Stroke.

PubMed

Mustanoja, Satu; Putaala, Jukka; Gordin, Daniel; Tulkki, Lauri; Aarnio, Karoliina; Pirinen, Jani; Surakka, Ida; Sinisalo, Juha; Lehto, Mika; Tatlisumak, Turgut

2016-06-01

High blood pressure (BP) in acute stroke has been associated with a poor outcome; however, this has not been evaluated in young adults. The relationship between BP and long-term outcome was assessed in 1004 consecutive young, first-ever ischemic stroke patients aged 15 to 49 years enrolled in the Helsinki Young Stroke Registry. BP parameters included systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure at admission and 24 hours. The primary outcome measure was recurrent stroke in the long-term follow-up. Adjusted for demographics and preexisting comorbidities, Cox regression models were used to assess independent BP parameters associated with outcome. Of our patients (63% male), 393 patients (39%) had prestroke hypertension and 358 (36%) used antihypertensive treatment. The median follow-up period was 8.9 years (interquartile range 5.7-13.2). Patients with a recurrent stroke (n=142, 14%) had significantly higher admission SBP, diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure (P<0.001) and 24-h SBP, diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure compared with patients without the recurrent stroke. Patients with SBP ≥160 mm Hg compared with those with SBP <160 mm Hg had significantly more recurrent strokes (hazard ratio 3.3 [95% confidence interval, 2.05-4.55]; P<0.001) occurring earlier (13.9 years [13.0-14.6] versus 16.2 [15.8-16.6]; P<0.001) within the follow-up period. In multivariable analyses, higher admission SBP, diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure were independently associated with the risk of recurrent stroke, while the 24-hour BP levels were not. In young ischemic stroke patients, high acute phase BP levels are independently associated with a high risk of recurrent strokes. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Neighborhood socioeconomic index and stroke incidence in a national cohort of blacks and whites

PubMed Central

McClure, Leslie A.; Kleindorfer, Dawn O.; Cunningham, Solveig A.; Thrift, Amanda G.; Diez Roux, Ana V.; Howard, George

2016-01-01

Objective: To assess the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics and incident stroke in a national cohort of black and white participants. Methods: The study comprised black (n = 10,274, 41%) and white (n = 14,601) stroke-free participants, aged 45 and older, enrolled in 2003–2007 in Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS), a national population-based cohort. A neighborhood socioeconomic score (nSES) was constructed using 6 neighborhood variables. Incident stroke was defined as first occurrence of stroke over an average 7.5 (SD 3.0) years of follow-up. Proportional hazards models were used to estimate associations between nSES score and incident stroke, adjusted for demographics (age, race, sex, region), individual socioeconomic status (SES) (education, household income), and other risk factors for stroke. Results: After adjustment for demographics, compared to the highest nSES quartile, stroke incidence increased with each decreasing nSES quartile. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) ranged from 1.28 (1.05–1.56) in quartile 3 to 1.38 (1.13–1.68) in quartile 2 to 1.56 (1.26–1.92) in quartile 1 (p < 0.0001 for linear trend). After adjustment for individual SES, the trend remained marginally significant (p = 0.085). Although there was no evidence of a differential effect by race or sex, adjustment for stroke risk factors attenuated the association between nSES and stroke in both black and white participants, with greater attenuation in black participants. Conclusions: Risk of incident stroke increased with decreasing nSES but the effect of nSES is attenuated through individual SES and stroke risk factors. The effect of neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics that contribute to increased stroke risk is similar in black and white participants. PMID:27742815

Effect of duration and age at exposure to the Stroke Belt on incident stroke in adulthood

PubMed Central

McClure, Leslie A.; Glymour, M. Maria; Cunningham, Solveig A.; Kleindorfer, Dawn O.; Crowe, Michael; Wadley, Virginia G.; Peace, Fredrick; Howard, George; Lackland, Daniel T.

2013-01-01

Objective: To assess whether there are differences in the strength of association with incident stroke for specific periods of life in the Stroke Belt (SB). Methods: The risk of stroke was studied in 24,544 black and white stroke-free participants, aged 45+, in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study, a national population-based cohort enrolled 2003–2007. Incident stroke was defined as first occurrence of stroke over an average 5.8 years of follow-up. Residential histories (city/state) were obtained by questionnaire. SB exposure was quantified by combinations of SB birthplace and current residence and proportion of years in SB during discrete age categories (0–12, 13–18, 19–30, 31–45, last 20 years) and entire life. Proportional hazards models were used to establish association of incident stroke with indices of exposure to SB, adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic (SES), and stroke risk factors. Results: In the demographic and SES models, risk of stroke was significantly associated with proportion of life in the SB and with all other exposure periods except birth, ages 31–45, and current residence. The strongest association was for the proportion of the entire life in SB. After adjustment for risk factors, the risk of stroke remained significantly associated only with proportion of residence in SB in adolescence (hazard ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.37). Conclusions: Childhood emerged as the most important period of vulnerability to SB residence as a predictor of future stroke. Improvement in childhood health circumstances should be considered as part of long-term health improvement strategies in the SB. PMID:23616168

Neighborhood socioeconomic index and stroke incidence in a national cohort of blacks and whites.

PubMed

Howard, Virginia J; McClure, Leslie A; Kleindorfer, Dawn O; Cunningham, Solveig A; Thrift, Amanda G; Diez Roux, Ana V; Howard, George

2016-11-29

To assess the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics and incident stroke in a national cohort of black and white participants. The study comprised black (n = 10,274, 41%) and white (n = 14,601) stroke-free participants, aged 45 and older, enrolled in 2003-2007 in Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS), a national population-based cohort. A neighborhood socioeconomic score (nSES) was constructed using 6 neighborhood variables. Incident stroke was defined as first occurrence of stroke over an average 7.5 (SD 3.0) years of follow-up. Proportional hazards models were used to estimate associations between nSES score and incident stroke, adjusted for demographics (age, race, sex, region), individual socioeconomic status (SES) (education, household income), and other risk factors for stroke. After adjustment for demographics, compared to the highest nSES quartile, stroke incidence increased with each decreasing nSES quartile. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) ranged from 1.28 (1.05-1.56) in quartile 3 to 1.38 (1.13-1.68) in quartile 2 to 1.56 (1.26-1.92) in quartile 1 (p < 0.0001 for linear trend). After adjustment for individual SES, the trend remained marginally significant (p = 0.085). Although there was no evidence of a differential effect by race or sex, adjustment for stroke risk factors attenuated the association between nSES and stroke in both black and white participants, with greater attenuation in black participants. Risk of incident stroke increased with decreasing nSES but the effect of nSES is attenuated through individual SES and stroke risk factors. The effect of neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics that contribute to increased stroke risk is similar in black and white participants. © 2016 American Academy of Neurology.

Knowledge of stroke among stroke patients and their relatives in Northwest India.

PubMed

Pandian, Jeyaraj Durai; Kalra, Guneet; Jaison, Ashish; Deepak, Sukhbinder Singh; Shamsher, Shivali; Singh, Yashpal; Abraham, George

2006-06-01

The knowledge of warning symptoms and risk factors for stroke has not been studied among patients with stroke in developing countries. We aimed to assess the knowledge of stroke among patients with stroke and their relatives. Prospective tertiary referral hospital-based study in Northwest India. Trained nurses and medical interns interviewed patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack and their relatives about their knowledge of stroke symptoms and risk factors. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used. Of the 147 subjects interviewed, 102 (69%) were patients and 45 (31%) were relatives. There were 99 (67%) men and 48 (33%) women and the mean age was 59.7+/-14.1 years. Sixty-two percent of respondents recognized paralysis of one side as a warning symptom and 54% recognized hypertension as a risk factor for stroke. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, higher education was associated with the knowledge of correct organ involvement in stroke (OR 2.6, CI 1.1- 6.1, P =0.02), whereas younger age (OR 2.7, CI 1.1-7.0, P =0.04) and higher education (OR 4.1, CI 1.5-10.9, P =0.005) correlated with a better knowledge regarding warning symptoms of stroke. In this study cohort, in general, there is lack of awareness of major warning symptoms, risk factors, organ involvement and self-recognition of stroke. However younger age and education status were associated with better knowledge. There is an urgent need for awareness programs about stroke in this study cohort.

Progression of cognitive impairment in stroke/TIA patients over 3 years.

PubMed

Sachdev, Perminder S; Lipnicki, Darren M; Crawford, John D; Wen, Wei; Brodaty, Henry

2014-12-01

To examine how cognitive deficits progress in the years following a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). A follow-up study, with neuropsychological and MRI assessments undertaken 3 years after baseline assessments made 3-6 months poststroke in 183 stroke/TIA patients and 97 healthy controls participating in the Sydney Stroke Study. Additional measures included cardiovascular risk factors and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Stroke/TIA patients had poorer cognitive function and more vascular risk factors than controls at baseline, but did not show greater decline in cognitive function over 3 years except for verbal memory. Patients with a subsequent stroke/TIA showed greater decline in global cognitive function and a number of domains. Rates of incident dementia were 5.9% per year in patients and 0.4% in controls. Both groups showed increased atrophy of the hippocampus, amygdala and whole brain, and an increase in white matter hyperintensities over 3 years; whole brain atrophy was greater in patients. Cognitive decline was greater in women and in those with smaller hippocampi at baseline. For patients without a subsequent stroke/TIA, those with smaller hippocampi or the APOE ε4 allele had greater global cognitive and verbal memory decline. In poststroke patients, cognitive decline was not greater than in comparison subjects, except for verbal memory, unless they had another stroke/TIA. However, dementia incidence was higher in patients, as might be expected from their poorer baseline cognitive functioning. Smaller hippocampi were associated with an increased risk of decline in memory, and APOE ε4 was a risk factor in those without a subsequent stroke/TIA. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Awareness toward stroke in a population-based sample of Iranian adults

PubMed Central

Hosseininezhad, Mozaffar; Ebrahimi, Hannan; Seyedsaadat, Seyed Mohammad; Bakhshayesh, Babak; Asadi, Motahareh; Ghayeghran, Amir Reza

2017-01-01

Background: Stroke is the leading cause of death and functional disability. While there have been major advances regarding the management of stroke, a significant proportion of people are still unaware of stroke-related symptoms and risk factors. This study was performed to assess the awareness of stroke’s warning signs and risk factors among a sample of Iranian population. Methods: A total of 649 participants were randomly selected using systematic randomization from the list of telephone numbers obtained from the telephone directory. Demographic characteristics were recorded. Participants were asked to answer questions regarding the awareness about stroke, its warning signs and risk factors. Results: Patients’ mean age was 32.0 ± 12.2 years old, and 56.4% were women. Hypertension and history of stroke were major risk factors, and loss of consciousness, vertigo and ataxia were major warning signs of stroke correctly identified by respondents. Multiple linear regressions showed that age (β = 0.277, P < 0.001), academic level of education (β = 6.41, P = 0.01), housewifery (β = 8.9, P < 0.001), jobs related to medical care (β = 13.17, P = 0.016) and previous information about stroke (β = 18.71, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of the overall awareness about stroke. Conclusion: The awareness of people about stroke, its risk factors and warning signs were good in this study. The awareness toward stroke can be associated with factors such as age, academic level of education, job and previous information about stroke. Further studies are recommended to program public multimedia and health education in academies and colleges. PMID:28717428

Association of cerebrovascular events with antidepressant use: a case-crossover study.

PubMed

Wu, Chi-Shin; Wang, Sheng-Chang; Cheng, Yu-Cheng; Gau, Susan Shur-Fen

2011-05-01

The authors sought to assess the risk of cerebrovascular events associated with use of antidepressant medications. The authors conducted a case-crossover study of 24,214 patients with stroke enrolled in the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan from 1998 to 2007. The authors compared the rates of antidepressant use during case and control time windows of 7, 14, and 28 days. Adjustments were made for time-dependent variables, such as health system utilization and proposed confounding medications. Stratified analyses were performed for valuing the interaction between the stroke risk of antidepressant use and age, sex, presence of mood disorder, stroke type, severity of chronic illness, and duration of antidepressant treatment. A conditional logistic regression model was used to determine the odds of antidepressant use during case time windows. The adjusted odds ratio of stroke risk with antidepressant exposure was 1.48 (95% confidence interval=1.37-1.59) using 14-day time windows. Stroke risk was negatively associated with the number of antidepressant prescriptions reported. Use of antidepressants with high inhibition of the serotonin transporter was associated with a greater risk of stroke than use of other types of antidepressants. These findings suggest that antidepressant use may be associated with an increased risk of stroke. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Awareness of Stroke Risk after TIA in Swiss General Practitioners and Hospital Physicians.

PubMed

Streit, Sven; Baumann, Philippe; Barth, Jürgen; Mattle, Heinrich P; Arnold, Marcel; Bassetti, Claudio L; Meli, Damian N; Fischer, Urs

2015-01-01

Transient ischemic attacks (TIA) are stroke warning signs and emergency situations, and, if immediately investigated, doctors can intervene to prevent strokes. Nevertheless, many patients delay going to the doctor, and doctors might delay urgently needed investigations and preventative treatments. We set out to determine how much general practitioners (GPs) and hospital physicians (HPs) knew about stroke risk after TIA, and to measure their referral rates. We used a structured questionnaire to ask GPs and HPs in the catchment area of the University Hospital of Bern to estimate a patient's risk of stroke after TIA. We also assessed their referral behavior. We then statistically analysed their reasons for deciding not to immediately refer patients. Of the 1545 physicians, 40% (614) returned the survey. Of these, 75% (457) overestimated stroke risk within 24 hours, and 40% (245) overestimated risk within 3 months after TIA. Only 9% (53) underestimated stroke risk within 24 hours and 26% (158) underestimated risk within 3 months; 78% (473) of physicians overestimated the amount that carotid endarterectomy reduces stroke risk; 93% (543) would rigorously investigate the cause of a TIA, but only 38% (229) would refer TIA patients for urgent investigations "very often". Physicians most commonly gave these reasons for not making emergency referrals: patient's advanced age; patient's preference; patient was multimorbid; and, patient needed long-term care. Although physicians overestimate stroke risk after TIA, their rate of emergency referral is modest, mainly because they tend not to refer multimorbid and elderly patients at the appropriate rate. Since old and frail patients benefit from urgent investigations and treatment after TIA as much as younger patients, future educational campaigns should focus on the importance of emergency evaluations for all TIA patients.

Race/ethnic differences in obstructive sleep apnea risk in patients with acute ischemic strokes in south Florida.

PubMed

Ramos, Alberto R; Guilliam, Daniela; Dib, Salim I; Koch, Sebastian

2014-03-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for ischemic stroke, but it may differ between race/ethnic groups. The goal of our study was to examine the pre-stroke risk of OSA between three race/ethnic groups admitted for acute ischemic stroke in a tertiary urban hospital in South Florida. Our sample was composed of patients with acute ischemic strokes evaluated at a teaching hospital over a 3-year period. Race/ethnicity was defined by self-identification, modeled after the US census and categorized into non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Hispanics. Pre-stroke risk of OSA was assessed with the Berlin questionnaire and categorized into high- or low-risk categories. We performed binary logistic regression to evaluate the pre-stroke risk of OSA in Hispanics and non-Hispanic blacks with non-Hispanic whites as the reference, adjusting for age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. There were 176 patients with acute ischemic strokes of which 44 % were Hispanics, 44 % non-Hispanic Blacks, and 12 % non-Hispanic whites. A higher frequency of patients at high risk for OSA was seen in 60 % of Hispanics, 54 % of non-Hispanic blacks, and 33 % of non-Hispanic whites. Hispanics (OR, 2.6; 95 % CI 1.1-6.4) had a higher frequency of patients at high risk for OSA compared to non-Hispanic whites, adjusting for covariates. There were no differences between non-Hispanic blacks (OR, 1.2; 0.5-2.9 and non-Hispanic whites. We observed higher frequency of patients at high risk for OSA in Hispanics with acute ischemic strokes in South Florida.

Incidence, Causative Mechanisms, and Anatomic Localization of Stroke in Pituitary Adenoma Patients Treated With Postoperative Radiation Therapy Versus Surgery Alone

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sattler, Margriet G.A., E-mail: g.a.sattler@umcg.nl; Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON; Vroomen, Patrick C.

Purpose: To assess and compare the incidence of stroke and stroke subtype in pituitary adenoma patients treated with postoperative radiation therapy (RT) and surgery alone. Methods and Materials: A cohort of 462 pituitary adenoma patients treated between 1959 and 2008 at the University Medical Center Groningen in The Netherlands was studied. Radiation therapy was administered in 236 patients. The TOAST (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) and the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project classification methods were used to determine causative mechanism and anatomic localization of stroke. Stroke incidences in patients treated with RT were compared with that observed aftermore » surgery alone. Risk factors for stroke incidence were studied by log–rank test, without and with stratification for other significant risk factors. In addition, the stroke incidence was compared with the incidence rate in the general Dutch population. Results: Thirteen RT patients were diagnosed with stroke, compared with 12 surgery-alone patients. The relative risk (RR) for stroke in patients treated with postoperative RT was not significantly different compared with surgery-alone patients (univariate RR 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28-1.35, P=.23). Stroke risk factors were coronary or peripheral artery disease (univariate and multivariate RR 10.4, 95% CI 4.7-22.8, P<.001) and hypertension (univariate RR 3.9, 95% CI 1.6-9.8, P=.002). There was no difference in TOAST and Oxfordshire classification of stroke. In this pituitary adenoma cohort 25 strokes were observed, compared with 16.91 expected (standard incidence ratio 1.48, 95% CI 1.00-1.96, P=.049). Conclusions: In pituitary adenoma patients, an increased incidence of stroke was observed compared with the general population. However, postoperative RT was not associated with an increased incidence of stroke or differences in causative mechanism or anatomic localization of stroke compared with surgery alone. The primary stroke risk factor was pre-existent coronary or peripheral artery disease.« less

Short- and Long-Term Stroke Risk after Urgent Management of Transient Ischaemic Attack: The Bologna TIA Clinical Pathway.

PubMed

Guarino, Maria; Rondelli, Francesca; Favaretto, Elisabetta; Stracciari, Andrea; Filippini, Massimo; Rinaldi, Rita; Zele, Ivana; Sartori, Michelangelo; Faggioli, Gianluca; Mondini, Susanna; Donti, Andrea; Strocchi, Enrico; Degli Esposti, Daniela; Muscari, Antonio; Veronesi, Maddalena; D'Addato, Sergio; Spinardi, Luca; Faccioli, Luca; Pastore Trossello, Marco; Cirignotta, Fabio

2015-01-01

Rapid management can reduce the short stroke risk after transient ischaemic attack (TIA), but the long-term effect is still little known. We evaluated 3-year vascular outcomes in patients with TIA after urgent care. We prospectively enrolled all consecutive patients with TIA diagnosed by a vascular neurologist and referred to our emergency department (ED). Expedited assessment and best secondary prevention was within 24 h. Endpoints were stroke within 90 days, and stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death at 12, 24 and 36 months. Between August 2010 and July 2013, we evaluated 686 patients with suspected TIA; 433 (63%) patients had confirmed TIA. Stroke at 90 days was 2.07% (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-3.9) compared with the ABCD2-predicted risk of 9.1%. The long-term stroke risk was 2.6% (95% CI, 1.1-4.2), 3.7% (95% CI, 1.6-5.9) and 4.4% (95% CI, 1.9-6.8) at 12, 24 and 36 months, respectively. The composite outcome of stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death was 3.5% (95% CI, 1.7-5.1), 4.9% (95% CI, 2.5-7.4), and 5.6% (95% CI, 2.8-8.3) at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. TIA expedited management driven by vascular neurologists was associated with a marked reduction in the expected early stroke risk and low long-term risk of stroke and other vascular events. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Physical health-related quality of life predicts stroke in the EPIC-Norfolk.

PubMed

Myint, P K; Surtees, P G; Wainwright, N W J; Luben, R N; Welch, A A; Bingham, S A; Wareham, N J; Khaw, K-T

2007-12-11

To examine the relationship between Short Form (SF)-36 physical functional health-related quality of life and incident stroke. A total of 13,615 men and women participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Norfolk who were free of stroke, myocardial infarction, and cancer at baseline were included in the study. Participants completed a health and lifestyle questionnaire and attended a health examination during 1993 to 1997. Self-reported physical functional health was assessed using physical component summary scores of SF-36 18 months later. Stroke incidence was ascertained by death certification and hospital record linkage up to 2005. There were 244 incident strokes (total person years = 99,191). People who reported better physical functional health had significantly lower risk of incident stroke. Using Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, physical activity, social class, alcohol consumption, and respiratory function, men and women who were in the top quartile of SF-36 physical component summary scores had half the risk of stroke (RR = 0.50 [0.31, 0.78]) compared to the people in the bottom quartile. The relationships remained unchanged after excluding strokes occurring within the first 2 years of follow-up. Physical functional health-related quality of life measured as Short Form-36 predicts subsequent stroke risk independently of known risk factors in a general population. Poor physical functional health may indicate a high-risk population for stroke who may benefit most from targeted preventive interventions such as management of known risk factors.

Cerebral Microbleeds and the Risk of Incident Ischemic Stroke in CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy).

PubMed

Puy, Laurent; De Guio, François; Godin, Ophélia; Duering, Marco; Dichgans, Martin; Chabriat, Hugues; Jouvent, Eric

2017-10-01

Cerebral microbleeds are associated with an increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Recent data suggest that microbleeds may also predict the risk of incident ischemic stroke. However, these results were observed in elderly individuals undertaking various medications and for whom causes of microbleeds and ischemic stroke may differ. We aimed to test the relationship between the presence of microbleeds and incident stroke in CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy)-a severe monogenic small vessel disease known to be responsible for both highly prevalent microbleeds and a high incidence of ischemic stroke in young patients. We assessed microbleeds on baseline MRI in all 378 patients from the Paris-Munich cohort study. Incident ischemic strokes were recorded during 54 months. Survival analyses were used to test the relationship between microbleeds and incident ischemic stroke. Three hundred sixty-nine patients (mean age, 51.4±11.4 years) were followed-up during a median time of 39 months (interquartile range, 19 months). The risk of incident ischemic stroke was higher in patients with microbleeds than in patients without (35.8% versus 19.6%, hazard ratio, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-3.01; P =0.009). These results persisted after adjustment for history of ischemic stroke, age, sex, vascular risk factors, and antiplatelet agents use (hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-3.26; P =0.02). The presence of microbleeds is an independent risk marker of incident ischemic stroke in CADASIL, emphasizing the need to carefully interpret MRI data. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

[Drinking/smoking habits and knowledge regarding heavy drinking/ smoking as a risk factor of stroke among Japanese general population].

PubMed

Morimoto, Akiko; Miyamatsu, Naomi; Okamura, Tomonori; Nakayama, Hirohumi; Morinaga, Miho; Toyota, Akihiro; Suzuki, Kazuo; Hata, Takashi; Yamaguchi, Takenori

2010-10-01

We examined the knowledge regarding heavy drinking and smoking as risk factors of stroke according to drinking/smoking habits among randomly selected Japanese general population. The Japan Stroke Association and co-researchers have performed a large-scale educational intervention to improve knowledge concerning stroke from 2006 to 2008. Prior to above-mentioned intervention, we conducted mail-surveillance on knowledge about stroke in 11,306 randomly selected residents aged 40 to 74. We assessed the relationship between drinking/smoking habits and knowledge regarding heavy drinking and smoking as risk factors by using the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, area, employment, living situation, history of stroke and other stroke related diseases, history of liver disease, family history of stroke and drinking (non-drinker / ex-drinker / occasional drinker / habitual drinker) / smoking habits (non-smoker / ex-smoker / current smoker). Total 5,540 subjects (49.0%) participated in this study. Ex-smokers and current smokers had better knowledge regarding smoking as a risk factor of stroke than non-smokers (odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals: 1.89, 1.55-2.31, 1.76, 1.45-2.12, respectively). There was no difference between habitual drinkers and non-drinkers in their knowledge, whereas current smokers had greater knowledge regarding smoking than nonsmokers. Accordingly, it is suggested that it will be necessary for habitual drinkers to be enlightened regarding heavy drinking as a risk factor of stroke and for current smokers to be provided with information regarding not only these risks but also the specific strategies for invoking behavioral changes.

Shared decision making for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Kunneman, Marleen; Branda, Megan E; Noseworthy, Peter A; Linzer, Mark; Burnett, Bruce; Dick, Sara; Spencer-Bonilla, Gabriela; Fernandez, Cara A; Gorr, Haeshik; Wambua, Mike; Keune, Shelly; Zeballos-Palacios, Claudia; Hargraves, Ian; Shah, Nilay D; Montori, Victor M

2017-09-29

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common ongoing health problem that places patients at risk of stroke. Whether and how a patient addresses this risk depends on each patient's goals, context, and values. Consequently, leading cardiovascular societies recommend using shared decision making (SDM) to individualize antithrombotic treatment in patients with AF. The aim of this study is to assess the extent to which the ANTICOAGULATION CHOICE conversation tool promotes high-quality SDM and influences anticoagulation uptake and adherence in patients with AF at risk of strokes. This study protocol describes a multicenter, encounter-level, randomized trial to assess the effect of using the ANTICOAGULATION CHOICE conversation tool in the clinical encounter, compared to usual care. The participating centers include an academic hospital system, a suburban community group practice, and an urban safety net hospital, all in Minnesota, USA. Patients with ongoing nonvalvular AF at risk of strokes (CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score ≥ 1 in men, or ≥ 2 in women) will be eligible for participation. We aim to include 999 patients and their clinicians. The primary outcome is the quality of SDM as perceived by participants, and as assessed by a post-encounter survey that ascertains (a) knowledge transfer, (b) concordance of the decision made, (c) quality of communication, and (d) satisfaction with the decision-making process. Recordings of encounters will be reviewed to assess the extent of patient involvement and how participants use the tool (fidelity). Anticoagulant use, choice of agent, and adherence will be drawn from patients' medical and pharmacy records. Strokes and bleeding events will be drawn from patient records. This study will provide a valid and precise measure of the effect of the ANTICOAGULATION CHOICE conversation tool on SDM quality and processes, and on the treatment choices and adherence to therapy among AF patients at risk of stroke. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02905032 . Registered on 9 September 2016.

Mitochondrial haplogroup H1 is protective for ischemic stroke in Portuguese patients.

PubMed

Rosa, Alexandra; Fonseca, Benedita V; Krug, Tiago; Manso, Helena; Gouveia, Liliana; Albergaria, Isabel; Gaspar, Gisela; Correia, Manuel; Viana-Baptista, Miguel; Simões, Rita Moiron; Pinto, Amélia Nogueira; Taipa, Ricardo; Ferreira, Carla; Fontes, João Ramalho; Silva, Mário Rui; Gabriel, João Paulo; Matos, Ilda; Lopes, Gabriela; Ferro, José M; Vicente, Astrid M; Oliveira, Sofia A

2008-07-01

The genetic contribution to stroke is well established but it has proven difficult to identify the genes and the disease-associated alleles mediating this effect, possibly because only nuclear genes have been intensely investigated so far. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been implicated in several disorders having stroke as one of its clinical manifestations. The aim of this case-control study was to assess the contribution of mtDNA polymorphisms and haplogroups to ischemic stroke risk. We genotyped 19 mtDNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) defining the major European haplogroups in 534 ischemic stroke patients and 499 controls collected in Portugal, and tested their allelic and haplogroup association with ischemic stroke risk. Haplogroup H1 was found to be significantly less frequent in stroke patients than in controls (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.45-0.83, p = 0.001), when comparing each clade against all other haplogroups pooled together. Conversely, the pre-HV/HV and U mtDNA lineages emerge as potential genetic factors conferring risk for stroke (OR = 3.14, 95% CI = 1.41-7.01, p = 0.003, and OR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.13-7.28, p = 0.021, respectively). SNPs m.3010G>A, m.7028C>T and m.11719G>A strongly influence ischemic stroke risk, their allelic state in haplogroup H1 corroborating its protective effect. Our data suggests that mitochondrial haplogroup H1 has an impact on ischemic stroke risk in a Portuguese sample.

Residential Ethnic Segregation and Stroke Risk in Mexican Americans: The Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi Project

PubMed Central

Patel, Rajiv C; Baek, Jonggyu; Smith, Melinda A; Morgenstern, Lewis B; Lisabeth, Lynda D

2015-01-01

Objective Residential ethnic segregation may operate through multiple mechanisms to increase stroke risk. The current study evaluated if residential ethnic segregation was associated with stroke risk in a bi-ethnic population. Design Incident strokes were identified in Nueces County, Texas from 2000 to 2010. Residential ethnic segregation (range: 0–1) was derived for each census tract in the county (n=64) using 2000 U.S Census data, and categorized into: predominantly non-Hispanic white (NHW, <0.3); ethnically mixed (0.3–0.7); predominantly Mexican American (MA, >0.7). Multilevel Poisson regression models were fitted separately for NHWs and MAs to assess the association between residential ethnic segregation (predominantly NHW referent) and relative risk for stroke, adjusted for age category, sex and census tract-level median per capita income. Effect modification by age was also examined. Results In adjusted models, residential ethnic segregation was not associated with stroke risk in either ethnic group. Effect modification by age was significant in both groups. Young MAs and NHWs living in predominantly MA census tracts were at greater relative risk for stroke than those living in predominantly NHW census tracts, but this association was only significant for MAs [MAs: RR = 2.38 (95% CI: 1.31–4.31); NHWs: RR = 1.53 (95% CI: 0.92–2.52)]. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that residential ethnic segregation may influence downstream stroke risk in young MAs. Pathways between residential ethnic segregation and stroke in young MAs should be explored. PMID:25812246

Postmenopausal hormone therapy and risk of stroke: A pooled analysis of data from population-based cohort studies

PubMed Central

Carrasquilla, Germán D.; Frumento, Paolo; Berglund, Anita; Borgfeldt, Christer; Bottai, Matteo; Chiavenna, Chiara; Eliasson, Mats; Engström, Gunnar; Hallmans, Göran; Jansson, Jan-Håkan; Nilsson, Peter M.; Pedersen, Nancy L.

2017-01-01

Background Recent research indicates a favourable influence of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) if initiated early, but not late, on subclinical atherosclerosis. However, the clinical relevance of timing of HT initiation for hard end points such as stroke remains to be determined. Further, no previous research has considered the timing of initiation of HT in relation to haemorrhagic stroke risk. The importance of the route of administration, type, active ingredient, and duration of HT for stroke risk is also unclear. We aimed to assess the association between HT and risk of stroke, considering the timing of initiation, route of administration, type, active ingredient, and duration of HT. Methods and findings Data on HT use reported by the participants in 5 population-based Swedish cohort studies, with baseline investigations performed during the period 1987–2002, were combined in this observational study. In total, 88,914 postmenopausal women who reported data on HT use and had no previous cardiovascular disease diagnosis were included. Incident events of stroke (ischaemic, haemorrhagic, or unspecified) and haemorrhagic stroke were identified from national population registers. Laplace regression was employed to assess crude and multivariable-adjusted associations between HT and stroke risk by estimating percentile differences (PDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The fifth and first PDs were calculated for stroke and haemorrhagic stroke, respectively. Crude models were adjusted for age at baseline only. The final adjusted models included age at baseline, level of education, smoking status, body mass index, level of physical activity, and age at menopause onset. Additional variables evaluated for potential confounding were type of menopause, parity, use of oral contraceptives, alcohol consumption, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, family history of cardiovascular disease, and cohort. During a median follow-up of 14.3 years, 6,371 first-time stroke events were recorded; of these, 1,080 were haemorrhagic. Following multivariable adjustment, early initiation (<5 years since menopause onset) of HT was associated with a longer stroke-free period than never use (fifth PD, 1.00 years; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.57), but there was no significant extension to the time period free of haemorrhagic stroke (first PD, 1.52 years; 95% CI −0.32 to 3.37). When considering timing as a continuous variable, the stroke-free and the haemorrhagic stroke-free periods were maximal if HT was initiated approximately 0–5 years from the onset of menopause. If single conjugated equine oestrogen HT was used, late initiation of HT was associated with a shorter stroke-free (fifth PD, −4.41 years; 95% CI −7.14 to −1.68) and haemorrhagic stroke-free (first PD, −9.51 years; 95% CI −12.77 to −6.24) period than never use. Combined HT when initiated late was significantly associated with a shorter haemorrhagic stroke-free period (first PD, −1.97 years; 95% CI −3.81 to −0.13), but not with a shorter stroke-free period (fifth PD, −1.21 years; 95% CI −3.11 to 0.68) than never use. Given the observational nature of this study, the possibility of uncontrolled confounding cannot be excluded. Further, immortal time bias, also related to the observational design, cannot be ruled out. Conclusions When initiated early in relation to menopause onset, HT was not associated with increased risk of incident stroke, regardless of the route of administration, type of HT, active ingredient, and duration. Generally, these findings held also for haemorrhagic stroke. Our results suggest that the initiation of HT 0–5 years after menopause onset, as compared to never use, is associated with a decreased risk of stroke and haemorrhagic stroke. Late initiation was associated with elevated risks of stroke and haemorrhagic stroke when conjugated equine oestrogen was used as single therapy. Late initiation of combined HT was associated with haemorrhagic stroke risk. PMID:29149179

Pharmacogenetics and Stroke

PubMed Central

Meschia, James F.

2009-01-01

Genetic variations have been shown to influence drug metabolism, risk of adverse drug events, and pharmacodynamic responses for many drugs routinely used to treat patients with stroke or at risk for stroke. Examples include clopidogrel, statins, antihypertensive medications, and coumadin. Further validation studies are needed to assess the clinical utility of selecting drugs and doses based on genetic tests. Physicians, pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, and health insurers continue to grapple with how best to translate this burgeoning field into effective individualized medicine. PMID:19762696

Impact of proteinuria and glomerular filtration rate on risk of ischaemic and intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke: a result from the Kailuan study.

PubMed

Li, Z; Wang, A; Cai, J; Gao, X; Zhou, Y; Luo, Y; Wu, S; Zhao, X

2015-02-01

Persons with chronic kidney disease, defined by a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria, have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease including stroke. However, data from developing countries are limited. Our aim was to assess the relationship between chronic kidney disease and risk of stroke and its subtypes in a community-based population in China. The study was based on 92,013 participants (18-98 years old; 73,248 men and 18,765 women) of the Kailuan study who at baseline were free from stroke and myocardial infarction and had undergone tests for serum creatinine or proteinuria. Glomerular filtration rate was estimated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula and proteinuria by the urine dipstick result in laboratory databases. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of stroke. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for relevant confounders and results are presented as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During a follow-up of 4 years, 1575 stroke events (1128 ischaemic, 406 intracerebral hemorrhagic and 41 subarachnoid hemorrhagic strokes) occurred. After adjustment for variable confounders, patients with proteinuria were found to have increased HRs for the total and subtypes of stroke events (HR 1.61; 95% CI 1.35-1.92 for total stroke; HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.24-1.89 for ischaemic stroke; and HR 1.90; 95% CI 1.35-2.67 for hemorrhagic stroke). However, estimated glomerular filtration rate was not associated with incident stroke after adjustment for established cardiovascular risk factors. Proteinuria increased the risk of stroke in a general Chinese population. © 2014 EAN.

Stress Hyperglycemia and Prognosis of Minor Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack: The CHANCE Study (Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients With Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events).

PubMed

Pan, Yuesong; Cai, Xueli; Jing, Jing; Meng, Xia; Li, Hao; Wang, Yongjun; Zhao, Xingquan; Liu, Liping; Wang, David; Johnston, S Claiborne; Wei, Tiemin; Wang, Yilong

2017-11-01

We aimed to determine the association between stress hyperglycemia and risk of new stroke in patients with a minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. A subgroup of 3026 consecutive patients from 73 prespecified sites of the CHANCE trial (Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients With Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events) were analyzed. Stress hyperglycemia was measured by glucose/glycated albumin (GA) ratio. Glucose/GA ratio was calculated by fasting plasma glucose divided by GA and categorized into 4 even groups according to the quartiles. The primary outcome was a new stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) at 90 days. We assessed the association between glucose/GA ratio and risk of stroke by multivariable Cox regression models adjusted for potential covariates. Among 3026 patients included, a total of 299 (9.9%) new stroke occurred at 3 months. Compared with patients with the lowest quartile, patients with the highest quartile of glucose/GA ratio was associated with an increased risk of stroke at 3 months after adjusted for potential covariates (12.0% versus 9.2%; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.01). Similar results were observed after further adjusted for fasting plasma glucose. We also observed that higher level of glucose/GA ratio was associated with an increased risk of stroke with a threshold of 0.29 using a Cox regression model with restricted cubic spline. Stress hyperglycemia, measured by glucose/GA ratio, was associated with an increased risk of stroke in patients with a minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00979589. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

No Evidence of Increased Risk of Stroke with Consumption of Refined Grains: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.

PubMed

Wu, Demo; Guan, Yixiang; Lv, Shujun; Wang, Haibo; Li, Jun

2015-12-01

Results of the relationships between dietary consumption of refined grains and the risk of stroke are mixed. This study was based on a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. We systematically searched the MEDLINE (from January 1, 1966) and EMBASE (from January 1, 1974) databases up to November 30, 2014. Random-effects models were used to calculate summary relative risks (SRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I(2) statistics. Eight prospective studies (7 publications) with a total of 410,821 subjects and 8284 stroke events were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, a diet containing greater amounts of refined grains was not associated with risk of stroke, with no evidence of heterogeneity among studies (SRR = 1.02; 95% CI, .93-1.10; P(heterogeneity) = .970; I(2) = 0). In addition, no significant associations between consumption of refined grains and risk of stroke were found for both women and men, for both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes, and for both incident and fatal strokes. These null results are consistent with those of linear dose-response meta-analyses (SRR = .98; 95% CI, .73-1.03 for per 3 servings/day). Consumption of white rice was not associated with risk of stroke (SRR = 1.01; 95% CI, .93-1.11; P(heterogeneity) = .966; I(2) = 0). The current meta-analysis provides some evidence for the hypothesis that consumption of refined grains was not associated with risk of stroke and its subtypes. Copyright © 2015 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Big Five personality factors and psychological well-being following stroke: a systematic review.

PubMed

Dwan, Toni; Ownsworth, Tamara

2017-12-22

To identify and appraise studies investigating the relationship between the Big Five personality factors and psychological well-being following stroke and evidence for personality change. Systematic searches of six databases (PsychINFO, CINAHL, Ovid Medline, Cochrane, PubMed, and Web of Science) were conducted from inception to June 2017. Studies involving adult stroke samples that employed a validated measure of at least one of the Big Five personality factors were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility and methodological quality of studies. Eleven studies were identified that assessed associations between personality and psychological well-being after stroke (nine studies) or post-stroke personality change (two studies). A consistent finding was that higher neuroticism was significantly related to poorer psychological well-being. The evidence for the other Big Five factors was mixed. In terms of personality change, two cross-sectional studies reported high rates of elevated neuroticism (38-48%) and low extraversion (33-40%) relative to normative data. Different questionnaires and approaches to measuring personality (i.e., self vs. informant ratings, premorbid personality vs. current personality) complicated comparisons between studies. People high on neuroticism are at increased risk of poor psychological well-being after stroke. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to address the limited research on post-stroke personality change. Implications for rehabilitation High neuroticism is associated with poorer psychological well-being after stroke. Assessing personality characteristics early after stroke may help to identify those at risk of poor psychological outcomes.

Sleep duration and risk of stroke mortality among Chinese adults: Singapore Chinese health study.

PubMed

Pan, An; De Silva, Deidre Anne; Yuan, Jian-Min; Koh, Woon-Puay

2014-06-01

Prospective relation between sleep duration and stroke risk is less studied, particularly in Asians. We examined the association between sleep duration and stroke mortality among Chinese adults. The Singapore Chinese Health Study is a population-based cohort of 63 257 Chinese adults aged 45 to 74 years enrolled during 1993 through 1998. Sleep duration at baseline was assessed via in-person interview, and death information during follow-up was ascertained via record linkage with the death registry up to December 31, 2011. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios with adjustment for other comorbidities and lifestyle risk factors of stroke mortality. During 926 752 person-years of follow-up, we documented 1381 stroke deaths (322 from hemorrhagic and 1059 from ischemic or nonspecified strokes). Compared with individuals with 7 hours per day of sleep, the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of total stroke mortality was 1.25 (1.05-1.50) for ≤5 hours per day (short duration), 1.01 (0.87-1.18) for 6 hours per day, 1.09 (0.95-1.26) for 8 hours per day, and 1.54 (1.28-1.85) for ≥9 hours per day (long duration). The increased risk of stroke death with short (1.54; 1.16-2.03) and long durations of sleep (1.95; 1.48-2.57) was seen among subjects with a history of hypertension, but not in those without hypertension. These findings were limited to risk of death from ischemic or nonspecified stroke, but not observed for hemorrhagic stroke. Both short and long sleep durations are associated with increased risk of stroke mortality in a Chinese population, particularly among those with a history of hypertension. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

Sleep duration and risk of stroke mortality among Chinese adults: the Singapore Chinese Health Study

PubMed Central

Pan, An; De Silva, Deidre Anne; Yuan, Jian-Min; Koh, Woon-Puay

2014-01-01

Background and Purpose Prospective relation between sleep duration and stroke risk is less studied, particularly in Asians. We examined the association between sleep duration and stroke mortality among Chinese adults. Methods The Singapore Chinese Health Study is a population-based cohort of 63,257 Chinese adults aged 45-74 years enrolled during 1993 through 1998. Sleep duration at baseline was assessed via in-person interview, and death information during follow-up was ascertained via record linkage with the death registry up to December 31, 2011. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with adjustment for other comorbidities and lifestyle risk factors of stroke mortality. Results During 926,752 person-years of follow-up, we documented 1,381 stroke deaths (322 from hemorrhagic and 1,059 from ischemic or non-specified strokes). Compared to individuals with 7 hours/day of sleep, the multivariate-adjusted HR (95% confidence interval) of total stroke mortality was 1.25 (1.05-1.50) for ≤5 hours/day (short duration), 1.01 (0.87-1.18) for 6 hours/day, 1.09 (0.95-1.26) for 8 hours/day, and 1.54 (1.28-1.85) for ≥9 hours/day (long duration). The increased risk of stroke death with short (1.54; 1.16-2.03) and long duration of sleep (1.95; 1.48-2.57) was seen among subjects with a history of hypertension, but not in those without hypertension. These findings were limited to risk of death from ischemic or non-specified stroke, but not observed for hemorrhagic stroke. Conclusions Both short and long sleep durations are associated with increased risk of stroke mortality in a Chinese population, particularly among those with a history of hypertension. PMID:24743442

The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of primary stroke prevention in children with sickle cell disease: a systematic review and economic evaluation.

PubMed

Cherry, M G; Greenhalgh, J; Osipenko, L; Venkatachalam, M; Boland, A; Dundar, Y; Marsh, K; Dickson, R; Rees, D C

2012-01-01

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a recessive genetic blood disorder, caused by a mutation in the β-globin gene. For children with SCD, the risk of stroke is estimated to be up to 250 times higher than in the general childhood population. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography is a non-invasive technique which measures local blood velocity in the proximal portions of large intracranial arteries. Screening with TCD ultrasonography identifies individuals with high cerebral blood velocity; these children are at the highest risk of stroke. A number of primary stroke prevention strategies are currently used in clinical practice in the UK including blood transfusion, treatment with hydroxycarbamide and bone marrow transplantation (BMT). No reviews have yet assessed the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of primary stroke prevention strategies in children with SCD identified to be at high risk of stroke using TCD ultrasonography. To assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of primary stroke prevention treatments for children with SCD who are identified (using TCD ultrasonography) to be at high risk of stroke. Electronic databases were searched from inception up to May 2011, including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), EMBASE, the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) database, ISI Web of Science Proceedings, ISI Web of Science Citation Index, the NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED) and MEDLINE. The assessment was conducted according to accepted procedures for conducting and reporting systematic reviews and economic evaluations. A de novo Markov model was developed to determine the cost-effectiveness of TCD ultrasonography and blood transfusion, where clinically appropriate, in patients with SCD. Two randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria involving a study population of 209 participants. One compared blood transfusion with standard care for children who are identified as being at high risk of stroke using TCD ultrasonography. In this trial, one patient in the transfusion group had a stroke (1/63) compared with 11 children in the standard care group (11/67). The other trial assessed the impact of halting chronic transfusion in patients with SCD. Sixteen patients in the transfusion-halted group had an event (16/41) (two patients experienced stroke and 14 reverted to abnormal TCD velocity); there were no events in the continued-transfusion group (0/38). No meta-analyses of these trials were undertaken. No relevant economic evaluations were identified for inclusion in the review. The de novo modelling suggests that blood transfusions plus TCD scans (compared with just TCD scans) for patients with SCD at high risk of stroke, aged ≥ 2 years, may be good value for money. The intervention has an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £24,075 per quality-adjusted life-year gained, and helps avoid 68 strokes over the lifetime of a population of 1000 patients. The intervention costs an additional £13,751 per patient and generates 0.6 extra years of life in full health per patient. The data available for the economic analysis are limited. Sensitivity analyses and validation against existing data and expert opinion provide some reassurance that the conclusion of the model is reliable but further research is required to validate these findings. The main limitations relate to the availability of published clinical data; no completed randomised controlled trials were identified which evaluated the efficacy of either BMT or hydroxycarbamide for primary stroke prevention. Both the clinical and cost data available for use in the economic analysis are limited. Sensitivity analyses and validation against existing data and expert opinion provide some reassurance that the conclusions of the model are reliable, but further research is required to validate these findings. The use of TCD ultrasonography to identify children at high risk of stroke, and treating these children with prophylactic blood transfusions, appears to be both clinically effective and cost-effective compared with TCD ultrasonography only. However, given the limitations in the data available, further research is required to verify this conclusion. Several research recommendations can be proposed from this review. Clinically, more research is needed to assess the effects and optimal duration of long-term blood transfusion and the potential role of hydroxycarbamide in primary stroke prevention. From an economics perspective, further research is required to generate more robust data on which to base estimates of cost-effectiveness or against which model outputs can be calibrated. More data are required to explain how utility weights vary with age, transfusions and strokes. Research is also needed around the cost of paediatric stroke in the UK. PROSPERO CRD42011001496. The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Increased risk of stroke in contact dermatitis patients

PubMed Central

Chang, Wei-Lun; Hsu, Min-Hsien; Lin, Cheng-Li; Chan, Po-Chi; Chang, Ko-Shih; Lee, Ching-Hsiao; Hsu, Chung-Yi; Tsai, Min-Tein; Yeh, Chung-Hsin; Sung, Fung-Chang

2017-01-01

Abstract Dermatologic diseases are not traditional risk factors of stroke, but recent studies show atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and bullous skin disease may increase the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. No previous studies have focused on the association between contact dermatitis and stroke. We established a cohort comprised of 48,169 contact dermatitis patients newly diagnosed in 2000–2003 and 96,338 randomly selected subjects without the disorder, frequency matched by sex, age, and diagnosis year, as the comparison cohort. None of them had a history of stroke. Stroke incidence was assessed by the end of 2011 for both cohorts. The incidence stroke was 1.1-fold higher in the contact dermatitis cohort than in the comparison cohort (5.93 vs 5.37 per 1000 person-years, P < 0.01). The multivariable Cox method analyzed adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.19) for all stroke types and 1.12 (95% CI, 1.05–1.20) for ischemic stroke and 1.11 (95% CI, 0.94–1.30) for hemorrhagic stroke. The age-specific aHR of stroke for contact dermatitis cohort increased with age, from 1.14 (95% CI, 1.03–1.27) for 65 to 74 years; to 1.27 (95% CI, 1.15–1.42) for 75 years and older. The aHR of stroke were 1.16 (95% CI, 1.07–1.27) and 1.09 (95% CI, 1.00–1.18) for men and women, respectively. This study suggests that patients with contact dermatitis were at a modestly increased risk of stroke, significant for ischemic stroke but not for hemorrhagic stroke. Comorbidity, particularly hypertension, increased the hazard of stroke further. PMID:28272195

Trends in risk factors, patterns and causes in hospitalized strokes over 25 years: The Lausanne Stroke Registry.

PubMed

Carrera, Emmanuel; Maeder-Ingvar, Malin; Rossetti, Andrea O; Devuyst, Gérald; Bogousslavsky, Julien

2007-01-01

The Lausanne Stroke Registry includes, from 1979, all patients admitted to the department of Neurology of the Lausanne University Hospital with the diagnosis of first clinical stroke. Using the Lausanne Stroke Registry, we aimed to determine trends in risk factors, causes, localization and inhospital mortality over 25 years in hospitalized stroke patients. We assessed temporal trends in stroke patients characteristics through the following consecutive periods: 1979-1987, 1988-1995 and 1996-2003. Age-adjusted cardiovascular risk factors, etiologies, stroke localizations and mortality were compared between the three periods. Overall, 5,759 patients were included. Age was significantly different among the analyzed periods (p < 0.001), showing an increment in older patients throughout time. After adjustment for age, hypercholesterolemia increased (p < 0.001), as opposed to cigarette smoking (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001) and diabetes and hyperglycemia (p < 0.001). In patients with ischemic strokes, there were significant changes in the distribution of causes with an increase in cardioembolic strokes (p < 0.001), and in the localization of strokes with an increase in entire middle cerebral artery (MCA) and posterior circulation strokes together with a decrease in superficial middle cerebral artery stroke (p < 0.001). In patients with hemorrhagic strokes, the thalamic localizations increased, whereas the proportion of striatocapsular hemorrhage decreased (p = 0.022). Except in the older patient group, the mortality rate decreased. This study shows major trends in the characteristics of stroke patients admitted to a department of neurology over a 25-year time span, which may result from referral biases, development of acute stroke management and possibly from the evolution of cerebrovascular risk factors.

Clinical and angiographic risk factors for stroke and death within 30 days after carotid endarterectomy and stent-protected angioplasty: a subanalysis of the SPACE study.

PubMed

Stingele, Robert; Berger, Jürgen; Alfke, Karsten; Eckstein, Hans-Henning; Fraedrich, Gustav; Allenberg, Jens; Hartmann, Marius; Ringleb, Peter A; Fiehler, Jens; Bruckmann, H; Hennerici, M; Jansen, O; Klein, G; Kunze, A; Marx, P; Niederkorn, K; Schmiedt, W; Solymosi, L; Zeumer, H; Hacke, W

2008-03-01

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) are used to prevent ischaemic stroke in patients with stenosis of the internal carotid artery. Better knowledge of risk factors could improve assignment of patients to these procedures and reduce overall risk. We aimed to assess the risk of stroke or death associated with CEA and CAS in patients with different risk factors. We analysed data from 1196 patients randomised to CAS or CEA in the Stent-Protected Angioplasty versus Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic Patients (SPACE) trial. The primary outcome event was death or ipsilateral stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) with symptoms that lasted more than 24 h between randomisation and 30 days after therapy. Six predefined variables were assessed as potential risk factors for this outcome: age, sex, type of qualifying event, side of intervention, degree of stenosis, and presence of high-grade contralateral stenosis or occlusion. The SPACE trial is registered at Current Controlled Trials, with the international standard randomised controlled trial number ISRCTN57874028. Risk of ipsilateral stroke or death increased significantly with age in the CAS group (p=0.001) but not in the CEA group (p=0.534). Classification and regression tree analysis showed that the age that gave the greatest separation between high-risk and low-risk populations who had CAS was 68 years: the rate of primary outcome events was 2.7% (8/293) in patients who were 68 years old or younger and 10.8% (34/314) in older patients. Other variables did not differ between the CEA and CAS groups. Of the predefined covariates, only age was significantly associated with the risk of stroke and death. The lower risk after CAS versus CEA in patients up to 68 years of age was not detectable in older patients. This finding should be interpreted with caution because of the drawbacks of post-hoc analyses.

Stroke risk after nonstroke emergency department dizziness presentations: a population-based cohort study.

PubMed

Kerber, Kevin A; Zahuranec, Darin B; Brown, Devin L; Meurer, William J; Burke, James F; Smith, Melinda A; Lisabeth, Lynda D; Fendrick, A Mark; McLaughlin, Thomas; Morgenstern, Lewis B

2014-06-01

Acute stroke is a serious concern in emergency department (ED) dizziness presentations. Prior studies, however, suggest that stroke is actually an unlikely cause of these presentations. Lacking are data on short- and long-term follow-up from population-based studies to establish stroke risk after presumed nonstroke ED dizziness presentations. From May 8, 2011 to May 7, 2012, patients ≥45 years of age presenting to EDs in Nueces County, Texas, with dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance were identified, excluding those with stroke as the initial diagnosis. Stroke events after the ED presentation up to October 2, 2012 were determined using the BASIC (Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi) study, which uses rigorous surveillance and neurologist validation. Cumulative stroke risk was calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates. A total of 1,245 patients were followed for a median of 347 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 230-436 days). Median age was 61.9 years (IQR = 53.8-74.0 years). After the ED visit, 15 patients (1.2%) had a stroke. Stroke risk was 0.48% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.22-1.07%) at 2 days, 0.48% (95% CI = 0.22-1.07%) at 7 days, 0.56% (95% CI = 0.27-1.18%) at 30 days, 0.56% (95% CI = 0.27-1.18%) at 90 days, and 1.42% (95% CI = 0.85-2.36%) at 12 months. Using rigorous case ascertainment and outcome assessment in a population-based design, we found that the risk of stroke after presumed nonstroke ED dizziness presentations is very low, supporting a nonstroke etiology to the overwhelming majority of original events. High-risk subgroups likely exist, however, because most of the 90-day stroke risk occurred within 2 days. Vascular risk stratification was insufficient to identify these cases. © 2014 American Neurological Association.

Whole Grain Consumption and Risk of Ischemic Stroke: Results From 2 Prospective Cohort Studies.

PubMed

Juan, Juan; Liu, Gang; Willett, Walter C; Hu, Frank B; Rexrode, Kathryn M; Sun, Qi

2017-12-01

Higher intake of whole grains may exert cardiometabolic benefits, although findings on stroke risk are inconclusive. The potentially differential effects of individual whole grain foods on ischemic stroke have not been examined. We analyzed whole grain consumption in relation to ischemic stroke among 71 750 women from the Nurses' Health Study and 42 823 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study who were free of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer at baseline (1984 and 1986, respectively) through 2010 using a Cox proportional hazards model. Validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires were used to assess consumption of whole grain intake, including whole grain cold breakfast cereal, dark bread, oatmeal, brown rice, popcorn, bran, and germ. Self-reported incident cases of ischemic stroke were confirmed through medical record review. During 2 820 128 person-years of follow-up in the 2 cohorts, 2458 cases of ischemic stroke were identified and confirmed. Intake of total whole grains was not associated with risk of ischemic stroke after adjustment for covariates: the pooled hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) comparing extreme intake levels was 1.04 (0.91-1.19). However, intake of whole grain cold breakfast cereal and total bran was inversely associated with ischemic stroke after multivariate adjustment: the pooled hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.88 (0.80-0.96; P trend =0.008) and 0.89 (0.79-1.00; P trend =0.004), respectively. Other whole grain foods were not associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke. Although overall consumption of whole grains was not associated with lower risk of ischemic stroke, greater consumption of whole grain cold breakfast cereal and bran was significantly associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke. More studies are needed to replicate these associations between individual whole grain foods and risk of ischemic stroke among other populations. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Young adult ischaemic stroke related acute symptomatic and late seizures: risk factors.

PubMed

Roivainen, R; Haapaniemi, E; Putaala, J; Kaste, M; Tatlisumak, T

2013-09-01

After first-ever ischaemic stroke, to assess the risk and baseline factors associated with acute symptomatic seizure (ASS) (occurring within 7 days) and late post-stroke seizure (LPS) (>7 days). All consecutive patients aged 15-49 with first-ever ischaemic stroke between 1994 and 2007 treated at the Helsinki University Central Hospital were included, using Cox proportional hazard models to identify factors associated with seizures. Adjustment was for age, gender, vascular risk factors, admission hyperglycemia (>6.1 mm) and hyponatremia (<137 mm), use of psychiatric medication, stroke severity (NIH Stroke Scale) and anatomical (Bamford criteria) and etiological (Trial of Org in Acute Stroke Treatment) stroke subtype. ASSs emerged in 35 (3.5%) patients. LPSs (n = 102) occurred at a cumulative rate of 6.1% at 1 year, 9.5% at 5 years and 11.5% at 10 years. In multivariate analysis, anxiolytic use at time of index stroke (hazard ratio 13.43, 95% confidence interval 3.91-46.14), moderate stroke severity (3.95, 1.86-8.41), cortical involvement (3.69, 1.66-8.18) and hyponatremia (3.26, 1.41-7.57) were independently associated with ASSs. Risk factors for LPSs were total anterior circulation infarct (15.94, 7.62-33.33), partial anterior circulation infarct (3.48, 1.52-7.93), history of ASS (3.94, 2.07-7.48), antidepressant use at the time of LPS (3.88, 2.46-6.11), hemorrhagic infarct (1.94, 1.19-3.15), male gender (1.79, 1.10-2.92) and hyperglycemia (1.62, 1.05-2.51). In young ischaemic stroke patients, the magnitude of seizure risk and the major risk factors were similar to older ischaemic stroke patients but risk factors for ASSs and LPSs differed. © 2013 The Author(s) European Journal of Neurology © 2013 EFNS.

One-Year Outcomes After Minor Stroke or High-Risk Transient Ischemic Attack: Korean Multicenter Stroke Registry Analysis.

PubMed

Park, Hong-Kyun; Kim, Beom Joon; Han, Moon-Ku; Park, Jong-Moo; Kang, Kyusik; Lee, Soo Joo; Kim, Jae Guk; Cha, Jae-Kwan; Kim, Dae-Hyun; Nah, Hyun-Wook; Park, Tai Hwan; Park, Sang-Soon; Lee, Kyung Bok; Lee, Jun; Hong, Keun-Sik; Cho, Yong-Jin; Lee, Byung-Chul; Yu, Kyung-Ho; Oh, Mi-Sun; Kim, Joon-Tae; Choi, Kang-Ho; Kim, Dong-Eog; Ryu, Wi-Sun; Choi, Jay Chol; Johansson, Saga; Lee, Su Jin; Lee, Won Hee; Lee, Ji Sung; Lee, Juneyoung; Bae, Hee-Joon

2017-11-01

Patients with minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack are at high risk of recurrent stroke and vascular events, which are potentially disabling or fatal. This study aimed to evaluate contemporary subsequent vascular event risk after minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in Korea. Patients with minor ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack admitted within 7 days of symptom onset were identified from a Korean multicenter stroke registry database. We estimated 3-month and 1-year event rates of the primary outcome (composite of stroke recurrence, myocardial infarction, or all-cause death), stroke recurrence, a major vascular event (composite of stroke recurrence, myocardial infarction, or vascular death), and all-cause death and explored differences in clinical characteristics and event rates according to antithrombotic strategies at discharge. Of 9506 patients enrolled in this study, 93.8% underwent angiographic assessment and 72.7% underwent cardiac evaluations; 25.1% had symptomatic stenosis or occlusion of intracranial arteries. At discharge, 95.2% of patients received antithrombotics (antiplatelet polytherapy, 37.1%; anticoagulation, 15.3%) and 86.2% received statins. The 3-month cumulative event rate was 5.9% for the primary outcome, 4.3% for stroke recurrence, 4.6% for a major vascular event, and 2.0% for all-cause death. Corresponding values at 1 year were 9.3%, 6.1%, 6.7%, and 4.1%, respectively. Patients receiving nonaspirin antithrombotic strategies or no antithrombotic agent had higher baseline risk profiles and at least 1.5× higher event rates for clinical event outcomes than those with aspirin monotherapy. Contemporary secondary stroke prevention strategies based on thorough diagnostic evaluation may contribute to the low subsequent vascular event rates observed in real-world clinical practice in Korea. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

"EMMA Study: a Brazilian community-based cohort study of stroke mortality and morbidity".

PubMed

Goulart, Alessandra Carvalho

2016-01-01

Stroke has a high burden of disability and mortality. The aim here was to evaluate epidemiology, risk factors and prognosis for stroke in the EMMA Study (Study of Stroke Mortality and Morbidity). Prospective community-based cohort carried out in Hospital Universitário, University of São Paulo, 2006-2014. Stroke data based on fatal and non-fatal events were assessed, including sociodemographic data, mortality and predictors, which were evaluated by means of logistic regression and survival analyses. Stroke subtype was better defined in the hospital setting than in the local community. In the hospital phase, around 70% were first events and the ischemic subtype. Among cerebrovascular risk factors, the frequency of alcohol intake was higher in hemorrhagic stroke (HS) than in ischemic stroke (IS) cases (35.4% versus 12.3%, P < 0.001). Low education was associated with higher risk of death, particularly after six months among IS cases (odds ratio, OR, 4.31; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.34-13.91). The risk of death due to hemorrhagic stroke was greater than for ischemic stroke and reached its maximum 10 days after the event (OR: 3.31; 95% CI: 1.55-7.05). Four-year survival analysis on 665 cases of first stroke (82.6% ischemic and 17.4% hemorrhagic) showed an overall survival rate of 48%. At four years, the highest risks of death were in relation to ischemic stroke and illiteracy (hazard ratio, HR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.26-2.68) and diabetes (HR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.07-1.97). Major depression presented worse one-year survival (HR: 4.60; 95% CI: 1.36-15.55). Over the long term, the EMMA database will provide additional information for planning resources destined for the public healthcare system.

Migraine Headache and Ischemic Stroke Risk: An Updated Meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Spector, June T.; Kahn, Susan R.; Jones, Miranda R.; Jayakumar, Monisha; Dalal, Deepan; Nazarian, Saman

2010-01-01

Background Observational studies, including recent large cohort studies which were unavailable for prior meta-analysis, have suggested an association between migraine headache and ischemic stroke. We performed an updated meta-analysis to quantitatively summarize the strength of association between migraine and ischemic stroke risk. Methods We systematically searched electronic databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, through February 2009 for studies of human subjects in the English language. Study selection using a priori selection criteria, data extraction, and assessment of study quality were conducted independently by reviewer pairs using standardized forms. Results Twenty-one (60%) of 35 studies met the selection criteria, for a total of 622,381 participants (13 case-control, 8 cohort studies) included in the meta-analysis. The pooled adjusted odds ratio of ischemic stroke comparing migraineurs to non-migraineurs using a random effects model was 2.30 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.91-2.76). The pooled adjusted effect estimates for studies that reported relative risks and hazard ratios, respectively, were 2.41 (95% CI, 1.81-3.20) and 1.52 (95% CI, 0.99-2.35). The overall pooled effect estimate was 2.04 (95% CI, 1.72-2.43). Results were robust to sensitivity analyses excluding lower quality studies. Conclusions Migraine is associated with increased ischemic stroke risk. These findings underscore the importance of identifying high-risk migraineurs with other modifiable stroke risk factors. Future studies of the effect of migraine treatment and modifiable risk factor reduction on stroke risk in migraineurs are warranted. PMID:20493462

Utilization of Anticoagulation Therapy in Medicare Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

PubMed Central

Fitch, Kate; Broulette, Jonah; Pyenson, Bruce; Iwasaki, Kosuke; Kwong, Winghan Jacqueline

2012-01-01

Background Clinical guidelines recommend oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at moderate or high risk for stroke but not at high risk for bleeding; however, studies consistently report suboptimal use of such therapy. This study used Medicare Part D claims data to assess the use of warfarin in the Medicare population. Objectives To compare real-world warfarin utilization with current treatment guideline recommendations, and to assess the effect of warfarin exposure level on patient outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries with nonvalvular AF (NVAF). Methods Patients who were recently diagnosed with NVAF were identified using a random 5% sample of Research Identifiable Files of Medicare beneficiaries in 2006 or 2007. Individuals with moderate-to-high stroke risk per CHADS2 but not at high bleeding risk per ATRIA (Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation) bleeding risk score were evaluated for warfarin use, as identified by the presence of ≥1 warfarin prescription claims within 12 months after the index diagnosis. Warfarin exposure level was assessed by the proportion of days covered during the 12-month follow-up period. The effect of warfarin exposure on ischemic stroke and major bleeding event rates during the 12-month follow-up period were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Results Data from 14,149 newly diagnosed patients with NVAF (mean age, 79 years; 58.7% female) were analyzed, and of these, 7524 (53.2%) patients were identified as having moderate-to-high stroke risk and not being at high bleeding risk. Of these patients, 3110 (41.3%) did not receive warfarin within 12 months of the index diagnosis. The risk for ischemic stroke was significantly lower in those with warfarin exposure versus no warfarin exposure (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.51; confidence interval [CI], 0.43–0.61; P <.001) and in patients with warfarin proportion of days covered ≥80% versus those with proportion of days covered <80% (adjusted OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.48–0.72; P<.001). Warfarin exposure was associated with a significantly higher major bleeding rate (adjusted OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.04–1.36; P = .013), with this significant difference being driven by patients aged >65 years. Conclusions Based on a risk-stratification scheme composed of previously published tools, such as CHADS2 and the ATRIA bleeding risk index, a significant proportion of Medicare beneficiaries with AF are not receiving guideline-recommended anticoagulation therapy, which leads to an excess rate of ischemic stroke in this patient population. These findings highlight quality-of-care issues for patients with AF and the need to improve compliance with anticoagulation guidelines in the Medicare population. PMID:24991318

Impact of age on the importance of systolic and diastolic blood pressures for stroke risk: the MOnica, Risk, Genetics, Archiving, and Monograph (MORGAM) Project.

PubMed

Vishram, Julie K K; Borglykke, Anders; Andreasen, Anne H; Jeppesen, Jørgen; Ibsen, Hans; Jørgensen, Torben; Broda, Grazyna; Palmieri, Luigi; Giampaoli, Simona; Donfrancesco, Chiara; Kee, Frank; Mancia, Giuseppe; Cesana, Giancarlo; Kuulasmaa, Kari; Sans, Susana; Olsen, Michael H

2012-11-01

This study investigates age-related shifts in the relative importance of systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures as predictors of stroke and whether these relations are influenced by other cardiovascular risk factors. Using 34 European cohorts from the MOnica, Risk, Genetics, Archiving, and Monograph (MORGAM) Project with baseline between 1982 and 1997, 68 551 subjects aged 19 to 78 years, without cardiovascular disease and not receiving antihypertensive treatment, were included. During a mean of 13.2 years of follow-up, stroke incidence was 2.8%. Stroke risk was analyzed using hazard ratios per 10-mm Hg/5-mm Hg increase in SBP/DBP by multivariate-adjusted Cox regressions, including SBP and DBP simultaneously. Because of nonlinearity, DBP was analyzed separately for DBP ≥ 71 mm Hg and DBP <71 mm Hg. Stroke risk was associated positively with SBP and DBP ≥ 71 mm Hg (SBP/DBP ≥ 71 mm Hg; hazard ratios: 1.15/1.06 [95% CI: 1.12-1.18/1.03-1.09]) and negatively with DBP <71 mm Hg (0.88[0.79-0.98]). The hazard ratio for DBP decreased with age (P<0.001) and was not influenced by other cardiovascular risk factors. Taking into account the age × DBP interaction, both SBP and DBP ≥ 71 mm Hg were significantly associated with stroke risk until age 62 years, but in subjects older than 46 years the superiority of SBP for stroke risk exceeded that of DBP ≥ 71 mm Hg and remained significant until age 78 years. DBP <71 mm Hg became significant at age 50 years with an inverse relation to stroke risk. In Europeans, stroke risk should be assessed by both SBP and DBP until age 62 years with increased focus on SBP from age 47 years. From age 62 years, emphasis should be on SBP without neglecting the potential harm of very low DBP.

Effects of a school-based stroke education program on stroke-related knowledge and behaviour modification―school class based intervention study for elementary school students and parental guardians in a Japanese rural area

PubMed Central

Kato, Suzuka; Okamura, Tomonori; Kuwabara, Kazuyo; Takekawa, Hidehiro; Nagao, Masanori; Umesawa, Mitsumasa; Sugiyama, Daisuke; Miyamatsu, Naomi; Hino, Tenyu; Wada, Shinichi; Arimizu, Takuro; Takebayashi, Toru; Kobashi, Gen; Hirata, Koichi; Yokota, Chiaki; Minematsu, Kazuo

2017-01-01

Objectives This study aimed to determine the effect of a stroke education programme on elementary school students and their parental guardians in a rural area in Japan that has high stroke mortality. Design School class based intervention study. Setting Eleven public elementary schools in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Participants 268 students aged 11–12 years and 267 parental guardians. Interventions Students received lessons about stroke featuring animated cartoons and were instructed to communicate their knowledge about stroke to their parental guardians using material (comic books) distributed in the lessons. Stroke knowledge (symptoms, risk factors and attitude towards stroke) and behavioural change for risk factors were assessed at baseline, immediately after the programme and at 3 months. We also evaluated behavioural change for risk factors among parental guardians. Results The percentage of students with all correct answers for stroke symptoms, risk factors and the recommended response to stroke was significantly increased at 3 months P<0.001). We observed a significant increase in the percentage of guardians who chose all correct symptoms (P<0.001: 61.0% vs 85.4%) and risk factors (P<0.001: 41.2% vs 59.9%) at 3 months compared with baseline. The percentage of parental guardians with a high behavioural response to improving risk factors was significantly increased at 3 months compared with baseline (P<0.001). Conclusions In a rural population with high stroke mortality, stroke education can improve knowledge about stroke in elementary school students and their parental guardians. Ethics and dissemination We conducted the intervention as a part of compulsory education; this study was not a clinical trial. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center (M27-026). PMID:29273654

Effects of a school-based stroke education program on stroke-related knowledge and behaviour modification-school class based intervention study for elementary school students and parental guardians in a Japanese rural area.

PubMed

Kato, Suzuka; Okamura, Tomonori; Kuwabara, Kazuyo; Takekawa, Hidehiro; Nagao, Masanori; Umesawa, Mitsumasa; Sugiyama, Daisuke; Miyamatsu, Naomi; Hino, Tenyu; Wada, Shinichi; Arimizu, Takuro; Takebayashi, Toru; Kobashi, Gen; Hirata, Koichi; Yokota, Chiaki; Minematsu, Kazuo

2017-12-21

This study aimed to determine the effect of a stroke education programme on elementary school students and their parental guardians in a rural area in Japan that has high stroke mortality. School class based intervention study. Eleven public elementary schools in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. 268 students aged 11-12 years and 267 parental guardians. Students received lessons about stroke featuring animated cartoons and were instructed to communicate their knowledge about stroke to their parental guardians using material (comic books) distributed in the lessons. Stroke knowledge (symptoms, risk factors and attitude towards stroke) and behavioural change for risk factors were assessed at baseline, immediately after the programme and at 3 months. We also evaluated behavioural change for risk factors among parental guardians. The percentage of students with all correct answers for stroke symptoms, risk factors and the recommended response to stroke was significantly increased at 3 months P<0.001). We observed a significant increase in the percentage of guardians who chose all correct symptoms (P<0.001: 61.0% vs 85.4%) and risk factors (P<0.001: 41.2% vs 59.9%) at 3 months compared with baseline. The percentage of parental guardians with a high behavioural response to improving risk factors was significantly increased at 3 months compared with baseline (P<0.001). In a rural population with high stroke mortality, stroke education can improve knowledge about stroke in elementary school students and their parental guardians. We conducted the intervention as a part of compulsory education; this study was not a clinical trial. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center (M27-026). © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Fall-related experiences of stroke survivors: a meta-ethnography.

PubMed

Walsh, Mary; Galvin, Rose; Horgan, N Frances

2017-04-01

Health professionals view falls after stroke as common adverse events with both physical and psychological consequences. Stroke survivors' experiences are less well understood. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the perception of falls-risk within the stroke recovery experience from the perspective of people with stroke. A systematic literature search was conducted. Papers that used qualitative methods to explore the experiences of individuals with stroke around falls, falls-risk and fear of falling were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of papers. Meta-ethnography was conducted. Concepts from each study were translated into each other to form theories that were combined through a "lines-of-argument" synthesis. Four themes emerged from the six included qualitative studies: (i) Fall circumstances, (ii) perception of fall consequences, (iii) barriers to community participation and (iv) coping strategies. The synthesis revealed that stroke survivors' perceived consequences of falls exist on a continuum. Cognitive and emotional adjustment may be required in the successful adoption of coping strategies to overcome fall-related barriers to participation. Stroke survivors' fall-related experiences appear to exist within the context of activity and community participation. Further research is warranted due to the small number of substantive studies available for synthesis. Implications for Rehabilitation Health care professionals should recognize that cognitive and emotional adjustment may berequired for stroke survivors to accept strategies for overcoming falls-risk, including dependenceon carers and assistive devices. Several factors in addition to physical interventions may be needed to minimize falls-risk whileincreasing activity participation. These factors could include increasing public awareness about the effects of stroke and falls-risk,and ensuring access to psychological services for stroke survivors. Rehabilitation professionals should reflect on whether they perceive there to be an appropriatelevel of fear of falling post-stroke. They should understand that stroke survivors might not conceptualize falls-risk in this way.

Pancreatic β-Cell Function and Prognosis of Nondiabetic Patients With Ischemic Stroke.

PubMed

Pan, Yuesong; Chen, Weiqi; Jing, Jing; Zheng, Huaguang; Jia, Qian; Li, Hao; Zhao, Xingquan; Liu, Liping; Wang, Yongjun; He, Yan; Wang, Yilong

2017-11-01

Pancreatic β-cell dysfunction is an important factor in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to estimate the association between β-cell dysfunction and prognosis of nondiabetic patients with ischemic stroke. Patients with ischemic stroke without a history of diabetes mellitus in the ACROSS-China (Abnormal Glucose Regulation in Patients with Acute Stroke across China) registry were included. Disposition index was estimated as computer-based model of homeostatic model assessment 2-β%/homeostatic model assessment 2-insulin resistance based on fasting C-peptide level. Outcomes included stroke recurrence, all-cause death, and dependency (modified Rankin Scale, 3-5) at 12 months after onset. Among 1171 patients, 37.2% were women with a mean age of 62.4 years. At 12 months, 167 (14.8%) patients had recurrent stroke, 110 (9.4%) died, and 184 (16.0%) had a dependency. The first quartile of the disposition index was associated with an increased risk of stroke recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.57; 95% confidence interval, 2.13-5.99) and dependency (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-4.38); both the first and second quartiles of the disposition index were associated with an increased risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.09; 95% confidence interval, 2.51-10.33; adjusted hazard ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-5.03) compared with the fourth quartile. Using a multivariable regression model with restricted cubic spline, we observed an L-shaped association between the disposition index and the risk of each end point. In this large-scale registry, β-cell dysfunction was associated with an increased risk of 12-month poor prognosis in nondiabetic patients with ischemic stroke. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Race, Marital History, and Risks for Stroke in US Older Adults.

PubMed

Dupre, Matthew E

2016-09-01

Stroke is among the leading causes of disability and death in the United States, and racial differences are greater for stroke than for all other major chronic diseases. Considering the equally sizeable racial disparities in marital life and associated risks across adulthood, the current study hypothesizes that black-white differences in marital history play an important role in the large racial inequalities in the incidence of stroke. The major objective are to (i) demonstrate how marital history is associated with the incidence of stroke, (ii) examine how marital factors mediate and/or moderate racial disparities in stroke, and (iii) examine the factors that may explain the associations. Using retrospective and prospective data from the Health and Retirement Study ( n = 23,289), the results show that non-Hispanic (NH) blacks have significantly higher rates of marital instability, greater numbers of health-risk factors, and substantially higher rates of stroke compared with NH whites. Contrary to the cumulative disadvantage hypothesis, findings from discrete-time-hazard models show that the effects of marital history are more pronounced for NH whites than for NH blacks. Risks for stroke were significantly higher in NH whites who were currently divorced, remarried, and widowed, as well as in those with a history of divorce or widowhood, compared with NH whites who were continuously married. In NH blacks, risks for stroke were elevated only in those who had either never married or had been widowed-with no significant risks attributable to divorce. The potential mechanisms underlying the associations are assessed, and the implications of the findings are discussed.

Prevalence of stroke symptoms among stroke-free residents: first national data from Lebanon.

PubMed

Farah, Rita; Zeidan, Rouba Karen; Chahine, Mirna N; Asmar, Roland; Chahine, Ramez; Salameh, Pascale; Hosseini, Hassan

2015-10-01

Stroke symptoms are common among people without a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack. Reported stroke symptoms may represent stroke episodes that failed to reach the threshold for clinical diagnosis. This study aimed to assess in the Lebanese population the prevalence of self-reported stroke symptoms in a stroke- and transient ischemic attack-free population, and the association of these symptoms with major risk factors for stroke. We carried out a cross-sectional study using a multistage cluster sample across Lebanon. We interviewed residents aged 40 years and more. Stroke symptoms were assessed using the Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-Free Status. We included 1515 individuals (mean age was 57·2 ± 12·4 years, 783 women, 51·7%). Among 1460 participants stroke- and transient ischemic attack-free, 175 had experienced at least one stroke symptom (12·1%, 95% CI 9·9%-14·3%). Arterial hypertension (adjOR 4·37, 95% CI 2·68-7·12), history of heart disease (adjOR 3·34, 95% CI 2·00-5·56), current waterpipe smoking (adjOR 3·88, 95% CI 2·33-6·48), current and former cigarette smoking (adjOR 1·84, 95% CI 1·18-2·87 and adjOR 2·01, 95% CI 1·13-3·5, respectively), psychological distress (adjOR 1·04, 95% CI 1·02-1·05), the Mediterranean diet score (adjOR 0·87, 95% CI 0·76-0·99), and regular physical activity (adjOR 0·45, 95% CI 0·26-0·77) were independently associated with stroke symptoms. This is the first study conducted in the Middle East, assessing self-reported stroke symptoms among stroke-free residents. Our study showed that almost one in eight residents without a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack has had stroke symptoms. Major vascular risk factors are associated with these symptoms, thus allowing for prevention strategies. © 2015 World Stroke Organization.

Urinary tract infection after acute stroke: Impact of indwelling urinary catheterization and assessment of catheter-use practices in French stroke centers.

PubMed

Net, P; Karnycheff, F; Vasse, M; Bourdain, F; Bonan, B; Lapergue, B

2018-03-01

Urinary catheterization and acute urinary retention increase the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). Our study aimed to investigate the incidence of UTI following acute stroke at our stroke center (SC) and to assess urinary catheter-care practices among French SCs. Stroke patients hospitalized within 24h of stroke onset were prospectively enrolled between May and September 2013. Neurological deficit level was assessed on admission using the US National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Patients were followed-up until discharge. Indwelling urinary catheterization (IUC) was the only technique authorized during the study. An electronic survey was also conducted among French SCs to assess their practices regarding urinary catheterization in acute stroke patients. A total of 212 patients were included, with 45 (21.2%) receiving indwelling urinary catheters. The overall estimated incidence of UTI was 14.2%, and 18% among patients receiving IUC. On univariate analysis, IUC was significantly associated with older age, longer hospital stays and higher NIHSS scores. Of the 30 SCs that responded to our survey, 19 (63.3%) declared using IUC when urinary catheterization was needed. The main argument given to justify its use was that it was departmental policy to adopt this technique. Also, 27 participants (90%) stated that conducting a study to assess the impact of urinary catheterization techniques on UTI rates in acute stroke patients would be relevant. Our results are in accord with previously reported data and confirm the high burden of UTI among acute stroke subjects. However, no association was found between IUC and UTI on univariate analysis due to a lack of statistical power. Also, our survey showed high heterogeneity in catheter-use practices among French SCs, but offered no data to help determine the best urinary catheterization technique. Urinary catheterization is common after acute stroke and a well-known risk factor of UTI. However, as high heterogeneity in catheter-use practices is found among French SCs, randomized studies comparing the efficacy of urinary catheterization techniques in terms of UTI prevention in acute stroke patients are now warranted. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Association of Vagotomy and Decreased Risk of Subsequent Ischemic Stroke in Complicated Peptic Ulcer Patients: an Asian Population Study.

PubMed

Fang, Chu-Wen; Tseng, Chun-Hung; Wu, Shih-Chi; Chen, William Tzu-Liang; Muo, Chih-Hsin

2017-12-01

The primary management of peptic ulcers is medical treatment. Persistent exacerbation of a peptic ulcer may lead to complications (perforation and/or bleeding). There has been a trend toward the use of a less invasive surgical simple suture, simple local suture or non-operative (endoscopic/angiography) hemostasis rather than acid-reducing vagotomy (i.e., vagus nerve severance) for treating complicated peptic ulcers. Other studies have shown the relationship between high vagus nerve activity and survival in cancer patients via reduced levels of inflammation, indicating the essential role of the vagus nerve. We were interested in the role of the vagus nerve and attempted to assess the long-term systemic effects after vagus nerve severance. Complicated peptic ulcer patients who underwent truncal vagotomy may represent an appropriate study population for investigating the association between vagus nerve severance and long-term effects. Therefore, we assessed the risks of subsequent ischemic stroke using different treatment methods in complicated peptic ulcer patients who underwent simple suture/hemostasis or truncal vagotomy/pyloroplasty. We selected 299,742 peptic ulcer patients without a history of stroke and Helicobacter pylori infection and an additional 299,742 matched controls without ulcer, stroke, and Helicobacter pylori infection from the National Health Insurance database. The controls were frequency matched for age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score, hypertension, hyperlipidemia history, and index year. Then, we measured the incidence of overall ischemic stroke in the two cohorts. The hazard ratio (HR) and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by Cox proportional hazard regression. Compared to the controls, peptic ulcer patients had a 1.86-fold higher risk of ischemic stroke. There were similar results in gender, age, CCI, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia stratified analyses. In complicated peptic ulcer patients, those who received truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty had a lower risk of ischemic stroke than patients who received simple suture/hemostasis (HR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.60-0.81). Our findings suggest that patients with peptic ulcers have an elevated risk of subsequent ischemic stroke. Moreover, there were associations between vagotomy and a decreased risk of subsequent ischemic stroke in complicated peptic ulcer patients.

Use of Guidelines for Reducing Stroke Risk in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Review From a Latin American Perspective

PubMed Central

Silva, Gisele Sampaio; Ameriso, Sebastián F.

2017-01-01

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prominent risk factor for stroke and a leading cause of death and disability throughout Latin America. Contemporary evidence-based guidelines for the management of AF and stroke incorporate the use of practical and relatively simple scoring methods to estimate both stroke and bleeding risk, in order to assist in matching patients with appropriate interventions. This review examines consistencies and differences among guidelines for reducing stroke risk in patients with AF, assessing the role of user-friendly scoring methods to determine appropriate patients for anticoagulation and other treatment options. Current options include warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban. These agents have been found to be superior or noninferior to standard vitamin K antagonist anticoagulation in large randomized trials. Potential benefits of these agents mainly include lower ischemic stroke rates, reduced intracranial bleeding, no need for regular monitoring, and fewer drug–drug and drug–food interactions. Expert opinions regarding clinical situations for which data are presently lacking, such as emergency bleeding and stroke in anticoagulated patients, are also provided. Enhanced attention and adherence to evidence-based guidelines are essential components for a strategy to reduce stroke morbidity and mortality across Latin America. PMID:28992764

Cardiovascular health status and metabolic syndrome in Ecuadorian natives/Mestizos aged 40 years or more with and without stroke and ischemic heart disease--an atahualpa project case-control nested study.

PubMed

Del Brutto, Oscar H; Mera, Robertino M; Montalván, Martha; Del Brutto, Victor J; Zambrano, Mauricio; Santamaría, Milton; Tettamanti, Daniel

2014-04-01

Knowledge of regional-specific cardiovascular risk factors is mandatory to reduce the growing burden of stroke and ischemic heart disease in Latin American populations. We conducted a population-based case-control study to assess which risk factors are associated with the occurrence of vascular events in natives/mestizos living in rural coastal Ecuador. We assessed the cardiovascular health (CVH) status and the presence of the metabolic syndrome in all Atahualpa residents aged 40 years or more with stroke and ischemic heart disease and in randomly selected healthy persons to evaluate differences in the prevalence of such risk factors between patients and controls. A total of 120 persons (24 with stroke or ischemic heart disease and 96 matched controls) were included. A poor CVH status (according to the American Heart Association) was found in 87.5% case-patients and 81.3% controls (P = .464). The metabolic syndrome was present in the same proportion (58.3%) of case-patients and controls. Likewise, both sets of risk factors (poor CVH status and the metabolic syndrome) were equally prevalent among both groups (58.3% versus 49%, P = .501). This case-control study suggests that none of the measured risk factors is associated with the occurrence of vascular events. It is possible that some yet unmeasured risk factors or an unknown genetic predisposition may account for a sizable proportion of stroke and ischemic heart disease occurring in the native/mestizo population of rural coastal Ecuador. Copyright © 2014 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effects of stroke disability on spousal caregivers.

PubMed

Blonder, Lee X; Langer, Shelby L; Pettigrew, L Creed; Garrity, Thomas F

2007-01-01

To examine the effects of unilateral stroke patients' neurobehavioral characteristics on spousal psychosocial function. The sample consisted of twenty unilateral stroke patients and their spousal caregivers. Patient assessments included mood, affect perception, sensorimotor and cognitive function, marital satisfaction, and activities of daily living. Spousal assessments included mood, marital satisfaction, and perceived stress. To avoid the risk of committing a type I error, the alpha-level of 0.05 was corrected for multiple comparisons involving the three outcome measures, resulting in an adjusted alpha of 0.017 (0.05/3). Using this criterion, the negative correlation between patient depression and spousal marital satisfaction was statistically significant (rs=-0.585, p=0.007). There was also a trend for hemispheric side of stroke to correlate with spousal stress (rs=0.498, p=0.025), such that strokes in the left hemisphere were associated with greater stress, whereas strokes in the right hemisphere were associated with less stress. These results show that patient depression in particular constitutes a risk factor for marital dissatisfaction in the first few months following stroke. Given that spousal partners provide a large portion of informal support to stroke patients, successful treatment of patient depression may have benefits at the level of the individual, family, and community.

Fruits and vegetables consumption and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

PubMed

Hu, Dan; Huang, Junqian; Wang, Yuchun; Zhang, Dongfeng; Qu, Yan

2014-06-01

We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize evidence from prospective cohort studies about the association of fruits and vegetables consumption with the risk of stroke. Pertinent studies were identified by a search of Embase and PubMed databases to January 2014. Study-specific relative risks with 95% confidence intervals were pooled using a random-effects model. Dose-response relationship was assessed by restricted cubic spline. Twenty prospective cohort studies were included, involving 16 981 stroke events among 760 629 participants. The multivariable relative risk (95% confidence intervals) of stroke for the highest versus lowest category of total fruits and vegetables consumption was 0.79 (0.75-0.84), and the effect was 0.77 (0.71-0.84) for fruits consumption and 0.86 (0.79-0.93) for vegetables consumption. Subgroup and meta-regression showed that the inverse association of total fruits and vegetables consumption with the risk of stroke was consistent in subgroup analysis. Citrus fruits, apples/pears, and leafy vegetables might contribute to the protection. The linear dose-response relationship showed that the risk of stroke decreased by 32% (0.68 [0.56-0.82]) and 11% (0.89 [0.81-0.98]) for every 200 g per day increment in fruits consumption (P for nonlinearity=0.77) and vegetables consumption (P for nonlinearity=0.62), respectively. Fruits and vegetables consumption are inversely associated with the risk of stroke. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

Prediction of Post-stroke Falls by Quantitative Assessment of Balance.

PubMed

Lee, Hyun Haeng; Jung, Se Hee

2017-06-01

To evaluate characteristics of the postural instability in patients with stroke and to present a prediction model of post-stroke falls. Patients with a first-ever stroke who had been evaluated by the Balance Master (BM) at post-stroke 3 months (±1 month) between August 2011 and December 2015 were enrolled. Parameters for the postural instability, such as the weight bearing asymmetry (WBA) and postural sway velocity (PSV), were obtained. The fall events in daily lives were assessed via structured telephone interview with a fall related questionnaire. A total of 71 patients (45 men; 45 with ischemic stroke) were enrolled in this study. All subjects underwent BM evaluation at 3.03±0.40 months after stroke. The mean WBA was 17.18%±13.10% and mean PSV (measured as °/s) were noted as 0.66±0.37 (eyes-open on firm surface), 0.89±0.75 (eyes-closed on firm surface), 1.45±1.09 (eyes-open on soft surface), and 3.10±1.76 (eyes-closed on soft surface). A prediction model of post-stroke falls was drawn by multiple logistic regression analysis as follows: Risk of post-stroke falls = -2.848 + 1.878 x (PSV ECSS ) + 0.154 x (age=1 if age≥65; age=0 if age<65). The weight bearing asymmetry and postural sway were significantly increased in patients with stroke. Older age and impaired postural control increased the risk of post-stroke falls.

Recurrent Stroke in Minor Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack With Metabolic Syndrome and/or Diabetes Mellitus.

PubMed

Chen, Weiqi; Pan, Yuesong; Jing, Jing; Zhao, Xingquan; Liu, Liping; Meng, Xia; Wang, Yilong; Wang, Yongjun

2017-06-01

We aimed to determine the risk conferred by metabolic syndrome (METS) and diabetes mellitus (DM) to recurrent stroke in patients with minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack from the CHANCE (Clopidogrel in High-risk patients with Acute Non-disabling Cerebrovascular Events) trial. In total, 3044 patients were included. Patients were stratified into 4 groups: neither, METS only, DM only, or both. METS was defined using the Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS) and International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) definitions. The primary outcome was new stroke (including ischemic and hemorrhagic) at 90 days. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to assess the relationship of METS and DM status to the risk of recurrent stroke adjusted for potential covariates. Using the CDS criteria of METS, 53.2%, 17.2%, 19.8%, and 9.8% of patients were diagnosed as neither, METS only, DM only, and both, respectively. After 90 days of follow-up, there were 299 new strokes (293 ischemic, 6 hemorrhagic). Patients with DM only (16.1% versus 6.8%; adjusted hazard ratio 2.50, 95% CI 1.89-3.39) and both (17.1% versus 6.8%; adjusted hazard ratio 2.76, 95% CI 1.98-3.86) had significantly increased rates of recurrent stroke. No interaction effect of antiplatelet therapy by different METS or DM status for the risk of recurrent stroke ( P =0.82 for interaction in the fully adjusted model of CDS) was observed. Using the METS (IDF) criteria demonstrated similar results. Concurrent METS and DM was associated with an increased risk of recurrent stroke in patients with minor stroke and transient ischemic attack. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Risk of cerebrovascular events in patients with patent foramen ovale and intracardiac devices.

PubMed

Poddar, Kanhaiya L; Nagarajan, Vijaiganesh; Krishnaswamy, Amar; Bajaj, Navkaranbir S; Kumari, Meera; Bdair, Hazem; Modi, Dhruv; Agarwal, Shikhar; Goel, Sachin S; Parashar, Akhil; Tuzcu, E Murat; Kapadia, Samir R

2014-11-01

This study investigated whether patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) have an increased risk of stroke due to permanent pacemaker (PPM)/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Data are lacking on the risk of stroke in patients with PFO and implantable intracardiac devices, either a PPM or an ICD. We investigated whether patients with PFO have increased risk of stroke due to PPM/ICD implantation. Between 2001 and 2008, 2,921 consecutive patients with PFO (67.5 ± 16.4 years of age, 52.2% male) were identified from our echocardiography database. These patients were divided into a device group (patients had PPM/ICD implantation for any reason after receiving a diagnosis of PFO) and a no device group (patients did not have PPM or ICD implantation). Patients who had PFO closure during follow-up were excluded. Both groups were matched for baseline characteristics and medications. The incidence of ischemic stroke was assessed in each group after propensity score matching (case:control ratio of 1:1 yielding 231 pairs). All patients completed at least 4 years of follow-up until May 2012. There were 2,690 patients in the n device group (67.3 ± 16.4 years of age, 51.6% male) and 231 patients in the device group (75.4 ± 14.6 years of age, 59.3% male). Six patients (2.6%) in the no device group and 6 (2.6%) in the device group had a stroke during the follow-up period. No difference in the rate of stroke, transient ischemic stroke, or stroke/transient ischemic stroke was observed between the 2 groups. The risk of stroke in patients with PFO and an implantable intracardiac device is similar to those without an intracardiac device. In patients with PFO, without a history of stroke, device implantation might not be considered a risk factor for future stroke occurrence. Copyright © 2014 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Kidney stones may increase the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke: A PRISMA-Compliant meta-analysis.

PubMed

Peng, Jian-Ping; Zheng, Hang

2017-08-01

We aimed to quantitatively assess the potential relationship between kidney stones and coronary heart disease or stroke. A meta-analysis was conducted on eligibly studies published before 31 May 2016 in PubMed or Embase. The data were pooled, and the relationship was assessed by the random-effect model with inverse variance-weighted procedure. The results were expressed as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Eight studies of 11 cohorts (n = 11) were included in our analysis with 3,658,360 participants and 157,037 cases. We found that a history of kidney stones was associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) (RR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.14-1.36; I = 79.0%, n = 11); similar effect on myocardial infarction, a serious condition of CHD, was observed (RR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.10-1.40; I = 80.4%, n = 8). We also found that a history of kidney stones may increase the risk of stroke (RR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.06-1.38; I = 54.7%, n = 4). In subgroup analysis, the risk of coronary heart disease was higher in men (RR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.02-1.49) while the risk for stroke was higher in women (RR = 1.12; 95%CI: 1.03-1.21). No obvious publications bias was detected (Egger test: P = .47). Kidney stones are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, and the effect may differ by sex.

Green and black tea consumption and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Arab, Lenore; Liu, Weiqing; Elashoff, David

2009-05-01

Experimental models of stroke provide consistent evidence of smaller stroke volumes in animals ingesting tea components or tea extracts. To assess whether a similar association of black or green tea consumption with reduced risk is evident in human populations, we sought to identify and summarize all human clinical and observational data on tea and stroke. We searched PubMed and Web of Science for all studies on stroke and tea consumption in humans with original data, including estimation or measurement of tea consumption and outcomes of fatal or nonfatal stroke. Data from 9 studies involving 4378 strokes among 194 965 individuals were pooled. The main outcome was the occurrence of fatal or nonfatal stroke. We tested for heterogeneity and calculated the summary effect estimate associated with consumption of >or=3 cups of tea (green or black) per day using random-effects and fixed-effects models for the homogeneous studies. Publication bias was also evaluated. Regardless of their country of origin, individuals consuming >or=3 cups of tea per day had a 21% lower risk of stroke than those consuming <1 cup per day (absolute risk reduction, 0.79; CI, 0.73 to 0.85). The proportion of heterogeneity not explained by chance alone was 23.8%. Although a randomized clinical trial would be necessary to confirm the effect, this meta-analysis suggests that daily consumption of either green or black tea equaling 3 cups per day could prevent the onset of ischemic stroke.

17q25 Locus Is Associated With White Matter Hyperintensity Volume in Ischemic Stroke, But Not With Lacunar Stroke Status

PubMed Central

Adib-Samii, Poneh; Rost, Natalia; Traylor, Matthew; Devan, William; Biffi, Alessandro; Lanfranconi, Silvia; Fitzpatrick, Kaitlin; Bevan, Steve; Kanakis, Allison; Valant, Valerie; Gschwendtner, Andreas; Malik, Rainer; Richie, Alexa; Gamble, Dale; Segal, Helen; Parati, Eugenio A.; Ciusani, Emilio; Holliday, Elizabeth G.; Maguire, Jane; Wardlaw, Joanna; Worrall, Bradford; Bis, Joshua; Wiggins, Kerri L.; Longstreth, Will; Kittner, Steve J.; Cheng, Yu-Ching; Mosley, Thomas; Falcone, Guido J.; Furie, Karen L.; Leiva-Salinas, Carlos; Lau, Benison C.; Khan, Muhammed Saleem; Sharma, Pankaj; Fornage, Myriam; Mitchell, Braxton D.; Psaty, Bruce M.; Sudlow, Cathie; Levi, Christopher; Boncoraglio, Giorgio B.; Rothwell, Peter M.; Meschia, James; Dichgans, Martin; Rosand, Jonathan; Markus, Hugh S.

2013-01-01

Background and Purpose Recently, a novel locus at 17q25 was associated with white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI in stroke-free individuals. We aimed to replicate the association with WMH volume (WMHV) in patients with ischemic stroke. If the association acts by promoting a small vessel arteriopathy, it might be expected to also associate with lacunar stroke. Methods We quantified WMH on MRI in the stroke-free hemisphere of 2588 ischemic stroke cases. Association between WMHV and 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms at chromosome 17q25 was assessed by linear regression. These single-nucleotide polymorphisms were also investigated for association with lacunar stroke in 1854 cases and 51 939 stroke-free controls from METASTROKE. Meta-analyses with previous reports and a genetic risk score approach were applied to identify other novel WMHV risk variants and uncover shared genetic contributions to WMHV in community participants without stroke and ischemic stroke. Results Single-nucleotide polymorphisms at 17q25 were associated with WMHV in ischemic stroke, the most significant being rs9894383 (P=0.0006). In contrast, there was no association between any single-nucleotide polymorphism and lacunar stroke. A genetic risk score analysis revealed further genetic components to WMHV shared between community participants without stroke and ischemic stroke. Conclusions This study provides support for an association between the 17q25 locus and WMH. In contrast, it is not associated with lacunar stroke, suggesting that the association does not act by promoting small-vessel arteriopathy or the same arteriopathy responsible for lacunar infarction. PMID:23674528

Virtual obstacle crossing: Reliability and differences in stroke survivors who prospectively experienced falls or no falls.

PubMed

Punt, Michiel; Bruijn, Sjoerd M; Wittink, Harriet; van de Port, Ingrid G; Wubbels, Gijs; van Dieën, Jaap H

2017-10-01

Stroke survivors often fall during walking. To reduce fall risk, gait testing and training with avoidance of virtual obstacles is gaining popularity. However, it is unknown whether and how virtual obstacle crossing is associated with fall risk. The present study assessed whether obstacle crossing characteristics are reliable and assessed differences in stroke survivors who prospectively experienced falls or no falls. We recruited twenty-nine community dwelling chronic stroke survivors. Participants crossed five virtual obstacles with increasing lengths. After a break, the test was repeated to assess test-retest reliability. For each obstacle length and trial, we determined; success rate, leading limb preference, pre and post obstacle distance, margins of stability, toe clearance, and crossing step length and speed. Subsequently, fall incidence was monitored using a fall calendar and monthly phone calls over a six-month period. Test-retest reliability was poor, but improved with increasing obstacle-length. Twelve participants reported at least one fall. No association of fall incidence with any of the obstacle crossing characteristics was found. Given the absence of height of the virtual obstacles, obstacle avoidance may have been relatively easy, allowing participants to cross obstacles in multiple ways, increasing variability of crossing characteristics and reducing the association with fall risk. These finding cast some doubt on current protocols for testing and training of obstacle avoidance in stroke rehabilitation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Accuracy of Prediction Instruments for Diagnosing Large Vessel Occlusion in Individuals With Suspected Stroke: A Systematic Review for the 2018 Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke.

PubMed

Smith, Eric E; Kent, David M; Bulsara, Ketan R; Leung, Lester Y; Lichtman, Judith H; Reeves, Mathew J; Towfighi, Amytis; Whiteley, William N; Zahuranec, Darin B

2018-03-01

Endovascular thrombectomy is a highly efficacious treatment for large vessel occlusion (LVO). LVO prediction instruments, based on stroke signs and symptoms, have been proposed to identify stroke patients with LVO for rapid transport to endovascular thrombectomy-capable hospitals. This evidence review committee was commissioned by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association to systematically review evidence for the accuracy of LVO prediction instruments. Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched on October 27, 2016. Study quality was assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy-2 tool. Thirty-six relevant studies were identified. Most studies (21 of 36) recruited patients with ischemic stroke, with few studies in the prehospital setting (4 of 36) and in populations that included hemorrhagic stroke or stroke mimics (12 of 36). The most frequently studied prediction instrument was the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Most studies had either some risk of bias or unclear risk of bias. Reported discrimination of LVO mostly ranged from 0.70 to 0.85, as measured by the C statistic. In meta-analysis, sensitivity was as high as 87% and specificity was as high as 90%, but no threshold on any instruments predicted LVO with both high sensitivity and specificity. With a positive LVO prediction test, the probability of LVO could be 50% to 60% (depending on the LVO prevalence in the population), but the probability of LVO with a negative test could still be ≥10%. No scale predicted LVO with both high sensitivity and high specificity. Systems that use LVO prediction instruments for triage will miss some patients with LVO and milder stroke. More prospective studies are needed to assess the accuracy of LVO prediction instruments in the prehospital setting in all patients with suspected stroke, including patients with hemorrhagic stroke and stroke mimics. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

The psychosocial work environment is associated with risk of stroke at working age.

PubMed

Jood, Katarina; Karlsson, Nadine; Medin, Jennie; Pessah-Rasmussen, Hélène; Wester, Per; Ekberg, Kerstin

2017-07-01

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the relation between the risk of first-ever stroke at working age and psychological work environmental factors. Methods A consecutive multicenter matched 1:2 case-control study of acute stroke cases (N=198, age 30-65 years) who had been working full-time at the time of their stroke and 396 sex- and age-matched controls. Stroke cases and controls answered questionnaires on their psychosocial situation during the previous 12 months. The psychosocial work environment was assessed using three different measures: the job-control-demand model, the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) score, and exposures to conflict at work. Results Among 198 stroke cases and 396 controls, job strain [odds ratio (OR) 1.30, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.05-1.62], ERI (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.01-1.62), and conflict at work (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07-2.88) were independent risk factors of stroke in multivariable regression models. Conclusions Adverse psychosocial working conditions during the past 12 months were more frequently observed among stroke cases. Since these factors are presumably modifiable, interventional studies targeting job strain and emotional work environment are warranted.

Measures of adiposity and risk of stroke in China: a result from the Kailuan study.

PubMed

Wang, Anxin; Wu, Jianwei; Zhou, Yong; Guo, Xiuhua; Luo, Yanxia; Wu, Shouling; Zhao, Xingquan

2013-01-01

The objective of this study was to explore the association between adiposity and risk of incident stroke among men and women. We studied the relationship between adiposity and stroke among 94,744 participants (18-98 years old) in the Kailuan study. During a follow-up of 4 years, 1,547 ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes were recorded. Measurements of adiposity included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHpR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from Cox regression models and each model fit was assessed using -2log-likelihood. Every measurement of adiposity was associated with the risk for total stroke and ischemic stroke, but not for hemorrhagic stroke. After adjusting for confounders and intermediates, the HR (comparing the mean of the highest quintile with that of the lowest quintile) for total stroke was 1.34(1.13-1.60) for BMI, 1.26(1.06-1.52) for WC, 1.29(1.08-1.56) for WHpR, and 1.38(1.15-1.66) for WHtR. The HR for ischemic stroke was 1.52(1.24-1.88) for BMI, 1.46(1.17-1.81) for WC, 1.40(1.12-1.74) for WHpR, and 1.62(1.29-2.04) for WHtR. The model fit for each of the indices was similar. Adiposity increases the total risk of stroke and ischemic stroke, but not of hemorrhagic stroke. No clinically meaningful differences among the associations between BMI, WC, WHpR, and WHtR and stroke incidence were identified in this study.

Risk factors for stroke and efficacy of antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation. Analysis of pooled data from five randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

1994-07-11

Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Data on individual patients were pooled from five recently completed randomized trials comparing warfarin (all studies) or aspirin (the Atrial Fibrillation, Aspirin, Anticoagulation Study and the Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Study) with control in patients with atrial fibrillation. The purpose of the analysis was to (1) identify patient features predictive of a high or low risk of stroke, (2) assess the efficacy of antithrombotic therapy in major patient subgroups (eg, women), and (3) obtain the most precise estimate of the efficacy and risks of antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation. For the warfarin-control comparison there were 1889 patient-years receiving warfarin and 1802 in the control group. For the aspirin-placebo comparison there were 1132 patient-years receiving aspirin and 1133 receiving placebo. The daily dose of aspirin was 75 mg in the Atrial Fibrillation, Aspirin, Anticoagulation Study and 325 mg in the Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Study. To monitor warfarin dosage, three studies used prothrombin time ratios and two used international normalized ratios. The lowest target intensity was a prothrombin time ratio of 1.2 to 1.5 and the highest target intensity was an international normalized ratio of 2.8 to 4.2. The primary end points were ischemic stroke and major hemorrhage, as assessed by each study. At the time of randomization the mean age was 69 years and the mean blood pressure was 142/82 mm Hg. Forty-six percent of the patients had a history of hypertension, 6% had a previous transient ischemic attack or stroke, and 14% had diabetes. Risk factors that predicted stroke on multivariate analyses in control patients were increasing age, history of hypertension, previous transient ischemic attack or stroke, and diabetes. Patients younger than 65 years who had none of the other predictive factors (15% of all patients) had an annual rate of stroke of 1.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3% to 3.0%. The annual rate of stroke was 4.5% for the control group and 1.4% for the warfarin group (risk reduction, 68%; 95% CI, 50% to 79%). The efficacy of warfarin was consistent across all studies and subgroups of patients. In women, warfarin decreased the risk of stroke by 84% (95% CI, 55% to 95%) compared with 60% (95% CI, 35% to 76%) in men. The efficacy of aspirin was not as consistent. The risk reduction with 75 mg of aspirin in the Atrial Fibrillation, Aspirin, Anticoagulation Study was 18% (95% CI, 60% to 58%), and with 325 mg of aspirin in the Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation Study the risk reduction was 44% (95% CI, 7% to 66%). When both studies were combined the risk reduction was 36% (95% CI, 4% to 57%). The annual rate of major hemorrhage (intracranial bleeding or a bleed requiring hospitalization or 2 units of blood) was 1.0% for the control group, 1.0% for the aspirin group, and 1.3% for the warfarin group. In these five randomized trials warfarin consistently decreased the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (a 68% reduction in risk) with virtually no increase in the frequency of major bleeding. Patients with atrial fibrillation younger than 65 years without a history of hypertension, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack, or diabetes were at very low risk of stroke even when not treated. The efficacy of aspirin was less consistent. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of aspirin in atrial fibrillation.

Complications following incident stroke resulting in readmissions: an analysis of data from three Scottish health surveys.

PubMed

Ponomarev, Dmitry; Miller, Claire; Govan, Lindsay; Haig, Caroline; Wu, Olivia; Langhorne, Peter

2015-08-01

Stroke is widely recognized as the major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United Kingdom. We analyzed the data obtained from the three consecutive Scottish Health Surveys and the Scottish Morbidity records, with the aim of identifying risk factors for, and timing of, common poststroke complications. There were 19434 individuals sampled during three Scottish Health Surveys in 1995, 1998, and 2001. For these individuals their morbidity and mortality outcomes were obtained in 2007. Incident stroke prevalence, risk factors for a range of poststroke complications, and average times until such complications in the sample were established. Of the total of 168 incident stroke admissions (0·86% of the survey), 16·1% people died during incident stroke hospitalization. Of the remaining 141 stroke survivors, 75·2% were rehospitalized at least once. The most frequent reason for readmission after stroke was a cardiovascular complication (28·6%), median time until event 1412 days, followed by infection (17·3%, median 1591 days). The risk of cardiovascular readmission was higher in those with 'poor' self-assessed health (odds ratio 7·70; 95% confidence interval 1·64-43·27), smokers (odds ratio 4·24; 95% confidence interval 1·11-21·59), and doubled with every five years increase in age (odds ratio 1·97; 95% confidence interval 1·46-2·65). 'Poor' self-assessed health increased chance of readmission for infection (odds ratio 14·11; 95% confidence interval 2·27-276·56). Cardiovascular events and infections are the most frequent poststroke complications resulting in readmissions. The time period until event provides a possibility to focus monitoring on those people at risk of readmission and introduce preventative measures, thereby reducing readmission-associated costs. © 2013 The Authors. International Journal of Stroke © 2013 World Stroke Organization.

Recent advances in the management of transient ischemic attacks

PubMed Central

Gomez, Camilo R.; Schneck, Michael J.; Biller, Jose

2017-01-01

Significant advances in our understanding of transient ischemic attack (TIA) have taken place since it was first recognized as a major risk factor for stroke during the late 1950's. Recently, numerous studies have consistently shown that patients who have experienced a TIA constitute a heterogeneous population, with multiple causative factors as well as an average 5–10% risk of suffering a stroke during the 30 days that follow the index event. These two attributes have driven the most important changes in the management of TIA patients over the last decade, with particular attention paid to effective stroke risk stratification, efficient and comprehensive diagnostic assessment, and a sound therapeutic approach, destined to reduce the risk of subsequent ischemic stroke. This review is an outline of these changes, including a discussion of their advantages and disadvantages, and references to how new trends are likely to influence the future care of these patients. PMID:29263784

Efficacy of Supplementation with B Vitamins for Stroke Prevention: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PubMed Central

Dong, Hongli; Pi, Fuhua; Ding, Zan; Chen, Wei; Pang, Shaojie; Dong, Wenya; Zhang, Qingying

2015-01-01

Background Supplementation with B vitamins for stroke prevention has been evaluated over the years, but which combination of B vitamins is optimal for stroke prevention is unclear. We performed a network meta-analysis to assess the impact of different combinations of B vitamins on risk of stroke. Methods A total of 17 trials (86 393 patients) comparing 7 treatment strategies and placebo were included. A network meta-analysis combined all available direct and indirect treatment comparisons to evaluate the efficacy of B vitamin supplementation for all interventions. Results B vitamin supplementation was associated with reduced risk of stroke and cerebral hemorrhage. The risk of stroke was lower with folic acid plus vitamin B6 as compared with folic acid plus vitamin B12 and was lower with folic acid plus vitamin B6 plus vitamin B12 as compared with placebo or folic acid plus vitamin B12. The treatments ranked in order of efficacy for stroke, from higher to lower, were folic acid plus vitamin B6 > folic acid > folic acid plus vitamin B6 plus vitamin B12 > vitamin B6 plus vitamin B12 > niacin > vitamin B6 > placebo > folic acid plus vitamin B12. Conclusions B vitamin supplementation was associated with reduced risk of stroke; different B vitamins and their combined treatments had different efficacy on stroke prevention. Folic acid plus vitamin B6 might be the optimal therapy for stroke prevention. Folic acid and vitamin B6 were both valuable for stroke prevention. The efficacy of vitamin B12 remains to be studied. PMID:26355679

A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study of Cerebrovascular Disease and Late Effects After Radiation Therapy for Craniopharyngioma.

PubMed

Lo, Andrea C; Howard, A Fuchsia; Nichol, Alan; Hasan, Haroon; Martin, Monty; Heran, Manraj; Goddard, Karen

2016-05-01

The study objective was to describe radiation-induced vascular abnormalities, stroke prevalence, and stroke risk factors in survivors of childhood craniopharyngioma. Twenty survivors of childhood craniopharyngioma who received radiotherapy (RT) were included in the study. A clinical history, quality of life assessment, cognitive functioning assessment, magnetic resonance angiogram or computed tomography angiogram, fasting lipid profile, and fasting glucose or hemoglobin A1c test were obtained. Median age at diagnosis was 10.3 years and median age at time of study was 29.0 years. Vascular abnormalities were detected in six (32%) of 19 patients' angiograms (vascular stenosis, decreased artery size, aneurysm, cavernoma, and small vessel disease). Five (25%) of 20 patients experienced a stroke after RT. Median time since RT was 27.8 versus 9.1 years in patients with versus without vascular abnormalities (P = 0.02). A low level of high-density lipoproteiin (HDL) was present in 100% (5/5) of patients who had a post-RT stroke as compared with 13% (2/15) of patients who did not have any post-RT stroke (P = 0.02). Previous stroke had occurred in 0% (0/5) of patients receiving growth hormone (GH) replacement at the time of study, compared to 40% (6/15) of patients who were not receiving GH replacement (P = 0.09). Patients with craniopharyngioma treated with RT have a high prevalence of stroke and vascular abnormalities, particularly those with low HDL and longer duration of time since RT. There is a trend to suggest that continual GH replacement may reduce the risk of stroke. These patients should undergo careful monitoring and aggressive modification of stroke risk factors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Carotid Artery Disease and Stroke: Assessing Risk with Vessel Wall MRI

PubMed Central

Kerwin, William S.

2012-01-01

Although MRI is widely used to diagnose stenotic carotid arteries, it also detects characteristics of the atherosclerotic plaque itself, including its size, composition, and activity. These features are emerging as additional risk factors for stroke that can be feasibly acquired clinically. This paper summarizes the state of evidence for a clinical role for MRI of carotid atherosclerosis. PMID:23209940

Predictors and assessment of cognitive dysfunction resulting from ischaemic stroke

PubMed Central

Gottesman, Rebecca F; Hillis, Argye E

2013-01-01

Stroke remains a primary cause of morbidity throughout the world mainly because of its effect on cognition. Individuals can recover from physical disability resulting from stroke, but might be unable to return to their previous occupations or independent life because of cognitive impairments. Cognitive dysfunction ranges from focal deficits, resulting directly from an area of infarction or from hypoperfusion in adjacent tissue, to more global cognitive dysfunction. Global dysfunction is likely to be related to other underlying subclinical cerebrovascular disease, such as white-matter disease or subclinical infarcts. Study of cognitive dysfunction after stroke is complicated by varying definitions and lack of measurement of cognition before stroke. Additionally, stroke can affect white-matter connectivity, so newer imaging techniques, such as diffusion-tensor imaging and magnetisation transfer imaging, that can be used to assess this subclinical injury are important tools in the assessment of cognitive dysfunction after stroke. As research is increasingly focused on the role of preventable risk factors in the development of dementia, the role of stroke in the development of cognitive impairment and dementia could be another target for prevention. PMID:20723846

Derivation and validation of a discharge disposition predicting model after acute stroke.

PubMed

Tseng, Hung-Pin; Lin, Feng-Jenq; Chen, Pi-Tzu; Mou, Chih-Hsin; Lee, Siu-Pak; Chang, Chun-Yuan; Chen, An-Chih; Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Yeh, Chung-Hsin; Tsai, Song-Yen; Hsiao, Yu-Jen; Lin, Ching-Huang; Hsu, Shih-Pin; Yu, Shih-Chieh; Hsu, Chung-Y; Sung, Fung-Chang

2015-06-01

Discharge disposition planning is vital for poststroke patients. We investigated clinical factors associated with discharging patients to nursing homes, using the Taiwan Stroke Registry data collected from 39 major hospitals. We randomly assigned 21,575 stroke inpatients registered from 2006 to 2008 into derivation and validation groups at a 3-to-1 ratio. We used the derivation group to develop a prediction model by measuring cumulative risk scores associated with potential predictors: age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, stroke history, snoring, main caregivers, stroke types, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Probability of nursing home care and odds ratio (OR) of nursing home care relative to home care by cumulative risk scores were measured for the prediction. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to assess the model discrimination against the validation group. Except for hypertension, all remaining potential predictors were significant independent predictors associated with stroke patient disposition to nursing home care after discharge from hospitals. The risk sharply increased with age and NIHSS. Patients with a cumulative risk score of 15 or more had an OR of 86.4 for the nursing home disposition. The AUROC plots showed similar areas under curves for the derivation group (.86, 95% confidence interval [CI], .85-.87) and for the validation group (.84, 95% CI, .83-.86). The cumulative risk score is an easy-to-estimate tool for preparing stroke patients and their family for disposition on discharge. Copyright © 2015 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Soluble CD40L Is a Useful Marker to Predict Future Strokes in Patients With Minor Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack.

PubMed

Li, Jiejie; Wang, Yilong; Lin, Jinxi; Wang, David; Wang, Anxin; Zhao, Xingquan; Liu, Liping; Wang, Chunxue; Wang, Yongjun

2015-07-01

Elevated soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) was shown to be related to cardiovascular events, but the role of sCD40L in predicting recurrent stroke remains unclear. Baseline sCD40L levels were measured in 3044 consecutive patients with acute minor stroke and transient ischemic attack, who had previously been enrolled in the Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients With Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE) trial. Cox proportional-hazards model was used to assess the association of sCD40L with recurrent stroke. Patients in the top tertile of sCD40L levels had increased risk of recurrent stroke comparing with those in the bottom tertile, after adjusted for conventional confounding factors (hazard ratio, 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.00; P=0.008). The patients with elevated levels of both sCD40L and high-sensitive C-reactive protein also had increased risk of recurrent stroke (hazard ratio, 1.81; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.68; P=0.003). Elevated sCD40L levels independently predict recurrent stroke in patients with minor stroke and transient ischemic attack. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00979589. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

[Hand fine motor skills and use of both hand and arm in subjects after a stroke: a systematic review].

PubMed

Ostolaza, M; Abudarham, J; Dilascio, S; Drault-Boedo, E; Gallo, S; Garcete, A; Kramer, M; Maiaru, M; Mendelevich, A; Modica, M; Peralta, F; Sanchez-Correa, C

2017-04-01

In clinical practice it is important to be able to assess the function of the upper limb of the patient who has suffered a stroke. There is currently no systemic review that could identify assessment tools for the 'fine use of the hand' and 'use of both hand and arm'. Primary, to identify observational tools which can assess the fine use of the hand and the use of both hand and arm in patients with stroke sequels. Secondary, to analyze the bias risk in the included articles, describing and categorizing the clinical utility, validity and reliability. A search was carried in Medline, LILACS, SciELO and Open Grey, which included articles published until October 2015. Studies that validate assessing tools of the upper limb in subjects with a stroke sequel which evaluate the fine use of the hand and the use of both hand and arm were included. Eleven tools in evaluate observational haven been selected, which assess the fine use of the hand and the use of hand and arm. In every case both validity and reliability have been reported, but clinical utility has been less considered for assessment. The studies that researched these tools showed a high risk of bias in their development. ARAT-19 showed a lower bias risk, but when it has to do with applicability and the reference trial is taken into account, the level of concern is high.

[Nutritional status and the relationship regarding functional status after stroke].

PubMed

López Espuela, Fidel; Portilla Cuenca, Juan Carlos; Holguín Mohedas, Marta; Párraga Sánchez, José Manuel; Cordovilla-Guardia, Sergio; Casado Naranjo, Ignacio

2017-09-14

To assess the nutritional status (NS) of patients at three months of suffering a stroke, and to establish the relationship between functional recovery and complications in this period. A cross-sectional observational study evaluating the NS of patients older than 65 years at three months of having a stroke. The NS was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Sociodemographic and anthropometric data, cardiovascular risk factors, as well as functional status (through the Barthel index and the modified Rankin scale) and the presented complications were collected. One hundred and three patients were included, with a medium age of 75.81 (± 6.73). The MNA score was 23.13 points (± 4.47); 8.2% had malnutrition and 38.1% had risk of malnutrition. There were no differences in the NS between women and men (p = 0.076) neither relation of the NS with age. NS deficiency was associated with poorer function (r = 0.608; p < 0.001), the development of complications (urinary tract infection and fever) (p = 0.044) and dysphagia (p = 0.014). In addition, those patients with better nutritional status had a better quality of life (r = 0.506; p < 0.001). It was also associated with poorer socioeconomic status (p = 0.020) and institutionalization (p = 0.004). The risk of malnutrition is common in stroke survivors at the short-term. This NS is associated with a worse functional situation and self-perceived quality of life and with a higher rate of complications. Early detection of the risk of malnutrition is essential in patients who have suffered a stroke.

Stroke Risk and Mortality in Patients with Ventricular Assist Devices

PubMed Central

Parikh, Neal S.; Cool, Joséphine; Karas, Maria G.; Boehme, Amelia K.; Kamel, Hooman

2016-01-01

Background and Purpose Ventricular assist devices (VADs) have advanced the management of end-stage heart failure. However, these devices are associated with hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications, including stroke. We assessed the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke after VAD placement. Methods Using administrative claims data from acute care hospitals in California, Florida, and New York from 2005–2013, we identified patients who underwent VAD placement, defined by International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code 37.66. Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes were identified by previously validated coding algorithms. We used survival statistics to determine incidence rates and Cox proportional hazard analyses to examine associations. Results Among 1,813 patients, we identified 201 ischemic strokes and 116 hemorrhagic strokes during 3.4 (±2.0) years of follow-up after implantation of a VAD. The incidence of stroke was 8.7% per year (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.7–9.7%). The annual incidence of ischemic stroke (5.5%; 95% CI, 4.8–6.4%) was nearly double that of hemorrhagic stroke (3.1%; 95% CI, 2.6–3.8%). Women faced a higher hazard of stroke than men (hazard ratio [HR], 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2–2.1), particularly hemorrhagic stroke (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4–3.4). Stroke was strongly associated with subsequent in-hospital mortality (HR, 6.1; 95% CI, 4.6–7.9). Conclusions The incidence of stroke after VAD implantation was 8.7% per year, and incident stroke was strongly associated with subsequent in-hospital mortality. Notably, ischemic stroke occurred at nearly twice the rate of hemorrhagic stroke. Women appeared to face a higher risk for hemorrhagic stroke than men. PMID:27650070

Stroke Risk and Mortality in Patients With Ventricular Assist Devices.

PubMed

Parikh, Neal S; Cool, Joséphine; Karas, Maria G; Boehme, Amelia K; Kamel, Hooman

2016-11-01

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) have advanced the management of end-stage heart failure. However, these devices are associated with hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications, including stroke. We assessed the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke after VAD placement. Using administrative claims data from acute care hospitals in California, Florida, and New York from 2005 to 2013, we identified patients who underwent VAD placement, defined by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 37.66. Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes were identified by previously validated coding algorithms. We used survival statistics to determine the incidence rates and Cox proportional hazard analyses to examine the associations. Among 1813 patients, we identified 201 ischemic strokes and 116 hemorrhagic strokes during 3.4 (±2.0) years of follow-up after implantation of a VAD. The incidence of stroke was 8.7% per year (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.7-9.7). The annual incidence of ischemic stroke (5.5%; 95% CI, 4.8-6.4) was nearly double that of hemorrhagic stroke (3.1%; 95% CI, 2.6-3.8). Women faced a higher hazard of stroke than men (hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.1), particularly hemorrhagic stroke (hazard ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3.4). Stroke was strongly associated with subsequent in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio, 6.1; 95% CI, 4.6-7.9). The incidence of stroke after VAD implantation was 8.7% per year, and incident stroke was strongly associated with subsequent in-hospital mortality. Notably, ischemic stroke occurred at nearly twice the rate of hemorrhagic stroke. Women seemed to face a higher risk for hemorrhagic stroke than men. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Evidence that Patent Foramen Ovale is not a Risk Factor for Cerebral Ischemia in the Elderly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Elizabeth F.; Calafiore, Paul; Donnan, Geoffrey A.; Tonkin, Andrew M.

1994-01-01

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) may be a risk factor for ischemic stroke in young patients. The aim of this study was to assess the importance of PFO in subjects with a wider age range using patient-control methodology. Transesophageal contrast echocardiography and carotid imaging were performed in 220 consecutive patients with cerebral ischemia (mean age 66 +/- 13 years) and in 202 community-based control subjects (mean age 64 +/- 11 years). Of patients with stroke, 35 (16%) had PFO compared with 31 control subjects (15%) (p = 0.98). Analysis of PFO prevalence by age did not show a significant difference between patients and control subjects in the age groups <50 years (27% vs 11%p; = 0.33), 50 to 69 years (17% vs 15%; p = 0.78), and > or equal to 70 years (12% vs 17%; p = 0.43). However, the group aged 450 years was relatively small (26 cases, 19 controls). No significant difference in PFO prevalence was detected between patients with cryptogenic stroke (20%), noncryptogenic stroke (14%), and control subjects (15%). These results suggest that PFO is not a risk factor for cerebral ischemia in subjects aged >50 years, which would have major implications for the investigation and management of stroke patients in this age group. Longitudinal studies are now required to assess the incidence of stroke in symptom free patients with PFO.

The Value of ABCD2F Scoring System (ABCD2 Combined with Atrial Fibrillation) to Predict 90-Day Recurrent Brain Stroke

PubMed Central

Almasi, Mostafa; Ghasemi, Faeze; Chardoli, Mojtaba

2016-01-01

Background. The ABCD2 score is now identified as a useful clinical prediction rule to determine the risk for stroke in the days following brain ischemic attacks. Aim. The present study aimed to introduce a new scoring system named “ABCD2F” and compare its value with the previous ABCD2 system to predict recurrent ischemic stroke within 90 days of the initial cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Methods. 138 consecutive patients with the final diagnosis of ischemic CVA or TIAs who referred to emergency ward of Rasoul-e-Akram general hospital in Tehran from September 2012 to December 2013 were eligible. By adding a new score in the presence of atrial fibrillation to ABCD2 system, the new scoring system as ABCD2F was introduced and the risk stratification was done again on this new system. Results. The area under the curve for ABCD2 was 0.434 and for ABCD2F it was 0.452 indicating low value of both systems for assessing recurrence of stroke within 90 days of primary event. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that none of the baseline factors could predict 90-day recurrent stroke. Conclusion. ABCD2 and/or atrial fibrillation are not good scoring candidates for assessing the risk of recurrent stroke within first 90 days. PMID:27642521

Differences in the nature of stroke in a multiethnic urban South African population: the Johannesburg hospital stroke register.

PubMed

Connor, Myles D; Modi, Girish; Warlow, Charles P

2009-02-01

The burden of stroke is increasing in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) as the population undergoes epidemiological and demographic transition. Little is known about the nature (risk factors, stroke type and subtype, and causes) of stroke in SSA and whether it differs from stroke in high-income populations. We aimed to compare the nature of stroke between black and white populations in South Africa. We used overlapping sources to ascertain consecutive first-ever-in-a-lifetime stroke patients admitted to Johannesburg Hospital over 23 months. We assessed each patient's demographic details, risk factors, CT confirmed pathological stroke type, ischemic stroke subtype and stroke severity, and compared the nature of stroke between black and white stroke patients. 524 patients with presumed stroke were referred. Of these, 432 were first-ever strokes; 308 patients were black and 76 white. Black patients were significantly younger (mean age 51) than white patients (61). Stroke severity was similar (median NIH stroke score 10; 95% CI 8 to 11). More black than white patients had cerebral hemorrhage (27% versus 15%), lacunar stroke (28% versus 22%) and total anterior circulation infarcts (28% versus 22%). Large vessel atherosclerosis (none detected) and ischemic heart disease were very uncommon (1%) as a cause of stroke in black patients. Hypertension (70% versus 68%) and diabetes (14 versus 15%) were as common in black and white stroke patients, but mean cholesterol levels were lower (4.6 mmol/L; 95% CI 4.3 to 4.9 versus 5.3 mmol/L; 4.8 to 5.7) and cigarette smoking less frequent in black patients (23 versus 54%). Although this was a hospital-based study, the difference in the nature of stroke between black and white stroke patients likely reflects the profile of stroke risk factors. There is an opportunity to prevent an otherwise inevitable increase in atherosclerotic stroke (and IHD) by targeting dietary and smoking habits in the black South African population.

Public awareness of warning symptoms, risk factors, and treatment of stroke in northwest India.

PubMed

Pandian, Jeyaraj D; Jaison, Ashish; Deepak, Sukhbinder S; Kalra, Guneet; Shamsher, Shivali; Lincoln, Douglas J; Abraham, George

2005-03-01

This study assessed public awareness of warning symptoms, risk factors, and treatment of stroke in Ludhiana, Punjab, North West India. A hospital-based survey was conducted between February 2002 and September 2002 by the Stroke section of Christian Medical College. The study subjects were relatives of patients without history of stroke, attending the outpatient department of the hospital. Trained medical students, interns, and a nurse interviewed subjects using a structured, pretested, open-ended questionnaire. Nine hundred forty-two individuals were interviewed during the study period (56.4% men, mean age 40.1 years, age range 15 to 80 years). Forty-five percent of the subjects did not recognize the brain as the affected organ in stroke. In the multivariate analysis, higher education (P<0.001; odds ratio 2.6; 95%, CI 1.8 to 3.8) and upper socioeconomic status (P<0.005; odds ratio 1.6; CI, 1.1 to 2.2) correlated with a better knowledge of which organ was affected in stroke. Twenty-three percent of the participants did not know a single warning symptom of stroke. Twenty-one percent of the subjects could not identify even a single risk factor for stroke. Seven percent of the study population believed that oil massage would improve stroke victims. A small proportion of subjects believed in witchcraft, faith healing, homeopathic, and ayurvedic treatment (3%). This hospital-based survey reveals a better awareness of stroke warning signs and risk factors. However, knowledge regarding the organ involved, etiology, and treatment of stroke is lacking. Considerable education is needed to increase public awareness in modern concepts of stroke treatment.

Family history of stroke and severity of neurologic deficit after stroke

PubMed Central

Case, L.D.; Worrall, B.B.; Brown, R.D.; Brott, T.G.; Frankel, M.; Silliman, S.; Rich, S.S.

2008-01-01

Background A family history of stroke is an independent risk factor for stroke. Objective To assess whether severity of neurologic deficit after stroke is associated with a family history of stroke. Methods The Ischemic Stroke Genetics Study, a five-center study of first-ever symptomatic ischemic stroke, assessed case subjects prospectively for a family history of stroke-affected first-degree relatives. Certified adjudicators used the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) to determine the severity of neurologic deficit. Results A total of 505 case subjects were enrolled (median age, 65 years; 55% male), with 81% enrolled within 1 week of onset of symptoms. A sibling history of stroke was associated with more severe stroke. The odds of an NIHSS score of 5 or higher were 2.0 times greater for cases with a sibling history of stroke compared with cases with no sibling history (95% CI, 1.0 to 3.9). An association of family history of stroke in parents or children with stroke severity was not detected. Conclusions A sibling history of stroke increased the likelihood of a more severe stroke in the case subjects, independent of age, sex, and other potential confounding factors. Other family history characteristics were not associated with stroke severity. PMID:17060565

The diagnosis and management of cerebrovascular disease in diabetes.

PubMed

Phipps, Michael S; Jastreboff, Ania M; Furie, Karen; Kernan, Walter N

2012-06-01

Cerebrovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes. Compared with nondiabetic patients, diabetic patients have at least twice the risk for stroke, earlier onset of symptoms, and worse functional outcomes. Approximately 20 % of diabetic patients will die from stroke, making it one of the leading causes of death in this population. Effective strategies for primary and secondary prevention of stroke have been developed in research cohorts that included both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Nevertheless, prevention in diabetes has some specific considerations. In this paper, we summarize evidence to guide the diagnosis and management of stroke in diabetic patients. We propose that diabetic stroke patients should have a robust risk assessment to target interventions, like other patients with cerebrovascular disease, but with special attention to glycemic control and lifestyle modification.

Stroke prevention with oral anticoagulation in older people with atrial fibrillation - a pragmatic approach.

PubMed

Ali, Ali; Bailey, Claire; Abdelhafiz, Ahmed H

2012-08-01

With advancing age, the prevalence of both stroke and non valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is increasing. NVAF in old age has a high embolic potential if not anticoagulated. Oral anticoagulation therapy is cost effective in older people with NVAF due to their high base line stroke risk. The current stroke and bleeding risk scoring schemes have been based on complex scoring systems that are difficult to apply in clinical practice. Both scoring schemes include similar risk factors for ischemic and bleeding events which may lead to confusion in clinical decision making to balance the risks of bleeding against the risks of stroke, thereby limiting the applicability of such schemes. The difficulty in application of such schemes combined with physicians' fear of inducing bleeding complications has resulted in under use of anticoagulation therapy in older people. As older people (≥75 years) with NVAF are all at high risk of stroke, we are suggesting a pragmatic approach based on a yes/no decision rather than a risk scoring stratification which involves an opt out rather an opt in approach unless there is a contraindication for oral anticoagulation. Antiplatelet agents should not be an alternative option for antithrombotic treatment in older people with NVAF due to lack of efficacy and the potential of being used as an excuse of not prescribing anticoagulation. Bleeding risk should be assessed on individual basis and the decision to anticoagulate should include patients' views.

Stroke Prevention with Oral Anticoagulation in Older People with Atrial Fibrillation - A Pragmatic Approach

PubMed Central

Ali, Ali; Bailey, Claire; Abdelhafiz, Ahmed H

2012-01-01

With advancing age, the prevalence of both stroke and non valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is increasing. NVAF in old age has a high embolic potential if not anticoagulated. Oral anticoagulation therapy is cost effective in older people with NVAF due to their high base line stroke risk. The current stroke and bleeding risk scoring schemes have been based on complex scoring systems that are difficult to apply in clinical practice. Both scoring schemes include similar risk factors for ischemic and bleeding events which may lead to confusion in clinical decision making to balance the risks of bleeding against the risks of stroke, thereby limiting the applicability of such schemes. The difficulty in application of such schemes combined with physicians’ fear of inducing bleeding complications has resulted in under use of anticoagulation therapy in older people. As older people (≥75 years) with NVAF are all at high risk of stroke, we are suggesting a pragmatic approach based on a yes/no decision rather than a risk scoring stratification which involves an opt out rather an opt in approach unless there is a contraindication for oral anticoagulation. Antiplatelet agents should not be an alternative option for antithrombotic treatment in older people with NVAF due to lack of efficacy and the potential of being used as an excuse of not prescribing anticoagulation. Bleeding risk should be assessed on individual basis and the decision to anticoagulate should include patients’ views. PMID:23185715

One-year outcome after first-ever stroke according to stroke subtype, severity, risk factors and pre-stroke treatment. A population-based study from Tartu, Estonia.

PubMed

Vibo, R; Kõrv, J; Roose, M

2007-04-01

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the outcome at 1 year following a first-ever stroke based on a population-based registry from 2001 to 2003 in Tartu, Estonia. The outcome of first-ever stroke was assessed in 433 patients by stroke risk factors, demographic data and stroke severity at onset using the Barthel Index (BI) score and the modified Rankin Score (mRS) at seventh day, 6 months and 1 year. Female sex, older age, blood glucose value >10 mmol/l on admission and more severe stroke on admission were the best predictors of dependency 1 year following the first-ever stroke. At 1 year, the percentage of functionally dependent patients was 20% and the survival rate was 56%. The use of antihypertensive/antithrombotic medication prior to stroke did not significantly affect the outcome. The survival rate of stroke patients in Tartu is lower compared with other studied populations. The outcome of stroke was mainly determined by the initial severity of stroke and by elevated blood glucose value on admission. Patients with untreated hypertension had more severe stroke and trend for unfavourable outcome compared with those who were on treatment.

Knowledge, perceptions and thoughts of stroke among Arab-Muslim Israelis.

PubMed

Itzhaki, Michal; Koton, Silvia

2014-02-01

Age-adjusted stroke mortality rates in Israel are higher among Arabs compared with Jews; therefore, knowledge of stroke signs and prevention strategies is especially important in the Arab population. Data on stroke knowledge among Arabs in Israel are lacking. We aimed to examine knowledge, perceptions and thoughts of stroke among Arab-Muslim Israelis. A complementary mixed method design was used. Ninety-nine Arab Muslims living in Israel, older than 40 years, with no history of stroke, were personally interviewed. Knowledge of stroke was assessed using quantitative analysis by a semi-structured interview. Information on perceptions and thoughts evoked by stroke was analyzed using qualitative analysis by the constant comparative method. Rates of reported knowledge-related variables were presented. Mean (SD) age of participants was 50.1 (8.0) years, 52.5% were women. Most of the participants (84.8%) knew the causes of stroke but only 29.3% mentioned sudden weakness or paralysis in one side of the body as a warning sign and other warning signs were even less known. The main known risk factor was hypertension (43.3%). Although knowledge of stroke prevention was poor, 89% were interested in learning about stroke and its prevention. The qualitative findings showed that stroke evokes negative thoughts of mental and physical burden and is associated with death, disability, dependence and depression. Levels of stroke knowledge among Arab-Muslim Israelis are low to moderate. Healthcare professionals should assist high risk populations in controlling and treating risk factors in order to reduce mortality and disability following a stroke.

[The 10-year stroke risk in hypertensive outpatients combined with diabetes in cardiovascular clinics of 36 tertiary hospitals in China].

PubMed

Bao, Bingnan; Zhou, Yingsheng; Liu, Jun; Huo, Yong

2014-12-01

To assess the estimated 10-year risk of stroke among hypertensive outpatients known with diabetes from cardiovascular clinics of 36 tertiary hospitals in China and to analyze the characteristics of the risk factors and the 10-year risk of stroke between the southern and the northern patients. A multi-center prevalence survey was conducted from October 2011 to June 2012. Hypertensive outpatients known with diabetes were enrolled from cardiovascular clinics of 36 tertiary hospitals in China. A total of 15 914 outpatients were included in the final analysis. The 10-year probability of stroke was evaluated by the Framingham stroke risk profile. According to the 10-year probability of stroke, patients were divided into low risk ( ≤ 5%), medium risk (6%∼9%) and high risk ( ≥ 10%). (1) Of all the hypertensive outpatients known with diabetes, the mean age was (64.6 ± 10.1) years and the mean systolic pressure was (138.7 ± 19.3) mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa). Among them, 7.4% with atrial fibrillation, 11.2% with left ventricular hypertrophy, 57.2% with cardiovascular diseases, 17.1% smokers and 37.0% using mono-hypoglycemic agent. The southern patients who were older with more smokers had higher proportions of men and left ventricular hypertrophy, lower levels of systolic blood pressure, and lower proportions of other cardiovascular diseases than those of the northern patients ( all P < 0.05). (2) The mean 10-year probability of stroke was (20.9 ± 16.2) %. The southern patients had a higher mean 10-year probability of stroke than that of the northern patients [(22.4 ± 17.1) % vs (19.7 ± 15.2) %] (P < 0.01) . After adjusted by age and sex, the southern patients still had a higher mean 10-year probability of stroke (P < 0.05) . (3) All the patients had 7.7% with low risk, 17.4% with medium risk, and 74.9% with high risk. The southern patients had lower proportions of low and medium risk than those of the northern patients (6.7% vs 8.4%, 15.5% vs 18.9%), but had a higher proportion of high risk than that of the northern patients (77.7% vs 72.7%, all P < 0.01). Among the hypertensive outpatients known with diabetes from the cardiovascular clinics of our study, most of them were at the 10-year high risk of stroke. The southern patients had a higher mean 10-year probability of stroke than that of the northern patients.

Left atrial function to identify patients with atrial fibrillation at high risk of stroke: new insights from a large registry.

PubMed

Leung, Melissa; van Rosendael, Philippe J; Abou, Rachid; Ajmone Marsan, Nina; Leung, Dominic Y; Delgado, Victoria; Bax, Jeroen J

2018-04-21

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an independent risk factor for ischaemic stroke. The CHA2DS2-VASc is the most widely used risk stratification model; however, echocardiographic refinement may be useful, particularly in low risk AF patients. The present study examined the association between advanced echocardiographic parameters and ischaemic stroke, independent of CHA2DS2-VASc score. One thousand, three hundred and sixty-one patients (mean age 65±12 years, 74% males) with first diagnosis of AF and baseline transthoracic echocardiogram were followed by chart review for the occurrence of stroke over a mean of 7.9 years. Left atrial (LA) volumes, LA reservoir strain, P-wave to A' duration on tissue Doppler imaging (PA-TDI, reflecting total atrial conduction time), and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) were evaluated in patients with and without stroke. The independent association of these echocardiographic parameters with the occurrence of ischaemic stroke was evaluated with Cox proportional hazard models. One-hundred patients (7%) developed an ischaemic stroke, representing an annualized stroke rate of 0.9%. The incident stroke rate in the year following the first diagnosis of AF was 2.6% in the entire population and higher than the remainder of the follow-up period. Left atrial reservoir (14.5% vs. 18.9%, P = 0.005) and conduit strains were reduced (10.5% vs. 13.5%, P = 0.013), and PA-TDI lengthened (166 ms vs. 141 ms, P < 0.001) in the stroke compared with non-stroke group, despite similar LV dimensions, LV ejection fraction, GLS, and LA volumes. Left atrial reservoir strain and PA-TDI were independently associated with risk of stroke in a model including CHA2DS2-VASc score, age, and anticoagulant use. The assessment of LA reservoir strain and PA-TDI on echocardiography after initial CHA2DS2-VASc scoring provides additional risk stratification for stroke and may be useful to guide decisions regarding anticoagulation for patients upon first diagnosis of AF.

Rehabilitation and education are underutilized for mild stroke and TIA sufferers.

PubMed

Faux, Steven G; Arora, Pooja; Shiner, Christine T; Thompson-Butel, Angelica G; Klein, Linda A

2018-06-01

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) and mild stroke represent a large proportion of cerebrovascular events, at high risk of being followed by recurrent, serious events. The importance of early education addressing risk management, secondary prevention and lifestyle modifications is the centerpiece of further stroke prevention. However, delivering education and rehabilitation to this population can be complex and challenging. Via synthesis of a narrative review and clinical experience, we explore the unique and inherent complexities of rehabilitation management and education provision for patients following mild stroke and TIA. A considerable proportion of TIA/mild stroke survivors have ongoing rehabilitation needs that are poorly addressed. The need for rehabilitation in these patients is often overlooked, and available assessment tools lack the sensitivity to identify common subtle impairments in cognition, mood, language and fatigue. Active and accessible education interventions need to be initiated early after the event, and integrated with ongoing rehabilitation management. Priority areas in need of future development in this field are highlighted and discussed. Implications for rehabilitation Survivors of mild stroke and TIA have ongoing unmet rehabilitation needs and require a unique approach to rehabilitation and education. Rehabilitation needs are difficult to assess and poorly addressed in this cohort, where available assessment tools lack the sensitivity required to identify subtle impairments. Education needs to be initiated early after the event and involve active engagement of the patient in order to improve stroke knowledge, mood and motivate adherence to lifestyle modifications and secondary prevention. Rehabilitation physicians are currently an underutilized resource, who should be more involved in the management of all patients following TIA or mild stroke.

Factors for short-term outcomes in patients with a minor stroke: results from China National Stroke Registry.

PubMed

Wu, Lingyun; Wang, Anxin; Wang, Xianwei; Zhao, Xingquan; Wang, Chunxue; Liu, Liping; Zheng, Huaguang; Wang, Yongjun; Cao, Yibin; Wang, Yilong

2015-12-09

Stroke recurrence and disability in patients with a minor stroke is one of the most depressing medical situations. In this study, we aimed to identify which factors were associated with adverse outcomes of a minor stroke. The China National Stroke Registry (CNSR) is a nationwide prospective registry for patients presented to hospitals with acute cerebrovascular events between September 2007 and August 2008. The 3-month follow-up was completed in 4669 patients with a minor stroke defined as the initial neurological severity lower than 4 in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Multivariate model was used to determine the association between risk factors and clinical outcomes. Of 4669 patients with a minor stroke during 3-month follow-up, 459 (9.8 %) patients experienced recurrent stroke, 679 (14.5 %) had stroke disability and 168 (3.6 %) died. Multivariate model identified hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease and previous stroke as independent predictors for the recurrent stroke. Age, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, previous stroke and time from onset to admission < 24 h were independent predictors for stroke disability. The independent predictors for the all-caused death were age, atrial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease. The short-term risk of poor clinical outcome in Chinese patients with a minor stroke was substantial. Therefore, patients with a minor stroke should be given expeditious assessment and urgent aggressive intervention.

Temporal Evolution of Poststroke Cognitive Impairment Using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.

PubMed

Nijsse, Britta; Visser-Meily, Johanna M A; van Mierlo, Maria L; Post, Marcel W M; de Kort, Paul L M; van Heugten, Caroline M

2017-01-01

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is nowadays recommended for the screening of poststroke cognitive impairment. However, little is known about the temporal evolution of MoCA-assessed cognition after stroke. The objective of this study was to examine the temporal pattern of overall and domain-specific cognition at 2 and 6 months after stroke using the MoCA and to identify patient groups at risk for cognitive impairment at 6 months after stroke. Prospective cohort study in which 324 patients were administered the MoCA at 2 and 6 months post stroke. Cognitive impairment was defined as MoCA<26. Differences in cognitive impairment rates between 2 and 6 months post stroke were analyzed in different subgroups. Patients with MoCA score <26 at 2 months, who improved by ≥2 points by 6 months, were defined as reverters. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify determinants of (1) cognitive impairment at 6 months post stroke and (2) reverter status. Between 2 and 6 months post stroke, mean MoCA score improved from 23.7 (3.9) to 24.7 (3.5), P<0.001. Prevalence of cognitive impairment at 2 months was 66.4%, compared with 51.9% at 6 months (P<0.001). More comorbidity and presence of cognitive impairment at 2 months were significant independent predictors of cognitive impairment 6 months post stroke. No significant determinants of reverter status were identified. Although cognitive improvement is seen ≤6 months post stroke, long-term cognitive deficits are prevalent. Identifying patients at risk of cognitive impairment is, therefore, important as well as targeting interventions to this group. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Antiplatelet Treatment After Transient Ischemic Attack and Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Cerebral Microbleeds in 2 Large Cohorts and an Updated Systematic Review.

PubMed

Lau, Kui Kai; Lovelock, Caroline E; Li, Linxin; Simoni, Michela; Gutnikov, Sergei; Küker, Wilhelm; Mak, Henry Ka Fung; Rothwell, Peter M

2018-06-01

In patients with transient ischemic attack/ischemic stroke, microbleed burden predicts intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and ischemic stroke, but implications for antiplatelet treatment are uncertain. Previous cohort studies have had insufficient follow-up to assess the time course of risks, have not stratified risks by antithrombotic use, and have not reported extracranial bleeds or functional outcome of ICH versus ischemic stroke. In 2 independent prospective cohorts with transient ischemic attack/ischemic stroke (Oxford Vascular Study/mainly white; University of Hong Kong/mainly Chinese), antiplatelet treatment was started routinely irrespective of microbleed burden. Risks, time course and outcome of ICH, extracranial bleeds, and recurrent ischemic events were determined and stratified by microbleed burden (0 versus 1, 2-4, and ≥5), adjusting for age, sex, and vascular risk factors. Microbleeds were more frequent in the Chinese cohort (450 of 1003 versus 165 of 1080; P <0.0001), but risk associations were similar during 7433 patient-years of follow-up. Among 1811 patients on antiplatelet drugs, risk of major extracranial bleeds was unrelated to microbleed burden ( P trend =0.87), but the 5-year risk of ICH was steeply related ( P trend <0.0001), with 11 of 15 (73%) of ICH in 140 of 1811 (7.7%) patients with ≥5 microbleeds. However, risk of ischemic stroke also increased with microbleed burden ( P trend =0.013), such that risk of ischemic stroke and coronary events exceeded ICH and major extracranial bleeds during the first year, even among patients with ≥5 microbleeds (11.6% versus 3.9%). However, this ratio changed over time, with risk of hemorrhage (11.2%) matching that of ischemic events (12.0%) after 1 year. Moreover, whereas the association between microbleed burden and risk of ischemic stroke was due mainly to nondisabling events ( P trend =0.007), the association with ICH was accounted for ( P trend <0.0001) by disabling/fatal events (≥5 microbleeds: 82% disabling/fatal ICH versus 40% disabling/fatal ischemic stroke; P =0.035). In white and Chinese patients with ≥5 microbleeds, withholding antiplatelet drugs during the first year after transient ischemic attack/ischemic stroke may be inappropriate. However, the risk of ICH may outweigh any benefit thereafter. © 2018 The Authors.

Effect of Rehabilitation Intensity on Mortality Risk After Stroke.

PubMed

Hsieh, Cheng-Yang; Huang, Hsiu-Chen; Wu, Darren Philbert; Li, Chung-Yi; Chiu, Meng-Jun; Sung, Sheng-Feng

2018-06-01

To determine the relation between rehabilitation intensity and poststroke mortality. Retrospective cohort study. Nationwide claims data. From Taiwan's National Health Insurance claims databases, patients (N=6737; mean age, 66.9y; 40.3% women) hospitalized between 2001 and 2013 for a first-ever stroke who had mild to moderate stroke and survived the first 90 days of stroke were enrolled. The intensity of rehabilitation therapy within 90 days after stroke was categorized into low, medium, or high based on the tertile distribution of the number of rehabilitation sessions. Long-term all-cause mortality. The Cox proportional hazard models with Bonferroni correction were used to assess the association between rehabilitation intensity and mortality, adjusting for age, comorbidities, stroke severity, and other covariates. Patients in the high-intensity group were younger but had a higher burden of comorbidities and greater stroke severity. During follow-up, the high-intensity group was associated with a significantly lower adjusted risk (hazard ratio [HR], .73; 95% confidence interval [CI], .63-.84) of mortality than the low-intensity group, whereas the medium-intensity group carried a similar risk of mortality (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.84-1.06) compared with the low-intensity group. This association was not modified by stroke severity. Among patients with mild to moderate stroke severity, high-intensity rehabilitation therapy within the first 90 days was associated with a lower mortality risk than low-intensity therapy. Efforts to promote high-intensity rehabilitation therapy for this group of patients with stroke should be encouraged. Copyright © 2017 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Kidney stones may increase the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke

PubMed Central

Peng, Jian-Ping; Zheng, Hang

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: We aimed to quantitatively assess the potential relationship between kidney stones and coronary heart disease or stroke. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted on eligibly studies published before 31 May 2016 in PubMed or Embase. The data were pooled, and the relationship was assessed by the random-effect model with inverse variance-weighted procedure. The results were expressed as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Eight studies of 11 cohorts (n = 11) were included in our analysis with 3,658,360 participants and 157,037 cases. We found that a history of kidney stones was associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) (RR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.14–1.36; I2 = 79.0%, n = 11); similar effect on myocardial infarction, a serious condition of CHD, was observed (RR = 1.24; 95%CI: 1.10–1.40; I2 = 80.4%, n = 8). We also found that a history of kidney stones may increase the risk of stroke (RR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.06–1.38; I2 = 54.7%, n = 4). In subgroup analysis, the risk of coronary heart disease was higher in men (RR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.02–1.49) while the risk for stroke was higher in women (RR = 1.12; 95%CI: 1.03–1.21). No obvious publications bias was detected (Egger test: P = .47). Conclusion: Kidney stones are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, and the effect may differ by sex. PMID:28834909

Closure versus medical therapy for preventing recurrent stroke in patients with patent foramen ovale and a history of cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

PubMed

Li, Jie; Liu, Junfeng; Liu, Ming; Zhang, Shihong; Hao, Zilong; Zhang, Jing; Zhang, Canfei

2015-09-08

The optimal therapy for preventing recurrent stroke in people with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale (PFO) has not been defined. The choice between medical therapy (antithrombotic treatment with antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants) and transcatheter device closure has been the subject of intense debate over the past several years. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, a substantial number of people undergo transcatheter device closure (TDC) for secondary stroke prevention. To: 1) compare the safety and efficacy of TDC with best medical therapy alone for preventing recurrent stroke (fatal or non-fatal) or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in people with PFO and a history of cryptogenic stroke or TIA; 2) identify specific subgroups of people most likely to benefit from closure for secondary prevention; and 3) assess the cost-effectiveness of this strategy, if possible. We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (July 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2014), MEDLINE (1950 to July 2014) and EMBASE (1980 to July 2014). In an effort to identify unpublished and ongoing trials we searched seven trials registers and checked reference lists. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), irrespective of blinding, publication status, and language, comparing the safety and efficacy of device closure with medical therapy for preventing recurrent stroke or TIA in people with PFO and a history of cryptogenic stroke or TIA. Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed quality and risk of bias, and extracted data. The primary outcome measures of this analysis were the composite endpoint of ischemic stroke or TIA events as well as recurrent fatal or non-fatal ischemic stroke. Secondary endpoints included all-cause mortality, serious adverse events (atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, bleeding) and procedural success and effective closure. We used the Mantel-Haenszel method to obtain pooled risk ratios (RRs) using the random-effects model regardless of the level of heterogeneity. We pooled data for the primary outcome measure with the generic inverse variance method using the random-effects model, yielding risk estimates as pooled hazard ratio (HR), which accounts for time-to-event outcomes. We included three RCTs involving a total of 2303 participants: 1150 participants were randomized to receive TDC and 1153 participants were randomized to receive medical therapy. Overall, the risk of bias was regarded as high. The mean follow-up period of all three included trials was less than five years. Baseline characteristics (age, sex, and vascular risk factors) were similar across trials. Intention-to-treat analyses did not show a statistically significant risk reduction in the composite endpoint of recurrent stroke or TIA in the TDC group when compared with medical therapy (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.17). A time-to-event analysis combining the results of two RCTs also failed to show a significant risk reduction with TDC (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.13). When assessing stroke prevention alone, TDC still did not show a statistically significant benefit (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.27) (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.18). In a sensitivity analysis including the two studies using the Amplatzer PFO occluder, TDC showed a possible protective effect on recurrent stroke compared with medical therapy (HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.02); however, it did not reach statistical significance. Safety analysis found that the overall risks for all-cause mortality and adverse events were similar in both the TDC and medical therapy groups. However, TDC increased the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (RR 3.50, 95% CI 1.47 to 8.35) and may be associated with the type of device used. The combined data from recent RCTs have shown no statistically significant differences between TDC and medical therapy in the prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke. TDC closure was associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation but not with serious adverse events.

Cardioembolic vs. noncardioembolic strokes in atrial fibrillation: frequency and effect of antithrombotic agents in the stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation studies.

PubMed

Hart, R G; Pearce, L A; Miller, V T; Anderson, D C; Rothrock, J F; Albers, G W; Nasco, E

2000-01-01

While atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of cardioembolic stroke, some ischemic strokes in AF patients are noncardioembolic. To assess ischemic stroke mechanisms in AF and to compare their responses to antithrombotic therapies. On-therapy analyses of ischemic strokes occurring in 3,950 participants in the Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation I-III clinical trials. Strokes were classified by presumed mechanism according to specified neurologic features by neurologists unaware of antithrombotic therapy. Of 217 ischemic strokes, 52% were classified as probably cardioembolic, 24% as noncardioembolic, and 24% as of uncertain cause (i.e., 68% of classifiable infarcts were deemed cardioembolic). Compared to those receiving placebo or no antithrombotic therapy, the proportion of cardioembolic stroke was lower in patients taking adjusted-dose warfarin (p = 0.02), while the proportion of noncardioembolic stroke was lower in those taking aspirin (p = 0.06). Most (56%) ischemic strokes occurring in AF patients taking adjusted-dose warfarin were noncardioembolic vs. 16% of strokes in those taking aspirin. Adjusted-dose warfarin reduced cardioembolic strokes by 83% (p < 0.001) relative to aspirin. Cardioembolic strokes were particularly disabling (p = 0.05). Most ischemic strokes in AF patients are probably cardioembolic, and these are sharply reduced by adjusted-dose warfarin. Aspirin in AF patients appears to primarily reduce noncardioembolic strokes. AF patients at highest risk for stroke have the highest rates of cardioembolic stroke and have the greatest reduction in stroke by warfarin. Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel

Determinants of social inequalities in stroke incidence across Europe: a collaborative analysis of 126 635 individuals from 48 cohort studies.

PubMed

Ferrario, Marco M; Veronesi, Giovanni; Kee, Frank; Chambless, Lloyd E; Kuulasmaa, Kari; Jørgensen, Torben; Amouyel, Philippe; Arveiler, Dominique; Bobak, Martin; Cesana, Giancarlo; Drygas, Wojciech; Ferrieres, Jean; Giampaoli, Simona; Iacoviello, Licia; Nikitin, Yuri; Pajak, Andrzej; Peters, Annette; Salomaa, Veikko; Soderberg, Stefan; Tamosiunas, Abdonas; Wilsgaard, Tom; Tunstall-Pedoe, Hugh

2017-12-01

Knowledge on the origins of the social gradient in stroke incidence in different populations is limited. This study aims to estimate the burden of educational class inequalities in stroke incidence and to assess the contribution of risk factors in determining these inequalities across Europe. The MORGAM (MOnica Risk, Genetics, Archiving and Monograph) Study comprises 48 cohorts recruited mostly in the 1980s and 1990s in four European regions using standardised procedures for baseline risk factor assessment and fatal and non-fatal stroke ascertainment and adjudication during follow-up. Among the 126 635 middle-aged participants, initially free of cardiovascular diseases, generating 3788 first stroke events during a median follow-up of 10 years, we estimated differences in stroke rates and HRs for the least versus the most educated individuals. Compared with their most educated counterparts, the overall age-adjusted excess hazard for stroke was 1.54 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.91) and 1.41 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.71) in least educated men and women, respectively, with little heterogeneity across populations. Educational class inequalities accounted for 86-413 and 78-156 additional stroke events per 100 000 person-years in the least compared with most educated men and women, respectively. The additional events were equivalent to 47%-130% and 40%-89% of the average incidence rates. Inequalities in risk factors accounted for 45%-70% of the social gap in incidence in the Nordic countries, the UK and Lithuania-Kaunas (men), but for no more than 17% in Central and South Europe. The major contributors were cigarette smoking, alcohol intake and body mass index. Social inequalities in stroke incidence contribute substantially to the disease rates in Europe. Healthier lifestyles in the most disadvantaged individuals should have a prominent impact in reducing both inequalities and the stroke burden. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients with atrial fibrillation: Insights from the ARISTOTLE trial.

PubMed

Durheim, Michael T; Cyr, Derek D; Lopes, Renato D; Thomas, Laine E; Tsuang, Wayne M; Gersh, Bernard J; Held, Claes; Wallentin, Lars; Granger, Christopher B; Palmer, Scott M; Al-Khatib, Sana M

2016-01-01

Comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with poor outcomes among patients with cardiovascular disease. The risks of stroke and mortality associated with COPD among patients with atrial fibrillation are not well understood. We analyzed patients from ARISTOTLE, a randomized trial of 18,201 patients with atrial fibrillation comparing the effects of apixaban versus warfarin on the risk of stroke or systemic embolism. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we assessed the associations between comorbid COPD and risk of stroke or systemic embolism and of mortality, adjusting for treatment allocation, smoking history and other risk factors. COPD was present in 1950 (10.8%) of 18,134 patients with data on pulmonary disease history. After multivariable adjustment, COPD was not associated with risk of stroke or systemic embolism (adjusted HR 0.85 [95% CI 0.60, 1.21], p=0.356). However, COPD was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.60 [95% CI 1.36, 1.88], p<0.001) and both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality. The benefit of apixaban over warfarin on stroke or systemic embolism was consistent among patients with and without COPD (HR 0.92 [95% CI 0.52, 1.63] versus 0.78 [95% CI 0.65, 0.95], interaction p=0.617). COPD was independently associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality among patients with atrial fibrillation, but was not associated with risk of stroke or systemic embolism. The effect of apixaban on stroke or systemic embolism in COPD patients was consistent with its effect in the overall trial population. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Executive function, but not memory, associates with incident coronary heart disease and stroke.

PubMed

Rostamian, Somayeh; van Buchem, Mark A; Westendorp, Rudi G J; Jukema, J Wouter; Mooijaart, Simon P; Sabayan, Behnam; de Craen, Anton J M

2015-09-01

To evaluate the association of performance in cognitive domains executive function and memory with incident coronary heart disease and stroke in older participants without dementia. We included 3,926 participants (mean age 75 years, 44% male) at risk for cardiovascular diseases from the Prospective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk (PROSPER) with Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥24 points. Scores on the Stroop Color-Word Test (selective attention) and the Letter Digit Substitution Test (processing speed) were converted to Z scores and averaged into a composite executive function score. Likewise, scores of the Picture Learning Test (immediate and delayed memory) were transformed into a composite memory score. Associations of executive function and memory were longitudinally assessed with risk of coronary heart disease and stroke using multivariable Cox regression models. During 3.2 years of follow-up, incidence rates of coronary heart disease and stroke were 30.5 and 12.4 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. In multivariable models, participants in the lowest third of executive function, as compared to participants in the highest third, had 1.85-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39-2.45) higher risk of coronary heart disease and 1.51-fold (95% CI 0.99-2.30) higher risk of stroke. Participants in the lowest third of memory had no increased risk of coronary heart disease (hazard ratio 0.99, 95% CI 0.74-1.32) or stroke (hazard ratio 0.87, 95% CI 0.57-1.32). Lower executive function, but not memory, is associated with higher risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Lower executive function, as an independent risk indicator, might better reflect brain vascular pathologies. © 2015 American Academy of Neurology.

Severe edentulism is a major risk factor influencing stroke incidence in rural Ecuador (The Atahualpa Project).

PubMed

Del Brutto, Oscar H; Mera, Robertino M; Zambrano, Mauricio; Del Brutto, Victor J

2017-02-01

Background There is no information on stroke incidence in rural areas of Latin America, where living conditions and cardiovascular risk factors are different from urban centers. Aim Using a population-based prospective cohort study design, we aimed to assess risk factors influencing stroke incidence in community-dwelling adults living in rural Ecuador. Methods First-ever strokes occurring from 1 June 2012 to 31 May 2016, in Atahualpa residents aged ≥40 years, were identified from yearly door-to-door surveys and other overlapping sources. Poisson regression models adjusted for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, edentulism and the length of observation time per subject were used to estimate stroke incidence rate ratio as well as factors influencing such incidence. Results Of 807 stroke-free individuals prospectively enrolled in the Atahualpa Project, follow-up was achieved in 718 (89%), contributing 2,499 years of follow-up (average 3.48 ± 0.95 years). Overall stroke incidence rate was 2.97 per 100 person-years of follow-up (95% CI: 1.73-4.2), which increased to 4.77 (95% CI: 1.61-14.1) when only persons aged ≥57 years were considered. Poisson regression models, adjusted for relevant confounders, showed that high blood pressure (IRR: 5.24; 95% CI: 2.55-7.93) and severe edentulism (IRR: 5.06; 95% CI: 2.28-7.85) were the factors independently increasing stroke incidence. Conclusions Stroke incidence in this rural setting is comparable to that reported from the developed world. Besides age and high blood pressure, severe edentulism is a major factor independently predicting incident strokes. Public awareness of the consequences of poor dental care might reduce stroke incidence in rural settings.

Increased pulse wave velocity in patients with acute lacunar infarction doubled the risk of future ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Saji, Naoki; Murotani, Kenta; Shimizu, Hirotaka; Uehara, Toshiyuki; Kita, Yasushi; Toba, Kenji; Sakurai, Takashi

2017-04-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether pulse wave velocity (PWV), a marker of vascular endothelial impairment and arteriosclerosis, predicts future ischemic stroke in patients who developed acute lacunar infarction. Patients with a first-ever ischemic stroke due to acute lacunar infarction were enrolled in this study. An oscillometric device (Form PWV/ABI; Omron Colin, Tokyo, Japan) was used to measure brachial-ankle PWV 1 week after stroke onset. Patients were followed for at least 5 years. The main end point of the study was recurrent ischemic stroke. Event-free survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests. The risk of recurrent ischemic stroke was estimated using the Cox proportional-hazards model. Of the 156 patients (61% male, mean age: 69.2±11.3 years) assessed in this study, 29 developed recurrent ischemic stroke. The median brachial-ankle PWV value was 20.4 m s -1 . Patients with high PWV values had a greater risk of recurrent ischemic stroke than patients with low PWV values (28% vs. 15%, P=0.08). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that patients with high PWV values had a less favorable (that is, free of recurrent ischemic stroke) survival time (P=0.015). A multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model identified high PWV as an independent predictor of recurrent ischemic stroke after adjusting for age, sex and blood pressure (hazard ratio 2.35, 95% confidence interval, 1.02-5.70, P=0.044). In patients with acute lacunar infarction, a high PWV predicts a twofold greater risk of future ischemic stroke, independent of patient age, sex and blood pressure levels.

Stroke in Indigenous Africans, African Americans and European Americans: Interplay of racial and geographic factors

PubMed Central

Owolabi, Mayowa; Sarfo, Fred; Howard, Virginia J.; Irvin, Marguerite R; Gebregziabher, Mulugeta; Akinyemi, Rufus; Bennett, Aleena; Armstrong, Kevin; Tiwari, Hemant K.; Akpalu, Albert; Wahab, Kolawole W.; Owolabi, Lukman; Fawale, Bimbo; Komolafe, Morenikeji; Obiako, Reginald; Adebayo, Philip; Manly, Jennifer M; Ogbole, Godwin; Melikam, Ezinne; Laryea, Ruth; Saulson, Raelle; Jenkins, Carolyn; Arnett, Donna K; Lackland, Daniel T; Ovbiagele, Bruce; Howard, George

2017-01-01

Background and Purpose The relative contributions of racial and geographic factors to higher risk of stroke in people of African ancestry have not been unraveled. We compared stroke type and contributions of vascular risk factors among indigenous Africans (IA), African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA). Methods SIREN is a large multinational case-control study in West Africa - the ancestral home of 71% AA - whilst REGARDS is a cohort study including AA and EA in United States. Using harmonized assessments and standard definitions, we compared data on stroke type and established risk factors for stroke in acute stroke cases age ≥55 years in both studies. Results There were 811 IA, 452 AA and 665 EA stroke subjects, with mean age of 68.0±9.3, 73.0±8.3 and 76.0±8.3 years respectively (p<0.0001). Hemorrhagic stroke was more frequent among IA (27%) compared to AA (8%) and EA (5.4%; p < 0.001). Lacunar strokes were more prevalent in IA (47.1%), followed by AA (35.1%), and then EA (21.0%; p < 0.0001). The frequency of hypertension in decreasing order was IA (92.8%), followed by AA (82.5%) and then EA (64.2%; p<0.0001) and similarly for diabetes mellitus (DM) IA (38.3%), AA (36.8%) and EA (21.0 %; p<0.0001). Pre-morbid sedentary lifestyle was similar in AA (37.7%) and EA (34.0%) but lower frequency in IA (8.0%). Conclusion Environmental risk factors such as sedentary lifestyle may contribute to the higher proportion of ischemic stroke in AA compared to IA, while racial factors may contribute to the higher proportion of hypertension and DM among stroke subjects of African ancestry. PMID:28389611

A clinical study of ischaemic strokes with micro-albuminuria for risk stratification, short-term predictive value and outcome.

PubMed

Das, Sukdeb; Yadav, Ujjal; Ghosh, Kartik Chandra; Panchadhyayee, Sujoy; Kundu, Shib Shankar; Ganguly, Prasanta Kumar

2012-12-01

Stroke results more than 4.3 million deaths worldwide per annum and 85% of all strokes are ischaemic in nature. Besides numerous modifiable and non-modifiable known risk factors, microalbuminuria is thought to be an important marker of global endothelial dysfunction and associated with cardiovascular disease including stroke. Fifty ischaemic stroke cases and 50 (age, sex matched) control subjects were subjected to study to compare and evaluate risk stratification of micro-albuminuria, its predictive value and outcome on day 1 and day 7 among admitted ischaemic stroke cases.The result was found that micro-albuminuria was present in 66% of ischaemic stroke cases compared to only 8% of control group (p < 0.001). Most validated National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was used for evaluation and calculation of predictive value and outcome of micro-albuminuria positive patient where higher value indicates poor prognosis, and the result was mean NIHSS score 29.12 versus 18.88 between two groups of strokes ie, with and without micro-albuminuria. Out of 50 ischaemic stroke patients 33 (66%) had micro-albuminuria. Among 11 patients who died, 10 (90.9%) had micro-albuminuria and NIHSS score was 33.64 and 25.0 on day 1 and day 7. Among 39 patients who were discharged, 23 patients (58.97%) were MA positive and NIHSS score was much less than death group ie, 23.38 and 16.38 on day 1 and day 7 respectively. So this study reveals micro-albuminuria itself results higher risk for ischaemic stroke compared to control group and it shows good predictive value for early assessment of clinical severity and subsequent fatal outcome. This is also simple, cost effective and affordable.

Self-reported stroke symptoms without a prior diagnosis of stroke or transient ischemic attack: a powerful new risk factor for stroke.

PubMed

Kleindorfer, Dawn; Judd, Suzanne; Howard, Virginia J; McClure, Leslie; Safford, Monika M; Cushman, Mary; Rhodes, David; Howard, George

2011-11-01

Previously in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort, we found 18% of the stroke/transient ischemic attack-free study population reported ≥1 stroke symptom at baseline. We sought to evaluate the additional impact of these stroke symptoms on risk for subsequent stroke. REGARDS recruited 30,239 US blacks and whites, aged 45+ years in 2003 to 2007 who are being followed every 6 months for events. All stroke events are physician-verified; those with prior diagnosed stroke or transient ischemic attack are excluded from this analysis. At baseline, participants were asked 6 questions regarding stroke symptoms. Measured stroke risk factors were components of the Framingham Stroke Risk Score. After excluding those with prior stroke or missing data, there were 24,412 participants in this analysis with a median follow-up of 4.4 years. Participants were 39% black, 55% female, and had median age of 64 years. There were 381 physician-verified stroke events. The Framingham Stroke Risk Score explained 72.0% of stroke risk; individual components explained between 0.2% (left ventricular hypertrophy) and 5.7% (age+race) of stroke risk. After adjustment for Framingham Stroke Risk Score factors, stroke symptoms were significantly related to stroke risk: for each stroke symptom reported, the risk of stroke increased by 21% per symptom. Among participants without self-reported stroke or transient ischemic attack, prior stroke symptoms are highly predictive of future stroke events. Compared with Framingham Stroke Risk Score factors, the impact of stroke symptom on the prediction of future stroke was almost as large as the impact of smoking and hypertension and larger than the impact of diabetes and heart disease.

Lipoprotein (a) as a risk factor for ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Nave, Alexander H; Lange, Kristin S; Leonards, Christopher O; Siegerink, Bob; Doehner, Wolfram; Landmesser, Ulf; Steinhagen-Thiessen, Elisabeth; Endres, Matthias; Ebinger, Martin

2015-10-01

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] harbors atherogenic potential but its role as a risk factor for ischemic stroke remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the relative strength of the association between Lp(a) and ischemic stroke and identify potential subgroup-specific risk differences. A systematic search using the MeSH terms "lipoproteins" OR "lipoprotein a" AND "stroke" was performed in PubMed and ScienceDirect for case-control studies from June 2006 and prospective cohort studies from April 2009 until December 20th 2014. Data from eligible papers published before these dates were reviewed and extracted from previous meta-analyses. Studies that assessed the relationship between Lp(a) levels and ischemic stroke and reported generic data-i.e. odds ratio [OR], hazard ratio, or risk ratio [RR]-were eligible for inclusion. Studies that not distinguish between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemic attack were excluded. Random effects meta-analyses with mixed-effects meta-regression were performed by pooling adjusted OR or RR. A total of 20 articles comprising 90,904 subjects and 5029 stroke events were eligible for the meta-analysis. Comparing high with low Lp(a) levels, the pooled estimated OR was 1.41 (95% CI, 1.26-1.57) for case-control studies (n = 11) and the pooled estimated RR was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.06-1.58) for prospective studies (n = 9). Sex-specific differences in RR were inconsistent between case-control and prospective studies. Study populations with a mean age of ≤55 years had an increased RR compared to older study populations. Reported Lp(a) contrast levels and ischemic stroke subtype significantly contributed to the heterogeneity observed in the analyses. Elevated Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and may be especially relevant for young stroke patients. Sex-specific risk differences remain conflicting. Further studies in these subgroups may be warranted. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Is Transient Ischemic Attack a Medical Emergency? An Evidence-Based Analysis

PubMed Central

Sehatzadeh, S

2015-01-01

Background Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of dysfunction in a confined area of the brain. The risk of stroke following TIA is approximately 4% within the first 2 days and 9% within the first month. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment is critical to reduce mortality and risk of stroke in patients who have experienced a TIA. Objectives This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of the urgent evaluation and initiation of treatment of patients with TIA on the risk of subsequent stroke and death. Data Sources A literature search was performed for studies published from January 1, 2007, until December 21, 2012. The search was updated monthly to April 1, 2013. Results All identified studies showed that urgent assessment and initiation of treatment of TIA is an effective strategy in reducing the incidence of stroke. Among these, a large observational study found a large effect in that the risk of stroke was reduced by 80%, and a Canadian study found that providing urgent care significantly reduced the rate of stroke in high-risk patients. Another Canadian study reported a significant reduction in the rate of death among patients referred to stroke prevention clinics, compared to patients not referred to such services. One study showed that patients discharged from an emergency department with standard care had significantly higher rates of stroke and subsequent TIA in the first month, compared to those who were hospitalized. However, another study showed that for patients at low to moderate risk, rate of stroke was similar between inpatients and those managed in a TIA clinic. Limitations Our analysis was restricted to the effect of the combined interventions. The magnitude of benefit of each individual component of the intervention cannot be determined through this review. Conclusions The results of this systematic review have important clinical and health system implications. Urgent management of TIA patients in specialized TIA clinics rather than regular practice results in a lower rate of stroke and disability. PMID:26355823

Blood transfusion for preventing primary and secondary stroke in people with sickle cell disease.

PubMed

Wang, Winfred C; Dwan, Kerry

2013-11-14

In sickle cell disease, a common inherited haemoglobin disorder, abnormal haemoglobin distorts red blood cells, causing anaemia, vaso-occlusion and dysfunction in most body organs. Without intervention, stroke affects around 10% of children with sickle cell anaemia (HbSS) and recurrence is likely. Chronic blood transfusion dilutes the sickled red blood cells, reducing the risk of vaso-occlusion and stroke. However, side effects can be severe. To assess risks and benefits of chronic blood transfusion regimens in people with sickle cell disease to prevent first stroke or recurrences. We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register, comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and conference proceedings.Date of the latest search of the Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 28 January 2013. Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing blood transfusion as prophylaxis for stroke in people with sickle cell disease to alternative or no treatment. Both authors independently assessed the risk of bias of the included trials and extracted data. Searches identified three eligible randomised trials (n = 342). The first two trials addressed the use of chronic transfusion to prevent primary stroke; the third utilized the drug hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea) and phlebotomy to prevent both recurrent (secondary) stroke and iron overload in patients who had already experienced an initial stroke. In the first trial (STOP) a chronic transfusion regimen for maintaining sickle haemoglobin lower than 30% was compared with standard care in 130 children with sickle cell disease judged (through transcranial Doppler ultrasonography) as high-risk for first stroke. During the trial, 11 children in the standard care group suffered a stroke compared to one in the transfusion group, odds ratio 0.08 (95% confidence interval 0.01 to 0.66). This meant the trial was terminated early. The transfusion group had a high complications rate, including iron overload, alloimmunisation, and transfusion reactions. The second trial (STOP II) investigated risk of stroke when transfusion was stopped after at least 30 months in this population. The trial closed early due to a significant difference in risk of stroke between participants who stopped transfusion and those who continued as measured by reoccurrence of abnormal velocities on Doppler examination or the occurrence of overt stroke in the group that stopped transfusion. The third trial (SWiTCH) was a non-inferiority trial comparing transfusion and iron chelation (standard management) with hydroxyurea and phlebotomy (alternative treatment) with the combination endpoint of prevention of stroke recurrence and reduction of iron overload. This trial was stopped early after enrolment and follow up of 133 children because of analysis showing futility in reaching the composite primary endpoint. The stroke rate (seven strokes on hydroxyurea and phlebotomy, none on transfusion and chelation, odds ratio 16.49 (95% confidence interval 0.92 to 294.84)) was within the non-inferiority margin, but the liver iron content was not better in the alternative arm. The STOP trial demonstrated a significantly reduced risk of stroke in participants with abnormal transcranial Doppler ultrasonography velocities receiving regular blood transfusions. The follow-up trial (STOP 2) indicated that individuals may revert to former risk status if transfusion is discontinued. The degree of risk must be balanced against the burden of chronic transfusions. The combination of hydroxyurea and phlebotomy is not as effective as "standard" transfusion and chelation in preventing secondary stroke and iron overload. Ongoing multicentre trials are investigating the use of chronic transfusion to prevent silent infarcts, the use of hydroxyurea as an alternative to transfusion in children with abnormal transcranial Doppler ultrasonography velocities, and the use of hydroxyurea to prevent conversion of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography velocities from conditional (borderline) to abnormal values.

Risk of Stroke Among Survivors of the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center Disaster.

PubMed

Yu, Shengchao; Alper, Howard E; Nguyen, Angela-Maithy; Brackbill, Robert M

2018-05-30

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between 9/11-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dust cloud exposure, and subsequent development of stroke among 42,527 enrollees in the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Registry. Using four waves of longitudinal data from the WTC Health Registry surveys, we employed Cox proportional hazards regression models to assess the associations. Incidence of stroke was higher among those with PTSD or intense dust cloud exposure than those without, and it was even higher for those who had experienced both. In fully adjusted models, participants with PTSD had an increased risk of developing stroke [adjusted hazards ratio (AHR) 1.69, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.42 to 2.02], as did those with intense dust exposure (AHR 1.29, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.53). We found that individuals with 9/11-related PTSD and/or intense dust exposure may have an increased risk of developing stroke.

Effects of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy on survival of patients in a persistent vegetative state after stroke.

PubMed

Wu, Kunpeng; Chen, Ying; Yan, Caihong; Huang, Zhijia; Wang, Deming; Gui, Peigen; Bao, Juan

2017-10-01

To assess the effect of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy on short- and long-term survival of patients in a persistent vegetative state after stroke and determine the relevant prognostic factors. Stroke may lead to a persistent vegetative state, and the effect of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy on survival of stroke patients in a persistent vegetative state remains unclear. Prospective study. A total of 97 stroke patients in a persistent vegetative state hospitalised from January 2009 to December 2011 at the Second Hospital, University of South China, were assessed in this study. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was performed in 55 patients, and mean follow-up time was 18 months. Survival rate and risk factors were analysed. Median survival in the 55 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy-treated patients was 17·6 months, higher compared with 8·2 months obtained for the remaining 42 patients without percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy treatment. Univariate analyses revealed that age, hospitalisation time, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy treatment status, family financial situation, family care, pulmonary infection and nutrition were significantly associated with survival. Multivariate analysis indicated that older age, no gastrostomy, poor family care, pulmonary infection and poor nutritional status were independent risk factors affecting survival. Indeed, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy significantly improved the nutritional status and decreased pulmonary infection rate in patients with persistent vegetative state after stroke. Interestingly, median survival time was 20·3 months in patients with no or one independent risk factors of poor prognosis (n = 38), longer compared with 8·7 months found for patients with two or more independent risk factors (n = 59). Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy significantly improves long-term survival of stroke patients in a persistent vegetative state and is associated with improved nutritional status and decreased pulmonary infection. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is a promising option for the management of stroke patients in a persistent vegetative state. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

One-year atherothrombotic vascular events rates in outpatients with recent non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke: the EVEREST (Effective Vascular Event REduction after STroke) registry.

PubMed

Suzuki, Norihiro; Sato, Motoki; Houkin, Kiyohiro; Terayama, Yasuo; Uchiyama, Shinichiro; Daida, Hiroyuki; Shigematsu, Hiroshi; Goto, Shinya; Tanaka, Kortaro; Origasa, Hideki; Miyamoto, Susumu; Minematsu, Kazuo; Matsumoto, Masayasu; Okada, Yasushi

2012-05-01

Patients with recent ischemic stroke may have higher risk of atherothrombosis than stable patients with established vascular events. Our aims were to investigate 1-year atherothrombotic vascular event rates and to assess the risk factors for recurrent ischemic stroke in this population. This prospective cohort study was conducted between January 2007 and July 2009 at 313 hospitals in Japan. Outpatients who were at least 45 years of age and who had received oral antiplatelet therapy were enrolled within 2 weeks to 6 months from the last onset of noncardioembolic ischemic stroke. At 12 ± 3 months after enrollment, data on presence/absence of atherothrombotic vascular events were collected. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of fatal or nonfatal ischemic stroke. A total of 3452 patients were enrolled, and 3411 patients who had baseline data were included in the analysis. The 1-year event rate was 3.81% (95% confidence interval 3.15-4.48%) for fatal or nonfatal ischemic stroke and 0.84% (95% confidence interval 0.52-1.15%) for all-cause mortality. The annual rate of recurrent ischemic stroke was significantly higher in patients who had ischemic stroke at least twice than in patients who had first-ever ischemic stroke (5.02% vs 3.59%; P = .0313). In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, recurrent ischemic stroke was significantly associated with age (P = .0033), the presence of diabetes (P = .0129), and waist circumference ≥80 cm (P = .0056). Patients with recent ischemic stroke have a higher risk of stroke recurrence than stable patients enrolled in the REduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health (REACH) registry even though they received antiplatelet therapy. The rigorous management of risk factors is needed. Copyright © 2012 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Socioeconomic Status and Stroke Prevalence in Morocco: Results from the Rabat-Casablanca Study

PubMed Central

Engels, Thomas; Baglione, Quentin; Audibert, Martine; Viallefont, Anne; Mourji, Fouzi; El Alaoui Faris, Mustapha

2014-01-01

Background Stroke is a growing public health concern in low- and middle- income countries. Improved knowledge about the association between socioeconomic status and stroke in these countries would enable the development of effective stroke prevention and management strategies. This study presents the association between socioeconomic status and the prevalence of stroke in Morocco, a lower middle-income country. Methods Data on the prevalence of stroke and stroke-related risk factors were collected during a large population-based survey. The diagnosis of stroke in surviving patients was confirmed by neurologists while health, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics of households were collected using structured questionnaires. We used Multiple Correspondence Analysis to develop a wealth index based on characteristics of the household dwelling as well as ownership of selected assets. We used logistic regressions controlling for multiple variables to assess the statistical association between socioeconomic status and stroke. Findings Our results showed a significant association between household socioeconomic status and the prevalence of stroke. This relationship was non-linear, with individuals from both the poorest (mainly rural) and richest (mainly urban) households having a lower prevalence of stroke as compared to individuals with medium wealth level. The latter belonged mainly to urban households with a lower socioeconomic status. When taking into account the urban population only, we observed that a third of poorest households experienced a significantly higher prevalence of stroke compared to the richest third (OR = 2.06; CI 95%: 1.09; 3.89). Conclusion We conclude that individuals from the most deprived urban households bear a higher risk of stroke than the rest of the population in Morocco. This result can be explained to a certain extent by the higher presence of behavioral risk factors in this specific category of the population, which leads in turn to metabolic and physiological risk factors of stroke, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. PMID:24586649

Stroke symptoms and risk for incident coronary heart disease in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study

PubMed Central

Colantonio, Lisandro D.; Gamboa, Christopher M.; Kleindorfer, Dawn O.; Carson, April P.; Howard, Virginia J.; Muntner, Paul; Cushman, Mary; Howard, George; Safford, Monika M.

2016-01-01

Background Many adults without cerebrovascular disease report a history of stroke symptoms, which is associated with higher risk for stroke. Because stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) share many risk factors, we examined the association between a history of stroke symptoms and incident CHD. Methods We analyzed data from 8,999 black and 12,499 white REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study participants without a prior myocardial infarction, stroke or transitory ischemic attack enrolled in 2003-2007 (total participants=21,498, all ≥45 years of age). A history of stroke symptoms (i.e., unilateral weakness, unilateral numbness, full-field vision loss, half-field vision loss, understanding problems and communication problems) was assessed at baseline using the Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-Free Status. Participants were followed for incident CHD and CHD death through December 2011. Results Overall, 3,432 (16.0%) participants reported a history of stroke symptoms (1,771 [19.7%] blacks and 1,661 [13.3%] whites). There were 701 incident CHD events including 209 CHD deaths over a median follow-up of 5.8 years. After adjustment for CHD risk factors, hazard ratios (95% confidence interval [95%CI]) for incident CHD associated with reporting any versus no stroke symptoms were 1.26 (1.04-1.51) in the overall population, 1.28 (0.99-1.65) among blacks and 1.23 (0.94-1.61) among whites. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95%CI) for CHD death associated with any versus no stroke symptoms were 1.50 (1.10-2.06) overall, 1.58 (1.07-2.32) among blacks and 1.41 (0.82-2.43) among whites. Conclusion A history of stroke symptoms is associated with a higher incidence of CHD among black and white adults. PMID:27376567

Stroke symptoms and risk for incident coronary heart disease in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study.

PubMed

Colantonio, Lisandro D; Gamboa, Christopher M; Kleindorfer, Dawn O; Carson, April P; Howard, Virginia J; Muntner, Paul; Cushman, Mary; Howard, George; Safford, Monika M

2016-10-01

Many adults without cerebrovascular disease report a history of stroke symptoms, which is associated with higher risk for stroke. Because stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) share many risk factors, we examined the association between a history of stroke symptoms and incident CHD. We analyzed data from 8999 black and 12,499 white REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study participants without a prior myocardial infarction, stroke or transitory ischemic attack enrolled in 2003-2007 (total participants=21,498, all ≥45years of age). A history of stroke symptoms (i.e., unilateral weakness, unilateral numbness, full-field vision loss, half-field vision loss, understanding problems and communication problems) was assessed at baseline using the Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-Free Status. Participants were followed for incident CHD and CHD death through December 2011. Overall, 3432 (16.0%) participants reported a history of stroke symptoms (1771 [19.7%] blacks and 1661 [13.3%] whites). There were 701 incident CHD events including 209 CHD deaths over a median follow-up of 5.8years. After adjustment for CHD risk factors, hazard ratios (95% confidence interval [95% CI]) for incident CHD associated with reporting any versus no stroke symptoms were 1.26 (1.04-1.51) in the overall population, 1.28 (0.99-1.65) among blacks and 1.23 (0.94-1.61) among whites. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) for CHD death associated with any versus no stroke symptoms were 1.50 (1.10-2.06) overall, 1.58 (1.07-2.32) among blacks and 1.41 (0.82-2.43) among whites. A history of stroke symptoms is associated with a higher incidence of CHD among black and white adults. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Presence of intracranial artery calcification is associated with mortality and vascular events in patients with ischemic stroke after hospital discharge: a cohort study.

PubMed

Bugnicourt, Jean-Marc; Leclercq, Claire; Chillon, Jean-Marc; Diouf, Momar; Deramond, Hervé; Canaple, Sandrine; Lamy, Chantal; Massy, Ziad A; Godefroy, Olivier

2011-12-01

Although intracranial artery calcification (IAC) has been reported to be a risk factor for ischemic stroke, the prognostic implications of IAC in stroke outcome are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between IAC and risk of vascular events and death in patients with stroke after hospital discharge. All patients with ischemic stroke over a 1-year period were included (n=302). IAC, assessed by multidetector CT, was defined as hyperdense foci (peak density>130 Hounsfield units) and assessed in the 7 major cerebral arteries. The IAC scores ranged from 0 (no calcification) to 7. Follow-up information on major clinical events (including fatal or nonfatal ischemic stroke, cardiac and peripheral artery events, and all-cause death) was obtained by means of a structured phone interview. IAC was present in 260 patients (83%). With a mean follow-up of 773±223 days, 88 major clinical events occurred in 67 patients (22%): 45 new ischemic vascular events (ischemic stroke: n=22; cardiac event: n=15; peripheral artery event: n=8) and 43 deaths from any cause. Patients with the highest IAC scores had significantly higher rates of death and vascular events than those with the lowest IAC scores (log rank test, P=0.029). In the Cox proportional hazards regression model, the IAC score was significantly associated with major clinical events (hazard ratio, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.11-1.61; P=0.002). In patients with ischemic stroke, IAC detection may constitute a simple marker of a high risk of future major clinical events.

P-Wave Indices and Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

He, Jinli; Tse, Gary; Korantzopoulos, Panagiotis; Letsas, Konstantinos P; Ali-Hasan-Al-Saegh, Sadeq; Kamel, Hooman; Li, Guangping; Lip, Gregory Y H; Liu, Tong

2017-08-01

Atrial cardiomyopathy is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. P-wave terminal force in lead V 1 , P-wave duration, and maximum P-wave area are electrocardiographic parameters that have been used to assess left atrial abnormalities related to developing atrial fibrillation. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine their values for predicting ischemic stroke risk. PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched until December 2016 for studies that evaluated the association between P-wave indices and stroke risk. Both fixed- and random-effects models were used to calculate the overall effect estimates. Ten studies examining P-wave terminal force in lead V 1 , P-wave duration, and maximum P-wave area were included. P-wave terminal force in lead V 1 was found to be an independent predictor of stroke as both a continuous variable (odds ratio [OR] per 1 SD change, 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.25; P <0.0001) and categorical variable (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.10-2.28; P =0.01). P-wave duration was a significant predictor of incident ischemic stroke when analyzed as a categorical variable (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.37-2.52; P <0.0001) but not when analyzed as a continuous variable (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.98-1.13; P =0.15). Maximum P-wave area also predicted the risk of incident ischemic stroke (OR per 1 SD change, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04-1.17). P-wave terminal force in lead V 1 , P-wave duration, and maximum P-wave area are useful electrocardiographic markers that can be used to stratify the risk of incident ischemic stroke. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Patient Characteristics and Outcomes After Hemorrhagic Stroke in Pregnancy.

PubMed

Leffert, Lisa R; Clancy, Caitlin R; Bateman, Brian T; Cox, Margueritte; Schulte, Phillip J; Smith, Eric E; Fonarow, Gregg C; Schwamm, Lee H; Kuklina, Elena V; George, Mary G

2015-10-01

Hospitalizations for pregnancy-related stroke are rare but increasing. Hemorrhagic stroke (HS), ie, subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage, is more common than ischemic stroke in pregnant versus nonpregnant women, reflecting different phenotypes or risk factors. We compared stroke risk factors and outcomes in pregnant versus nonpregnant HS in the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Registry. Using medical history or International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision codes, we identified 330 pregnant and 10 562 nonpregnant female patients aged 18 to 44 years with HS in Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (2008-2014). Differences in patient and care characteristics were compared by χ(2) or Fisher exact test (categorical variables) or Wilcoxon rank-sum (continuous variables) tests. Conditional logistic regression assessed the association of pregnancy with outcomes conditional on categorical age and further adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics. Pregnant versus nonpregnant HS patients were younger with fewer pre-existing stroke risk factors and medications. Pregnant versus nonpregnant subarachnoid hemorrhage patients were less impaired at arrival, and less than half met blood pressure criteria for severe preeclampsia. In-hospital mortality was lower in pregnant versus nonpregnant HS patients: adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for subarachnoid hemorrhage 0.17 (0.06-0.45) and intracerebral hemorrhage 0.57 (0.34-0.94). Pregnant subarachnoid hemorrhage patients also had a higher likelihood of home discharge (2.60 [1.67-4.06]) and independent ambulation at discharge (2.40 [1.56-3.70]). Pregnant HS patients are younger and have fewer risk factors than their nonpregnant counterparts, and risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality is lower. Our findings suggest possible differences in underlying disease pathophysiology and challenges to identifying at-risk patients. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

The association between nut consumption and the risk of total and ischemic stroke in a German cohort study.

PubMed

di Giuseppe, R; Fjeld, M K; Dierkes, J; Theoflylaktopoulou, D; Arregui, M; Boeing, H; Weikert, C

2015-04-01

Nuts have beneficial effects on coronary heart disease and many cardiovascular risk factors. However, their effect on stroke is less established, and no studies on the topic are available in Northern and Central European populations. Therefore, we aimed at investigating the association between nut consumption and the risk of stroke in a German population. We used data from a prospective cohort of 26,285 participants of the European Prospective Investigation into the Cancer and Nutrition Potsdam Study. During a median follow-up time of 8.3 years (interquartile range: 7.5-9.2), 288 incident cases of stroke occurred. Nut consumption (standard portion size of 50 g) was assessed at baseline with a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. The median nut intake was 0.82 g per day, interquartile range: 0.41-4.11. In the multivariable model, an increased risk of stroke was observed among participants who never consumed nuts (hazard ratio (HR): 1.56, 95% confidence interval: 1.17-2.08), compared with those consuming <½ portion/week. However, there was no evidence of a dose-response relationship between nut consumption and stroke. Compared with those who consumed <½ portion/week, the multivariable HR for total stroke was 1.06 (0.75-1.52) among those who consumed ½ to 1 portion/week and 1.37 (0.92-2.05) for those who consumed >1 portion/week. Similar nonsignificant associations were observed in stratified analysis for gender, or for fatal and nonfatal stroke. We could not observe an association between nut consumption and the risk of developing stroke (fatal/nonfatal) in a population with low habitual nut consumption.

Migraine and risk of stroke in older adults

PubMed Central

Gardener, Hannah; Rundek, Tatjana; Elkind, Mitchell S.V.; Sacco, Ralph L.

2015-01-01

Objective: To examine the association between migraine and stroke/vascular outcomes in a racially/ethnically diverse, older cohort. Methods: Participants from the Northern Manhattan Study, a population-based cohort study of stroke incidence, were assessed for migraine symptoms using a self-report questionnaire based on criteria from the International Classification of Headache Disorders, second edition. We estimated the association between migraine and combined vascular events including stroke and stroke only over a mean follow-up of 11 years, using Cox models adjusted for sociodemographic and vascular risk factors. Results: Of 1,292 participants (mean age 68 ± 9 years) with migraine data followed prospectively for vascular events, 262 patients (20%) had migraine and 75 (6%) had migraine with aura. No association was found between migraine (with or without aura) and risk of either stroke or combined cardiovascular events. There was an interaction between migraine and current smoking (p = 0.02 in relation to stroke and p = 0.03 for combined vascular events), such that those with migraine and smoking were at an increased risk. The hazard ratio of stroke for migraine among current smokers was 3.17 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–8.85) and among current nonsmokers was 0.77 (95% CI 0.44–1.35). In relation to combined vascular events, the hazard ratio for migraine vs no migraine among current smokers was 1.83 (95% CI 0.89–3.75) and among current nonsmokers was 0.63 (95% CI 0.43–0.94). Conclusion: In our racially/ethnically diverse population-based cohort, migraine was associated with an increased risk of stroke among active smokers but not among nonsmokers. PMID:26203088

Antithrombotic treatment for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: The Asian agenda.

PubMed

Chen, Chen-Huan; Chen, Mien-Cheng; Gibbs, Harry; Kwon, Sun U; Lo, Sidney; On, Young Keun; Rosman, Azhari; Suwanwela, Nijasri C; Tan, Ru San; Tirador, Louie S; Zirlik, Andreas

2015-07-15

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart arrhythmia. Untreated AF incurs a considerable burden of stroke and associated healthcare costs. Asians have AF risk factors similar to Caucasians and a similarly increased risk of AF-related stroke; however, with a vast and rapidly ageing population, Asia bears a disproportionately large disease burden. Urgent action is warranted to avert this potential health crisis. Antithrombotic therapy with oral anticoagulants is the most effective means of preventing stroke in AF and is a particular priority in Asia given the increasing disease burden. However, AF in Asia remains undertreated. Conventional oral anticoagulation with warfarin is problematic in Asia due to suboptimal control and a propensity among Asians to warfarin-induced intracranial haemorrhage. Partly due to concerns about intracranial haemorrhage, there are considerable gaps between AF treatment guidelines and clinical practice in Asia, in particular overuse of antiplatelet agents and underuse of anticoagulants. Compared with warfarin, new direct thrombin inhibitors and Factor Xa inhibitors are non-inferior in preventing stroke and significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening bleeding, particularly intracranial bleeding. These agents may therefore provide an appropriate alternative to warfarin in Asian patients. There is considerable scope to improve stroke prevention in AF in Asia. Key priorities include: early detection of AF and identification of asymptomatic patients; assessment of stroke and bleeding risk for all AF patients; evidence-based pharmacotherapy with direct-acting oral anticoagulant agents or vitamin K antagonists for AF patients at risk of stroke; controlling hypertension; and awareness-raising, education and outreach among both physicians and patients. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Validation and comparison of imaging-based scores for prediction of early stroke risk after transient ischaemic attack: a pooled analysis of individual-patient data from cohort studies.

PubMed

Kelly, Peter J; Albers, Gregory W; Chatzikonstantinou, Anastasios; De Marchis, Gian Marco; Ferrari, Julia; George, Paul; Katan, Mira; Knoflach, Michael; Kim, Jong S; Li, Linxin; Lee, Eun-Jae; Olivot, Jean-Marc; Purroy, Francisco; Raposo, Nicolas; Rothwell, Peter M; Sharma, Vijay K; Song, Bo; Tsivgoulis, Georgios; Walsh, Cathal; Xu, Yuming; Merwick, Aine

2016-11-01

Identification of patients at highest risk of early stroke after transient ischaemic attack has been improved with imaging based scores. We aimed to compare the validity and prognostic utility of imaging-based stroke risk scores in patients after transient ischaemic attack. We did a pooled analysis of published and unpublished individual-patient data from 16 cohort studies of transient ischaemic attack done in Asia, Europe, and the USA, with early brain and vascular imaging and follow up. All patients were assessed by stroke specialists in hospital settings as inpatients, in emergency departments, or in transient ischaemic attack clinics. Inclusion criteria were stroke-specialist confirmed transient ischaemic attack, age of 18 years or older, and MRI done within 7 days of index transient ischaemic attack and before stroke recurrence. Multivariable logistic regression was done to analyse the predictive utility of abnormal diffusion-weighted MRI, carotid stenosis, and transient ischaemic attack within 1 week of index transient ischaemic attack (dual transient ischaemic attack) after adjusting for ABCD2 score. We compared the prognostic utility of the ABCD2, ABCD2-I, and ABCD3-I scores using discrimination, calibration, and risk reclassification. In 2176 patients from 16 cohort studies done between 2005 and 2015, after adjusting for ABCD2 score, positive diffusion-weighted imaging (odds ratio [OR] 3·8, 95% CI 2·1-7·0), dual transient ischaemic attack (OR 3·3, 95% CI 1·8-5·8), and ipsilateral carotid stenosis (OR 4·7, 95% CI 2·6-8·6) were associated with 7 day stroke after index transient ischaemic attack (p<0·001 for all). 7 day stroke risk increased with increasing ABCD2-I and ABCD3-I scores (both p<0·001). Discrimination to identify early stroke risk was improved for ABCD2-I versus ABCD2 (2 day c statistic 0·74 vs 0·64; p=0·006). However, discrimination was further improved by ABCD3-I compared with ABCD2 (2 day c statistic 0·84 vs 0·64; p<0·001) and ABCD2-I (c statistic 0·84 vs 0·74; p<0·001). Early stroke risk reclassification was improved by ABCD3-I compared with ABCD2-I score (clinical net reclassification improvement 33% at 2 days). Although ABCD2-I and ABCD3-I showed validity, the ABCD3-I score reliably identified highest-risk patients at highest risk of a stroke after transient ischaemic attack with improved risk prediction compared with ABCD2-I. Transient ischaemic attack management guided by ABCD3-I with immediate stroke-specialist assessment, urgent MRI, and vascular imaging should now be considered, with monitoring of safety and cost-effectiveness. Health Research Board of Ireland, Irish Heart Foundation, Irish Health Service Executive, Irish National Lottery, National Medical Research Council of Singapore, Swiss National Science Foundation, Bangerter-Rhyner Foundation, Swiss National Science Foundation, Swisslife Jubiläumsstiftung for Medical Research, Swiss Neurological Society, Fondazione Dr Ettore Balli (Switzerland), Clinical Trial Unit of University of Bern, South Korea's Ministry for Health, Welfare, and Family Affairs, UK Wellcome Trust, Wolfson Foundation, UK Stroke Association, British Heart Foundation, Dunhill Medical Trust, National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), Medical Research Council, and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Secondary prevention and cognitive function after stroke: a study protocol for a 5-year follow-up of the ASPIRE-S cohort

PubMed Central

Williams, David; Gaynor, Eva; Bennett, Kathleen; Dolan, Eamon; Callaly, Elizabeth; Large, Margaret; Hickey, Anne

2017-01-01

Introduction Cognitive impairment is common following stroke and can increase disability and levels of dependency of patients, potentially leading to greater burden on carers and the healthcare system. Effective cardiovascular risk factor control through secondary preventive medications may reduce the risk of cognitive decline. However, adherence to medications is often poor and can be adversely affected by cognitive deficits. Suboptimal medication adherence negatively impacts secondary prevention targets, increasing the risk of recurrent stroke and further cognitive decline. The aim of this study is to profile cognitive function and secondary prevention, including adherence to secondary preventive medications and healthcare usage, 5 years post-stroke. The prospective associations between cognition, cardiovascular risk factors, adherence to secondary preventive medications, and rates of recurrent stroke or other cardiovascular events will also be explored. Methods and analysis This is a 5-year follow-up of a prospective study of the Action on Secondary Prevention Interventions and Rehabilitation in Stroke (ASPIRE-S) cohort of patients with stroke. This cohort will have a detailed assessment of cognitive function, adherence to secondary preventive medications and cardiovascular risk factor control. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval for this study was granted by the Research Ethics Committees at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin and Connolly Hospital, Dublin, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Findings will be disseminated through presentations and peer-reviewed publications. PMID:28348196

Estimating the cost-effectiveness of stroke units in France compared with conventional care.

PubMed

Launois, R; Giroud, M; Mégnigbêto, A C; Le Lay, K; Présenté, G; Mahagne, M H; Durand, I; Gaudin, A F

2004-03-01

The incidence of stroke in France is estimated at between 120 000 and 150 000 cases per year. This modeling study assessed the clinical and economic benefits of establishing specialized stroke units compared with conventional care. Data from the Dijon stroke registry were used to determine healthcare trajectories according to the degree of autonomy and organization of patient care. The relative risks of death or institutionalization or death or dependence after passage through a stroke unit were compared with conventional care. These risks were then inserted with the costing data into a Markov model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of stroke units. Patients cared for in a stroke unit survive more trimesters without sequelae in the 5 years after hospitalization than those cared for conventionally (11.6 versus 8.28 trimesters). The mean cost per patient at 5 years was estimated at 30 983 for conventional care and 34 638 in a stroke unit. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for stroke units of 1359 per year of life gained without disability was estimated. The cost-effectiveness ratio for stroke units is much lower than the threshold (53 400 ) of acceptability recognized by the international scientific community. This finding justifies organizational changes in the management of stroke patients and the establishment of stroke units in France.

Recent surgery or invasive procedures and the risk of stroke.

PubMed

Urbanek, Christian; Palm, Frederick; Buggle, Florian; Wolf, Joachim; Safer, Anton; Becher, Heiko; Grau, Armin J

2014-01-01

A recent surgery may be one of the trigger factors precipitating stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). While stroke in cardiac and carotid surgery has been well studied, less is known on stroke risk after surgery outside the heart and brain supplying arteries. We tested the hypothesis that preceding non-neurosurgical, non-cardiothoracic, and non-carotid surgery and other interventions temporarily increase the risk of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) and investigated the risk related to different time periods between interventions and stroke/TIA. In the Ludwigshafen Stroke Study, a population-based stroke registry, we assessed surgery and other interventions within the year preceding stroke and TIA. The risk factor profiles of patients with and without prior intervention were compared and rate ratios (RR) were calculated for different time periods with 91-365 days before stroke and TIA serving as reference period. In 2006 and 2007, 803 patients without and 116 patients with non-neurosurgical, non-cardiothoracic, and non-carotid intervention within the preceding year were identified. Elective (n = 21) and posttraumatic orthopedic (n = 14), eye (n = 14), and visceral surgery (n = 11) dominated. Interventions within 0-30 days (n = 34; RR 4.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.70-8.26) but not within 31-60 or 61-90 days before stroke/TIA were observed more often than in the reference period. Interventions were more common within day 8-30 before stroke/TIA (RR 3.26; 95% CI 1.66-6.39), particularly common within the preceding week (RR 9.52; 95% CI 3.77-24.1) and most common in the preceding 2 days (RR 27.1; 95% CI 5.97-123) as compared to the reference period. Atrial fibrillation (AF) but not other risk factors was more common in patients with interventions within 30 days (n = 15; 44.1%) as compared to patients with more antecedent interventions (n = 19; 23.2%, p = 0.022) and those without surgery (n = 222; 27.6%, p = 0.031). Interventions within 30 days before stroke/TIA, were associated with total ischemic stroke (RR 6.11; 95% CI 3.32-11.2), first-ever in a lifetime ischemic stroke (RR 5.62; 95% CI 2.83-11.1) and recurrent ischemic stroke (RR 7.50; 95% CI 2.88-19.6). Recent non-cardiothoracic, non-carotid, and non-neurosurgical interventions are associated with an increased risk of stroke lasting for about 1 month and being particularly high within the first days. AF may be among the mechanisms linking interventions and stroke besides induction of a procoagulant state and interruption of medication. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The predictive ability of the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores for bleeding risk in atrial fibrillation: the MAQI(2) experience.

PubMed

Barnes, Geoffrey D; Gu, Xiaokui; Haymart, Brian; Kline-Rogers, Eva; Almany, Steve; Kozlowski, Jay; Besley, Dennis; Krol, Gregory D; Froehlich, James B; Kaatz, Scott

2014-08-01

Guidelines recommend the assessment of stroke and bleeding risk before initiating warfarin anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation. Many of the elements used to predict stroke also overlap with bleeding risk in atrial fibrillation patients and it is tempting to use stroke risk scores to efficiently estimate bleeding risk. Comparison of stroke risk scores to bleeding risk scores to predict bleeding has not been thoroughly assessed. 2600 patients followed at seven anticoagulation clinics were followed from October 2009-May 2013. Five risk models (CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, HEMORR2HAGES, HAS-BLED and ATRIA) were retrospectively applied to each patient. The primary outcome was the first major bleeding event. Area under the ROC curves were compared with C statistic and net reclassification improvement (NRI) analysis was performed. 110 patients experienced a major bleeding event in 2581.6 patient-years (4.5%/year). Mean follow up was 1.0±0.8years. All of the formal bleeding risk scores had a modest predictive value for first major bleeding events (C statistic 0.66-0.69), performing better than CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores (C statistic difference 0.10 - 0.16). NRI analysis demonstrated a 52-69% and 47-64% improvement of the formal bleeding risk scores over the CHADS2 score and CHA2DS2-VASc score, respectively. The CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores did not perform as well as formal bleeding risk scores for prediction of major bleeding in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients treated with warfarin. All three bleeding risk scores (HAS-BLED, ATRIA and HEMORR2HAGES) performed moderately well. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of stroke and stroke risk factors in Thailand: Thai Epidemiologic Stroke (TES) Study.

PubMed

Hanchaiphiboolkul, Suchat; Poungvarin, Niphon; Nidhinandana, Samart; Suwanwela, Nijasri Charnnarong; Puthkhao, Pimchanok; Towanabut, Somchai; Tantirittisak, Tasanee; Suwantamee, Jithanorm; Samsen, Maiyadhaj

2011-04-01

To assess stroke prevalence and stroke risk factors in Thailand. Thai Epidemiologic Stroke (TES) Study is an ongoing, community based cohort study that has been conducted in five geographic regions of Thailand. Baseline health status survey was started in 2004 and enrollment continued until the end of 2006. All participants who were suspicious of being stroke victims were verified. In this analysis, baseline data of 19,997 participants aged 45 to 80 years were identified and analyzed as a cross-sectional analysis. Three hundred and seventy six subjects were proved to have a stroke thus resulting the crude prevalence of stroke to be 1.88% (95% CI, 1.69 to 2.07). Age standardization to Segi world standard population was 1.81% (95% CI, 1.62 to 1.99). Crude prevalence among adults aged > or = 65 years was 2.70% (95% CI, 2.28 to 3.11). Stroke prevalence differed among five geographic regions of the country (Bangkok 3.34%, Central region 2.41%, Southern 2.29%, Northern 1.46% and Northeastern 1.09%). Using multiple logistic regression analysis, factors associated with higher stroke prevalence were male gender (p < 0.001), occupational class (p < 0.001), geographic region (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.002) and hypercholesterolemia (p = 0.026). Stroke prevalence in Thailand from TES study is higher than previous studies, but it is lower than developed countries, probably due to high case fatality rate in Thai population. Geographic variation in stroke prevalence is found more in Bangkok, Central and Southern regions. Longitudinal follow-up of TES cohort study will provide further information on risk factors and incidence of stroke.

Predicting Major Bleeding in Ischemic Stroke Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

PubMed

Hilkens, Nina A; Algra, Ale; Greving, Jacoba P

2017-11-01

Performance of risk scores for major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation and a previous transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke is not well established. We aimed to validate risk scores for major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with oral anticoagulants after cerebral ischemia and explore the net benefit of oral anticoagulants among bleeding risk categories. We analyzed 3623 patients with a history of transient ischemic attack or stroke included in the RE-LY trial (Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy). We assessed performance of HEMORR 2 HAGES (hepatic or renal disease, ethanol abuse, malignancy, older age, reduced platelet count or function, hypertension [uncontrolled], anemia, genetic factors, excessive fall risk, and stroke), Shireman, HAS-BLED (hypertension, abnormal renal/liver function, stroke, bleeding history or predisposition, labile international normalized ratio, elderly, drugs/alcohol concomitantly), ATRIA (Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation), and ORBIT scores (older age, reduced haemoglobin/haematocrit/history of anaemia, bleeding history, insufficient kidney function, and treatment with antiplatelet) with C statistics and calibration plots. Net benefit of oral anticoagulants was explored by comparing risk reduction in ischemic stroke with risk increase in major bleedings on warfarin. During 6922 person-years of follow-up, 266 patients experienced a major bleed (3.8 per 100 person-years). C statistics ranged from 0.62 (Shireman) to 0.67 (ATRIA). Calibration was poor for ATRIA and moderate for other models. The reduction in recurrent ischemic strokes on warfarin was larger than the increase in major bleeding risk, irrespective of bleeding risk category. Performance of prediction models for major bleeding in patients with cerebral ischemia and atrial fibrillation is modest but comparable with performance in patients with only atrial fibrillation. Bleeding risk scores cannot guide treatment decisions for oral anticoagulants but may still be useful to identify modifiable risk factors for bleeding. Clinical usefulness may be best for ORBIT, which is based on a limited number of easily obtainable variables and showed reasonable performance. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Stroke.

PubMed

Hankey, Graeme J

2017-02-11

In the past decade, the definition of stroke has been revised and major advances have been made for its treatment and prevention. For acute ischaemic stroke, the addition of endovascular thrombectomy of proximal large artery occlusion to intravenous alteplase increases functional independence for a further fifth of patients. The benefits of aspirin in preventing early recurrent ischaemic stroke are greater than previously recognised. Other strategies to prevent recurrent stroke now include direct oral anticoagulants as an alternative to warfarin for atrial fibrillation, and carotid stenting as an alternative to endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis. For acute intracerebral haemorrhage, trials are ongoing to assess the effectiveness of acute blood pressure lowering, haemostatic therapy, minimally invasive surgery, anti-inflammation therapy, and neuroprotection methods. Pharmacological and stem-cell therapies promise to facilitate brain regeneration, rehabilitation, and functional recovery. Despite declining stroke mortality rates, the global burden of stroke is increasing. A more comprehensive approach to primary prevention of stroke is required that targets people at all levels of risk and is integrated with prevention strategies for other diseases that share common risk factors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of stroke on fall rate, location and predictors: a prospective comparison of older adults with and without stroke.

PubMed

Simpson, Lisa A; Miller, William C; Eng, Janice J

2011-04-29

The literature suggests that stroke is a major risk factor for falls, but there is a lack of prospective, controlled studies which quantify fall-risk after stroke. The purpose of this study was to compare the rates, location and predictors among individuals recently discharged home from stroke rehabilitation to age and sex matched controls. A sample of 80 people with stroke and 90 controls received baseline assessments of balance, mobility and balance confidence. Falls were recorded prospectively over 13 months for both groups. Group differences in fall rates and contribution of clinical measures to falls were determined using negative binomial regression. Fall location was compared between groups using χ(2) statistics. The rate of falls for individuals with stroke was 1.77 times the rate for the control group. People with stroke were more likely to fall at home. Poorer balance (Berg Balance Scale) was associated with greater falls for both stroke and control groups (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.908 and IRR: 0.877 respectively). A faster Timed Up and Go Test was associated with greater falls for the stroke group (IRR: 0.955) while better walking endurance (Six Minute Walk Test) was associated with greater falls for the controls (IRR: 1.004). Balance confidence was not an independent predictor in either group. Individuals recently discharged home are at greater risk of falling than individuals without stroke. Attention to home environment is warranted. Balance function can predict falls for both people with stroke and age and sex matched controls. Increased mobility may increase exposure to fall opportunities.

Pre-stroke seizures: A nationwide register-based investigation.

PubMed

Zelano, Johan; Larsson, David; Kumlien, Eva; Åsberg, Signild

2017-07-01

The relationship between cerebrovascular disease and seizures is clearly illustrated by poststroke epilepsy. Seizures can also be the first manifestation of cerebrovascular disease and case-control studies have demonstrated that seizures carry an increased risk of subsequent stroke. Thus, seizures could serve as a marker for vascular risk that merits intervention, but more data is needed before proper trials can be conducted. The occurrence of pre-stroke seizures has not been assessed on a national scale. We asked what proportion of strokes in middle-aged and elderly patients was preceded by seizures. All patients over 60 years of age with first-ever stroke in 2005-2010 (n=92,596) were identified in the Swedish stroke register (Riksstroke) and cross-sectional data on a history of a first seizure or epilepsy diagnosis in the ten years preceding stroke were collected from national patient registers with mandatory reporting. 1372 patients (1.48%) had a first seizure or epilepsy diagnosis registered less than ten years prior to the index stroke. The mean latency between seizure and stroke was 1474days (SD 1029 days). Seizures or epilepsy preceded 1.48% of strokes in patients >60years of age. Based on recent national incidence figures, 5-20% of incident cases of seizures or epilepsy after 60 years of age could herald stroke, depending on age group. These proportions are of a magnitude that merit further study on how to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with late-onset seizures or epilepsy. Copyright © 2017 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stroke presentation and outcome in developing countries: a prospective study in the Gambia.

PubMed

Garbusinski, Johanne M; van der Sande, Marianne A B; Bartholome, Emmanuel J; Dramaix, Michèle; Gaye, Alieu; Coleman, Rosalind; Nyan, Ousman A; Walker, Richard W; McAdam, Keith P W J; Walraven, Gys E

2005-07-01

Despite increasing burden of stroke in Africa, prospective descriptive data are rare. Our objective was to describe, in The Gambia, the clinical outcome of stroke patients admitted to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital in the capital Banjul, to assess mortality and morbidity, and propose preventive and therapeutic measures. Prospective data were collected on consecutive patients older than 15 years old admitted between February 2000 and February 2001 with the diagnosis of nonsubarachnoid stroke. Risk factors, clinical characteristics, and social consequences were assessed using a modified National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (mNIHSS), the Barthel Activity in Daily Living scale, the Siriraj score for subtypes, and the Bamford criteria for location/extension. Patients were followed-up at home up to 1 year after discharge. Ninety-one percent (148/162) of eligible patients were enrolled and followed-up. Hypertension and smoking were the most prevalent risk factors. Severity was high at admission, especially in women, and was strongly correlated to the outcome. mNIHSS and consciousness level on admission were strong predictors of the mortality risk. Swallowing difficulties at admission, fever, lung infection, and no aspirin treatment were, independently, risk factors for a lethal outcome susceptible to being addressed by treatment. Mortality was 41% in-hospital and 62% after 1 year. In survivors, autonomy levels improved over time. Drug compliance was poor. At home, family members provided care. Long-term socioeconomic and cultural activities were affected in most patients. Case-fatality was high compared with Western cohorts. Preventive measures can be developed. Rational treatment, in the absence of head imaging for initial assessment, requires adapted protocols. Providers should be trained, both at hospital and community levels.

Association between the volume of inpatient rehabilitation therapy and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Hu, Gwo-Chi; Hsu, Chia-Yu; Yu, Hui-Kung; Chen, Jiann-Perng; Chang, Yu-Ju; Chien, Kuo-Liong

2014-02-01

To investigate the relationship between the volume of inpatient rehabilitation therapy and mortality among patients with acute ischemic stroke, as well as to assess whether the association varies with respect to stroke severity. A retrospective study with a cohort of consecutive patients who had acute ischemic stroke between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009. Referral medical center. Adults with acute ischemic stroke (N=1277) who were admitted to a tertiary hospital. Not applicable. Stroke-related mortality. During the median follow-up period of 12.3 months (ranging from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2009), 163 deaths occurred. Greater volume of rehabilitation therapy was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (P for trend <.001 for both). Compared with the first tertile, the third tertile of rehabilitation volume was associated with a 55% lower risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]=.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], .30-.65) and a 50% lower risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR=.50; 95% CI, .31-.82). The association did not vary with respect to stroke severity (P for interaction = .45 and .73 for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively). The volume of inpatient rehabilitation therapy and mortality were significantly inversely related in the patients with ischemic stroke. Thus, further programs aimed at promoting greater use of rehabilitation services are warranted. Copyright © 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Use of Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Older Adults with Atrial Fibrillation after Acute Ischemic Stroke

PubMed Central

McGrath, Emer R.; Go, Alan S.; Chang, Yuchiao; Borowsky, Leila H.; Fang, Margaret C.; Reynolds, Kristi; Singer, Daniel E.

2016-01-01

Objective To explore barriers to anticoagulation among older atrial fibrillation (AF) patients at high risk for stroke and identify opportunities where interventions might increase use of oral anticoagulants (OAC). Design Retrospective cohort study Setting Two large community-based AF cohorts Participants 1405 patients (mean age 79 years) with ischemic stroke surviving hospitalization. Measurements Using structured chart review, we identified reasons for non-use of OACand assessed one-year post-stroke survival. Logistic regression identified correlates of OAC non-use. Results The median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 5, yet 44% of patients were not prescribed OAC at discharge. The most frequent (non-mutually exclusive) physician reasons for non-prescription of OAC included fall risk (26.7%), poor prognosis (19.3%), bleeding history (17.1%), patient/family refusal (14.9%), older age (11.0%) and dementia (9.4%). Older age (OR 8.96, 95% CI 5.01–16.04 for age ≥85 vs. age <65 years) and increased disability (OR 12.58, 95% CI 5.82–27.21 for severe vs. no deficit) were the most important independent predictors of non-use of OAC. By one year, 42.5% of those not receiving OAC at discharge had died versus 19.1% of those receiving OAC (p<0.0001), far higher than recurrent stroke rates. Conclusion Despite very high stroke risk, over 40% of patients were not discharged on OAC. Dominant reasons included fall risk, poor prognosis, older age, and dementia. These patients’ elevated 1-year mortality rate confirmed their high level of comorbidity. Future work to improve outcomes and clinical decisions regarding anticoagulation in this patient population should focus on: mitigation of fall risk, better assessment and decision tools for determining risk/benefit in individual patients, and determining whether newer anticoagulants are safer in complex elderly and/or frail patients. PMID:28039855

Atrial fibrillation: stroke prevention in focus.

PubMed

Ferguson, Caleb; Inglis, Sally C; Newton, Phillip J; Middleton, Sandy; Macdonald, Peter S; Davidson, Patricia M

2014-05-01

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia and a risk factor for stroke and other, adverse events. Internationally there have been recent advancements in the therapies available for, stroke prevention in AF. Nurses will care for individuals with AF across a variety of primary and acute, care settings and should be familiar with evidence based therapies. This paper provides a review of the epidemiology of AF and stroke, stroke and bleeding risk, assessment tools and evidence based treatments for the prevention of stroke in AF including the use of, novel anti-thrombin agents. A review of key databases was conducted from 2002 to 2012 using the key search terms 'atrial, fibrillation' 'anticoagulation' 'risk assessment' and 'clinical management'. The following electronic, databases were searched: CINAHL, Medline, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar., Reference lists were manually hand searched. Key clinical guidelines from National Institute for, Clinical Excellence (NICE, UK), American Heart Association (AHA, USA), American College of Cardiology, (ACC, USA) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and key government policy documents were, also included. Articles were included in the review if they addressed nursing management with a focus, on Australia. Many treatment options exist for AF. Best practice guidelines make a variety of, recommendations which include cardioversion, ablation, pulmonary vein isolation, pharmacological, agents for rate or rhythm control approaches, and antithrombotic therapy (including anticoagulation, and antiplatelet therapy). Treatment should be patient centred and individualised based upon, persistency of the rhythm, causal nature, risk and co-morbid conditions. AF is a common and burdensome condition where treatment is complex and not without, risk. Nurses will encounter individuals with AF across a variety of primary and acute care areas, understanding the risk of AF and appropriate therapies is important across all care settings. Treatment, must be individually tailored to the needs of the patient and balanced with the best available evidence. Copyright © 2013 Australian College of Critical Care Nurses Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The association between race/ethnicity and the prevalence of stroke among United States adults in 2015: a secondary analysis study using Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

PubMed

Aldayel, Abdulrahman Yousef; Alharbi, Muteb Mousa; Shadid, Asem Mustafa; Zevallos, Juan Carlos

2017-12-01

Worldwide, stroke is considered the second leading cause of death, accounting for 11.8% of all deaths in 2013. In the Unites States (US), approximately 795,000 people have a stroke every year. Stroke has many different risk factors that vary by race/ethnicity. There is limited contemporary published literature about the prevalence of stroke among racial/ethnic groups in the US adult population. This study aimed to determine the association between race/ethnicity and the prevalence of stroke among US adults in 2015. This study was an observational, non-concurrent prospective of the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 2015 to assess the association between race/ethnicity and the prevalence of stroke. The final study sample was 432,814 US adults ≥ 18 years old. Variables were excluded from the model if there were missing, refused, or did not know responses to the variables of interest. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between race/ethnicity and stroke. The Chi-square test was used to study bivariate associations between categorical variables. The collinearity was assessed. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistical analysis was completed using STATA version 14 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX). The highest proportion of participants (43%) were ≥ 44 years old with a balanced distribution of males and females. The highest proportion of stroke was found among Hispanics (4.2%) and non-Hispanic Blacks (4.1%) as compared to 3.2% among non-Hispanic Whites (p<0.001). Furthermore, Hispanics and Blacks were significantly more likely to develop stroke (OR=1.57, 95% CI=1.28-1.91; and OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.16-1.45, respectively) after adjusting for confounding variables. Hispanics and Blacks had a higher prevalence of stroke in comparison with non-Hispanic Whites. Further studies are needed to verify these findings and to determine which factors may influence the stroke differences among these racial/ethnic groups.

Dietary sodium-to-potassium ratio as a risk factor for stroke, cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in Japan: the NIPPON DATA80 cohort study

PubMed Central

Okayama, Akira; Okuda, Nagako; Miura, Katsuyuki; Okamura, Tomonori; Hayakawa, Takehito; Akasaka, Hiroshi; Ohnishi, Hirofumi; Saitoh, Shigeyuki; Arai, Yusuke; Kiyohara, Yutaka; Takashima, Naoyuki; Yoshita, Katsushi; Fujiyoshi, Akira; Zaid, Maryam; Ohkubo, Takayoshi; Ueshima, Hirotsugu

2016-01-01

Objectives To evaluate the impact of dietary sodium and potassium (Na–K) ratio on mortality from total and subtypes of stroke, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all causes, using 24-year follow-up data of a representative sample of the Japanese population. Setting Prospective cohort study. Participants In the 1980 National Cardiovascular Survey, participants were followed for 24 years (NIPPON DATA80, National Integrated Project for Prospective Observation of Non-communicable Disease And its Trends in the Aged). Men and women aged 30–79 years without hypertensive treatment, history of stroke or acute myocardial infarction (n=8283) were divided into quintiles according to dietary Na–K ratio assessed by a 3-day weighing dietary record at baseline. Age-adjusted and multivariable-adjusted HRs were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel method and Cox proportional hazards model. Primary outcome measures Mortality from total and subtypes of stroke, CVD and all causes. Results A total of 1938 deaths from all causes were observed over 176 926 person-years. Na–K ratio was significantly and non-linearly related to mortality from all stroke (p=0.002), CVD (p=0.005) and total mortality (p=0.001). For stroke subtypes, mortality from haemorrhagic stroke was positively related to Na–K ratio (p=0.024). Similar relationships were observed for men and women. The observed relationships remained significant after adjustment for other risk factors. Quadratic non-linear multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CI) in the highest quintile versus the lowest quintile of Na–K ratio were 1.42 (1.07 to 1.90) for ischaemic stroke, 1.57 (1.05 to 2.34) for haemorrhagic stroke, 1.43 (1.17 to 1.76) for all stroke, 1.39 (1.20 to 1.61) for CVD and 1.16 (1.06 to 1.27) for all-cause mortality. Conclusions Dietary Na–K ratio assessed by a 3-day weighing dietary record was a significant risk factor for mortality from haemorrhagic stroke, all stroke, CVD and all causes among a Japanese population. PMID:27412107

Stroke in Indigenous Africans, African Americans, and European Americans: Interplay of Racial and Geographic Factors.

PubMed

Owolabi, Mayowa; Sarfo, Fred; Howard, Virginia J; Irvin, Marguerite R; Gebregziabher, Mulugeta; Akinyemi, Rufus; Bennett, Aleena; Armstrong, Kevin; Tiwari, Hemant K; Akpalu, Albert; Wahab, Kolawole W; Owolabi, Lukman; Fawale, Bimbo; Komolafe, Morenikeji; Obiako, Reginald; Adebayo, Philip; Manly, Jennifer M; Ogbole, Godwin; Melikam, Ezinne; Laryea, Ruth; Saulson, Raelle; Jenkins, Carolyn; Arnett, Donna K; Lackland, Daniel T; Ovbiagele, Bruce; Howard, George

2017-05-01

The relative contributions of racial and geographic factors to higher risk of stroke in people of African ancestry have not been unraveled. We compared stroke type and contributions of vascular risk factors among indigenous Africans (IA), African Americans (AA), and European Americans (EA). SIREN (Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network) is a large multinational case-control study in West Africa-the ancestral home of 71% AA-whereas REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) is a cohort study including AA and EA in the United States. Using harmonized assessments and standard definitions, we compared data on stroke type and established risk factors for stroke in acute stroke cases aged ≥55 years in both studies. There were 811 IA, 452 AA, and 665 EA stroke subjects, with mean age of 68.0±9.3, 73.0±8.3, and 76.0±8.3 years, respectively ( P <0.0001). Hemorrhagic stroke was more frequent among IA (27%) compared with AA (8%) and EA (5.4%; P <0.001). Lacunar strokes were more prevalent in IA (47.1%), followed by AA (35.1%) and then EA (21.0%; P <0.0001). The frequency of hypertension in decreasing order was IA (92.8%), followed by AA (82.5%) and then EA (64.2%; P <0.0001) and similarly for diabetes mellitus IA (38.3%), AA (36.8%), and EA (21.0%; P <0.0001). Premorbid sedentary lifestyle was similar in AA (37.7%) and EA (34.0%) but lower frequency in IA (8.0%). Environmental risk factors such as sedentary lifestyle may contribute to the higher proportion of ischemic stroke in AA compared with IA, whereas racial factors may contribute to the higher proportion of hypertension and diabetes mellitus among stroke subjects of African ancestry. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Trends in risk factor prevalence and management before first stroke: data from the South London Stroke Register 1995-2011.

PubMed

Marshall, Iain J; Wang, Yanzhong; McKevitt, Christopher; Rudd, Anthony G; Wolfe, Charles D A

2013-07-01

Vascular risk factors are suboptimally managed internationally. This study investigated time trends in risk factors diagnosed before stroke and their treatment, and factors associated with appropriate medication use. A total of 4416 patients with a first stroke were registered in the population-based South London Stroke Register from 1995 to 2011. Previously diagnosed risk factors and usual medications were collected from patients' primary care and hospital records. Trends and associations were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Seventy-two percent of patients were diagnosed previously with 1 or more risk factors; 30% had diagnosed risk factors that were untreated. Hypercholesterolemia increased significantly during the study period; myocardial infarction and transient ischemic attack prevalences decreased. Antiplatelet prescription increased in atrial fibrillation (AF), myocardial infarction, and transient ischemic attack (AF, 37%-51%, P<0.001; myocardial infarction, 48%-69%, P<0.001; transient ischemic attack, 49%-61%, P=0.015). Anticoagulant prescription for AF showed a nonsignificant increase (12%-23%; P=0.059). Fewer older patients with AF were prescribed anticoagulants (age, >85 versus <65 years; adjusted relative risk, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.41). Black ethnicity (adjusted relative risk, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.23) and female sex (adjusted relative risk, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.15) were associated with increased antihypertensive drug prescription; other medications did not vary by ethnicity or sex. Antiplatelet and cholesterol-lowering treatment prescribing have improved significantly over time; however, only a minority with AF received anticoagulants, and this did not improve significantly. Overall, 30% of strokes occurred in patients with previously diagnosed but untreated risk factors.

Transient ischameic attack/stroke electronic decision support: a 14-month safety audit.

PubMed

Lavin, Timothy L; Ranta, Annemarei

2014-02-01

To assess the safety of a Transient Ischameic Attack (TIA)/Stroke Electronic Decision Support (EDS) tool in the primary care setting intended to aid general practitioners in the timely management of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). A 14-month safety audit reviewing all patients managed with the help of the TIA/Stroke EDS tool. Major morbidity and mortality were assessed by screening patients for subsequent hospital admissions and investigating potential links to EDS use. Seventy-nine patients were managed with the aid of the TIA/Stroke EDS. EDS use resulted in 8 appropriate immediate hospital admissions because of patients being at high risk of stroke. Three patients had delayed admission, but care was fully guideline based and patients had no adverse outcome. Eleven admissions were unrelated to EDS use. Two deaths occurred; these did not result from inappropriate EDS advice. Results suggest that TIA/Stroke EDS use is not associated with major morbidity or mortality. Larger studies are needed to draw more definite conclusions regarding the utility of this TIA/Stroke EDS in preventing strokes. Copyright © 2014 National Stroke Association. All rights reserved.

Change in stroke incidence from a population-based intervention trial in three urban communities in China.

PubMed

Wang, Wen-Zhi; Jiang, Bin; Wu, Sheng-Ping; Hong, Zhen; Yang, Qi-Dong; Sander, J W; Du, Xiao-Li; Bao, Qiu-Jiu

2007-01-01

Stroke has been the main cause of death in most urban residents in China since the 1990s. A community-based intervention trial carried out in China aimed to reduce the incidence and mortality of stroke. In 1991, two well-matched communities each with approximately 50,000 people were selected as intervention or control communities in the urban areas of Beijing, Shanghai and Changsha. Regular health education and health promotion activities were carried out between 1991 and 2000 in the intervention communities but no special action was taken in the control communities. Both fatal and nonfatal stroke cases were meticulously registered during the study in the two communities to assess the effect of long-term intervention. The trend in stroke incidence and the effect of intervention on stroke incidence were analyzed using a Poisson regression model adjusted for age, sex, year and city. Between 1991 and 2000, 2,273 first-ever stroke cases were registered in the intervention communities and 3,015 in the control communities. Geographic variation and changes in the incidence of stroke and its subtypes were found among these 3 cities. Through 10 years of intervention, incidence risks of all, ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes decreased by 11.4% (relative risk 0.8959; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.8483-0.9460; p < 0.0001), 13.2% (relative risk 0.8676; 95% CI 0.8054-0.9345; p = 0.0002) and 7.2% (relative risk 0.9283; 95% CI 0.8517-1.0117; p = 0.0899), respectively, in the intervention compared with control communities. Accordingly, comprehensive community-based intervention measures could effectively reduce the incidence of stroke in the population. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Hypertension is Associated With Increased Mortality in Children Hospitalized With Arterial Ischemic Stroke.

PubMed

Adil, Malik M; Beslow, Lauren A; Qureshi, Adnan I; Malik, Ahmed A; Jordan, Lori C

2016-03-01

Recently a single-center study suggested that hypertension after stroke in children was a risk factor for mortality. Our goal was to assess the association between hypertension and outcome after arterial ischemic stroke in children from a large national sample. Using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database, children (1-18 years) with a primary diagnosis of ischemic stroke (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision [ICD-9] codes 433-437.1) who also had a diagnosis of elevated blood pressure (ICD-9 code 796.2) or hypertension (ICD-9 codes 401 and 405) from 2003, 2006, and 2009 were identified. Clinical characteristics, discharge outcomes, and length of stay were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between hypertension and in-hospital mortality or discharge outcomes. Of 2590 children admitted with arterial ischemic stroke, 156 (6%) also had a diagnosis of hypertension. Ten percent of children with hypertension also had renal failure. Among patients with arterial ischemic stroke, hypertension was associated with increased mortality (7.4% vs. 2.8%; P = 0.01) and increased length of stay (mean 11 ± 17 vs. 7 ± 12 days; P = 0.004) compared with those without hypertension. After adjusting for age, sex, intubation, presence of a fluid and electrolyte disorder, and renal failure, children with hypertension had an increased odds of in-hospital death (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval [1.1-3.3, P = 0.04]). Hypertension was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death for children presenting with arterial ischemic stroke. Further prospective study of blood pressure in children with stroke is needed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dietary sodium, sodium-to-potassium ratio, and risk of stroke: A systematic review and nonlinear dose-response meta-analysis.

PubMed

Jayedi, Ahmad; Ghomashi, Farnoosh; Zargar, Mahdieh Sadat; Shab-Bidar, Sakineh

2018-06-01

The association of high sodium intake with risk of stroke has been accepted. But considering the proposed J/U-shaped association between sodium intake and risk of all-cause mortality, the shape of the dose-response relationship has not been determined yet. This study aimed to test the dose-response association of dietary sodium and sodium-to-potassium ratio with risk of stroke in adults aged 18 years or older. We performed a systematic search using PubMed and Scopus, from database inception up to October 2017. Prospective and retrospective observational studies reporting risk estimates of stroke for three or more quantitative categories of dietary sodium or sodium-to-potassium ratio were included. Studies that reported results as continuous were also included. Two independent authors extracted the information and assessed the quality of included studies. Pooled relative risk (RR) was calculated using a random-effects model. Publication bias was tested. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were done. Of initial 20,412 studies identified, 14 prospective cohort studies, one case-cohort study, and one case-control study (total n = 261,732) with 10,150 cases of stroke were included. The Pooled RRs of stroke were 1.06 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.10; I 2  = 60%, n = 14 studies) for a 1 gr/d increment in dietary sodium intake, and 1.22 (95%CI: 1.04, 1.41; I 2  = 60%, n = 5 studies) for a one-unit increment in dietary sodium-to-potassium ratio (mmol/mmol). The risk of stroke increased linearly with increasing dietary sodium intake, and also along with the increase in dietary sodium-to-potassium ratio. No evidence of a J/U-shaped association was found in the analyses of total stroke, stroke incidence, and stroke mortality. High sodium intake was associated with a somewhat worse prognosis among Asian countries as compared to westerns. Higher sodium intake and higher dietary sodium-to-potassium ratio were associated with a higher risk of stroke. Reducing dietary sodium-to-potassium ratio can be considered as a supplementary approach in parallel with the decrease in sodium intake in order to decrease stroke risk. The interpretation of the results is limited by observational nature of studies examined. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Population-based study of capsular warning syndrome and prognosis after early recurrent TIA.

PubMed

Paul, Nicola L M; Simoni, Michela; Chandratheva, Arvind; Rothwell, Peter M

2012-09-25

Many guidelines recommend emergency assessment for patients with ≥2 TIAs within 7 days, perhaps in recognition of the capsular warning syndrome. However, it is unclear whether all patients with multiple TIAs are at high early risk of stroke and whether treatable underlying pathologies are more prevalent in this group. We studied clinical characteristics, Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification, and risk of stroke in 1,000 consecutive patients with incident and recurrent TIAs in a prospective, population-based study (Oxford Vascular Study). Of 1,000 patients with TIAs, 170 had a further TIA within 7 days (105 within 24 hours). Multiple TIAs were not associated with carotid stenosis or atrial fibrillation, and much of the 10.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.5-15.9) risk of stroke during the 7 days after the first TIA was due to patients with small-vessel disease (SVD) etiology (10 of 24 vs 8 of 146, odds ratio [OR] = 12.3, 95% CI 3.7-41.9, p < 0.0001), particularly those with motor weakness (i.e., capsular warning syndrome) compared with hemisensory events (9 of 15 [60%], 95% CI 35.3-84.7 vs 1 of 9 [11.1%], 95% CI 0-31.7, p = 0.03). The 7-day risk of stroke after a recurrent TIA was similar to the risk after a single TIA in patients with non-SVD TIA (8 of 146 [5.5%] vs 76 of 830 [9.2%], OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.25-1.3, p = 0.20). Of the 9 patients with stroke after a capsular warning syndrome, all had the recurrent TIA within 24 hours after the first TIA, and the subsequent stroke occurred within 72 hours of the second TIA in 8. The ABCD2 scores of all preceding TIAs were ≥4 in all 9 patients with capsular warning syndrome before stroke. Capsular warning syndrome is rare (1.5% of TIA presentations) but has a poor prognosis (7-day stroke risk of 60%). Otherwise, recurrent TIA within 7 days is not associated with a greater stroke risk than that after a single TIA.

Ischemic stroke risk in East Asian patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Bai, Ying; Shantsila, Alena; Lip, Gregory Y H

2017-02-01

The use of anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score of 1 has been debated, partially due to limited data on ischemic stroke risk and specific clinical trials in these patients. East Asian patients have a different stroke risk profile compared to non-East Asians. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of ischemic stroke risk in AF patients with a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score of 1 in East Asian countries. A comprehensive literature search for studies evaluating ischemic stroke risk related with AF with CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score of 1 was conducted by two reviewers. We used a fixed-effect model first, then a random-effect model if heterogeneity was assessed with I 2 . After pooling 6 studies, the annual rate of ischemic stroke in East Asian patients with AF and a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score of 1 was 1.66% (95% CI: 0.71%-2.61%, I2 = 98.4%). There was a wide range in reported pooled rates between countries, from 0.59% to 3.13%. Significant difference existed not only in the community-based studies (Chinese: 2.10% vs. Japanese: 0.60%), but also from the hospital-based studies (Chinese: 3.55% vs. Japanese: 0.42%). Confining the analysis to those on no antithrombotic treatment had limited effect on the summary estimate (eg. Chinese: 4.28% vs. Japanese: 0.6%). In Chinese studies, ischemic stroke rate was lower in females than males (female: 1.40% vs. male: 1.79%). However, the low event rate in Japanese studies may reflect unrecorded anticoagulation status at follow-up. Some regional differences between East Asian countries were observed for ischemic stroke risk in patients with a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score of 1. This may reflect methodological differences in studies and unrecorded anticoagulation use at followup, but further prospective studies are required to ascertain ischemic stroke risks, as well as the differences and reasons for this between East Asians and non-East Asians.

Risks of Death and Stroke in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis With New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation: A Competing-Risk Analysis of a Nationwide Cohort.

PubMed

Shih, Chia-Jen; Ou, Shuo-Ming; Chao, Pei-Wen; Kuo, Shu-Chen; Lee, Yi-Jung; Yang, Chih-Yu; Tarng, Der-Cherng; Lin, Chih-Ching; Huang, Po-Hsun; Li, Szu-Yuan; Chen, Yung-Tai

2016-01-19

Whether oral anticoagulant use should be considered in patients undergoing hemodialysis with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial because of the uncertainty regarding risk-benefit assessments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of ischemic stroke in patients undergoing hemodialysis with new-onset AF, in comparison with those without arrhythmia. This nationwide, population-based, propensity score-matched cohort study used data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database during 1998 to 2011 for patients on hemodialysis with new-onset nonvalvular AF and matched subjects without arrhythmia. The clinical end points were ischemic stroke (fatal or nonfatal), all-cause death, and other serious adverse cardiovascular events. In comparison with the matched cohort, patients with AF (n=6772) had higher risks of ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.43), all-cause death (aHR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.52-1.67), in-hospital cardiovascular death (aHR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.71-1.94), myocardial infarction (aHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.17-1.51), and hospitalization for heart failure (aHR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.76-2.05). After considering in-hospital death as a competing risk, AF significantly increased the risk of heart failure (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.45-1.68), but not those of ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Additionally, the predictive value of the CHA2DS2-VASc score for ischemic stroke was diminished in the competing-risk model. The risk of stroke was only modestly higher in patients undergoing hemodialysis with new-onset AF than in those without AF, and it became insignificant when accounting for the competing risk of in-hospital death. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine for stroke modifiable risk factors: a systematic review.

PubMed

Peng, Wenbo; Lauche, Romy; Ferguson, Caleb; Frawley, Jane; Adams, Jon; Sibbritt, David

2017-01-01

The vast majority of stroke burden is attributable to its modifiable risk factors. This paper aimed to systematically summarise the evidence of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) interventions on stroke modifiable risk factors for stroke prevention. A literature search was conducted via the MEDLINE, CINAHL/EBSCO, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Database from 1996 to 2016. Randomised controlled trials or cross-over studies were included. Risk of bias was assessed according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A total of 46 trials (6895 participants) were identified regarding the use of CHM interventions in the management of stroke risk factors, including 12 trials for hypertension, 10 trials for diabetes, eight trials for hyperlipidemia, seven trials for impaired glucose tolerance, three trials for obesity, and six trials for combined risk factors. Amongst the included trials with diverse study design, an intervention of CHM as a supplement to biomedicine and/or a lifestyle intervention was found to be more effective in lowering blood pressure, decreasing blood glucose level, helping impaired glucose tolerance reverse to normal, and/or reducing body weight compared to CHM monotherapy. While no trial reported deaths amongst the CHM groups, some papers do report moderate adverse effects associated with CHM use. However, the findings of such beneficial effects of CHM should be interpreted with caution due to the heterogeneous set of complex CHM studied, the various control interventions employed, the use of different participants' inclusion criteria, and low methodological quality across the published studies. The risk of bias of trials identified was largely unclear in the domains of selection bias and detection bias across the included studies. This study showed substantial evidence of varied CHM interventions improving the stroke modifiable risk factors. More rigorous research examining the use of CHM products for sole or multiple major stroke risk factors are warranted.

Self-reported history of stroke and long-term living conditions near air pollution sources: results of a national epidemiological study in Lebanon.

PubMed

Salameh, Pascale; Farah, Rita; Hallit, Souheil; Zeidan, Rouba Karen; Chahine, Mirna N; Asmar, Roland; Hosseini, Hassan

2018-02-20

Stroke is a disease related to high mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing countries. Some studies have linked self-reported indoor and outdoor pollution to stroke and mini-stroke, while some others showed no association. Our objective was to assess this association in Lebanon, a Middle Eastern developing country. A national cross-sectional study was conducted all over Lebanon. In addition to self-reported items of pollution exposure, we assessed potential predictors of stroke and mini-stroke, including sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported health information, and biological measurements. Moreover, we assessed dose-effect relationship of pollution items in relation with stroke. Self-reported indoor pollution exposure was associated with stroke and mini-stroke, with or without taking biological values into account. Moreover, we found a dose-effect relationship of exposure with risk of disease, but this effect did not reach statistical significance after adjustment for sociodemographics and biological characteristics. No association was found for any outdoor pollution item. Although additional studies would be necessary to confirm these findings, sensitizing the population about the effect of pollution on chronic diseases, working on reducing pollution, and improving air quality should be implemented to decrease the burden of the disease on the population and health system.

Validity of the performance-oriented mobility assessment in predicting fall of stroke survivors: a retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

An, SeungHeon; Lee, YunBok; Lee, GyuChang

2014-06-01

Falling is one of the most common complications in stroke survivors. It is therefore important to evaluate the risk of falls. In this study, we investigated the usability of the performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA) for predicting falls in stroke patients. The POMA examines the level of balance and mobility. Data were collected on the number of falls and physical functions from 72 stroke survivors. Physical functions were measured using the POMA balance subscale, One Leg Stand test (OLS), Sit To Stand test (STS), 10-m Walk Test (10WT), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FM), and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS). Since the accuracy of the POMA balance subscale was moderate, the cutoff value used for predicting falls was 12.5 points (sensitivity: 72%; specificity: 74%), and the area under the curve was 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.66-0.91, p < 0.001). When comparing the physical functions (i.e., OLS, STS, 10WT, FM, and TIS) to the cutoff value for the POMA balance subscale, the physical functions of the group over 12.5 points for the subscale were significantly higher than those in the group below 12.5 points (p < 0.05). The muscle strength shown in the STS was the most important factor affecting the performance in the POMA balance subscale (β = -0.447). For the group below 12.5 points on the POMA balance subscale, the risk of falling increased by 0.304 times more than the group over 12.5 points. The POMA balance subscale is a valid tool for assessing the physical function and fall risk of stroke survivors.

Computed tomography identifies patients at high risk for stroke after transient ischemic attack/nondisabling stroke: prospective, multicenter cohort study.

PubMed

Wasserman, Jason K; Perry, Jeffrey J; Sivilotti, Marco L A; Sutherland, Jane; Worster, Andrew; Émond, Marcel; Jin, Albert Y; Oczkowski, Wieslaw J; Sahlas, Demetrios J; Murray, Heather; MacKey, Ariane; Verreault, Steve; Wells, George A; Dowlatshahi, Dar; Stotts, Grant; Stiell, Ian G; Sharma, Mukul

2015-01-01

Ischemia on computed tomography (CT) is associated with subsequent stroke after transient ischemic attack. This study assessed CT findings of acute ischemia, chronic ischemia, or microangiopathy for predicting subsequent stroke after transient ischemic attack. This prospective cohort study enrolled patients with transient ischemic attack or nondisabling stroke that had CT scanning within 24 hours. Primary outcome was subsequent stroke within 90 days. Secondary outcomes were stroke at ≤2 or >2 days. CT findings were classified as ischemia present or absent and acute or chronic or microangiopathy. Analysis used Fisher exact test and multivariate logistic regression. A total of 2028 patients were included; 814 had ischemic changes on CT. Subsequent stroke rate was 3.4% at 90 days and 1.5% at ≤2 days. Stroke risk was greater if baseline CT showed acute ischemia alone (10.6%; P=0.002), acute+chronic ischemia (17.4%; P=0.007), acute ischemia+microangiopathy (17.6%; P=0.019), or acute+chronic ischemia+microangiopathy (25.0%; P=0.029). Logistic regression found acute ischemia alone (odds ratio [OR], 2.61; 95% confidence interval [CI[, 1.22-5.57), acute+chronic ischemia (OR, 5.35; 95% CI, 1.71-16.70), acute ischemia+microangiopathy (OR, 4.90; 95% CI, 1.33-18.07), or acute+chronic ischemia+microangiopathy (OR, 8.04; 95% CI, 1.52-42.63) was associated with a greater risk at 90 days, whereas acute+chronic ischemia (OR, 10.78; 95% CI, 2.93-36.68), acute ischemia+microangiopathy (OR, 8.90; 95% CI, 1.90-41.60), and acute+chronic ischemia+microangiopathy (OR, 23.66; 95% CI, 4.34-129.03) had greater risk at ≤2 days. Only acute ischemia (OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.01-7.18; P=0.047) was associated with a greater risk at >2 days. In patients with transient ischemic attack/nondisabling stroke, CT evidence of acute ischemia alone or acute ischemia with chronic ischemia or microangiopathy was associated with increased subsequent stroke risk within 90 days. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

Effects of Barometric Pressure and Temperature on Acute Ischemic Stroke Hospitalization in Augusta, GA.

PubMed

Guan, Weihua; Clay, Sandra J; Sloan, Gloria J; Pretlow, Lester G

2018-06-24

Several studies worldwide have demonstrated significant relationships between meteorological parameters and stroke events. However, authors often reported discordant effects of both barometric pressure and air temperature on stroke occurrence. The present study investigated whether there was an association between weather parameters (barometric pressure and temperature) and ischemic stroke hospitalization. The aim of the study was to find out whether daily barometric pressure may be used as a prognostic variable to evaluate the workload change of a neurological intensive care unit. We conducted a retrospective review study in which we collected the independent (barometric pressure and temperature) and dependent variables (stroke hospitalization) every 24 h for the periods 10/1/2016-4/30/2017 at Augusta University Medical Center of Augusta, GA. We analyzed the data with zero-inflated Poisson model to assess the relationship between the barometric pressure, temperature, and daily stroke hospitalization. The results showed that there was a significantly correlation between daily barometric pressure variation and daily stroke hospitalization, especially on elder male patients (≥ 65). Stroke events were more likely to occur in the patients with risk factors than in those without risk factors when exposed to barometric pressure and temperature changes. Decreased barometric pressure and increased temperature were associated with increased daily stroke hospitalization. Furthermore, there was a potential delayed effect of increased stroke events after cold temperature exposure. Barometric pressure and temperature changes over the preceding 24 h are associated with daily stroke hospitalization. These findings may enhance our understanding of relationship between stroke and weather and maybe used in the development of public health strategies to minimize the weather-related stroke risk.

Processes of early stroke care and hospital costs.

PubMed

Svendsen, Marie Louise; Ehlers, Lars H; Hundborg, Heidi H; Ingeman, Annette; Johnsen, Søren P

2014-08-01

The relationship between processes of early stroke care and hospital costs remains unclear. We therefore examined the association in a population based cohort study. We identified 5909 stroke patients who were admitted to stroke units in a Danish county between 2005 and 2010.The examined recommended processes of care included early admission to a stroke unit, early initiation of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, early computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) scan, early physiotherapy and occupational therapy, early assessment of nutritional risk, constipation risk and of swallowing function, early mobilization,early catheterization, and early thromboembolism prophylaxis.Hospital costs were assessed for each patient based on the number of days spent in different in-hospital facilities using local hospital charges. The mean costs of hospitalization were $23 352 (standard deviation 27 827). The relationship between receiving more relevant processes of early stroke care and lower hospital costs followed a dose–response relationship. The adjusted costs were $24 566 (95% confidence interval 19 364–29 769) lower for patients who received 75–100% of the relevant processes of care compared with patients receiving 0–24%. All processes of care were associated with potential cost savings, except for early catheterization and early thromboembolism prophylaxis. Early care in agreement with key guidelines recommendations for the management of patients with stroke may be associated with hospital savings.

The association between high on-treatment platelet reactivity and early recurrence of ischemic events after minor stroke or TIA.

PubMed

Rao, Zilong; Zheng, Huaguang; Wang, Fei; Wang, Anxin; Liu, Liping; Dong, Kehui; Zhao, Xingquan; Wang, Yilong; Cao, Yibin

2017-08-01

To evaluate the role of HTPR in predicting early recurrence of ischemic events in patients with minor ischemic stroke or high-risk TIA. From January 2014 to September 2014, a single center continuously enrolled patients with minor ischemic stroke or high-risk TIA and gave them antiplatelet therapy consisting of aspirin with clopidogrel. HTPR was assessed by TEG after 7 days of antiplatelet therapy and detected CYP2C19 genotype. The incidence of recurrent ischemic events was assessed 3 months after onset. The incidence of recurrent ischemic events was compared between the HTPR and NTPR groups with the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the risk factors associated with recurrent ischemic events. We enrolled 278 eligible patients with minor ischemic stroke or high-risk TIA. Through TEG testing, patients with HTPR were 22.7%, and carriers were not associated with HTPR to ADP by TEG-ADP(%) (p = 0.193). A total of 265 patients completed 3 months of follow-up, and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with HTPR had a higher percentage of recurrent ischemic events compared with patients with NTPR (p = 0.002). In multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, history of ischemic stroke or TIA (HR 4.45, 95% CI 1.77-11.16, p = 0.001) and HTPR (HR 3.34, 95% CI 1.41-7.91, p = 0.006) was independently associated with recurrent ischemic events. In patients with minor stroke or TIA, the prevalence of HTPR was 22.7%, and HTPR was independently associated with recurrent ischemic events.

Impact of a Computerized Antithrombotic Risk Assessment Tool on the Prescription of Thromboprophylaxis in Atrial Fibrillation: Hospital Setting.

PubMed

Pandya, E; Masood, N; Wang, Y; Krass, I; Bajorek, B

2018-01-01

The computerized antithrombotic risk assessment tool (CARAT) is an online decision-support algorithm that facilitates a systematic review of a patient's stroke risk, bleeding risk, and pertinent medication safety considerations, to generate an individualized treatment recommendation. The CARAT was prospectively applied across 2 hospitals in the greater Sydney area. Its impact on antithrombotics utilization for thromboprophylaxis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation was evaluated. Factors influencing prescribers' treatment selection were identified. The CARAT recommended a change in baseline therapy for 51.8% of patients. Among anticoagulant-eligible patients (ie, where the risk of stroke outweighed the risk of bleeding) using "nil therapy" or antiplatelet therapy at baseline, the CARAT recommended an upgrade to warfarin in 60 (30.8%) patients. For those in whom the bleeding risk outweighed the stroke risk, the CARAT recommended a downgrade from warfarin to safer alternatives (eg, aspirin) in 37 (19%) patients. Among the "most eligible" (ie, high stroke risk, low bleeding risk, no contraindications; n = 75), the CARAT recommended warfarin for all cases. Discharge therapy observed a marginal increase in anticoagulation prescription in eligible patients (n = 116; 57.8% vs 64.7%, P = .35) compared to baseline. Predictors of warfarin use (vs antiplatelets) included congestive cardiac failure, diabetes mellitus, and polypharmacy. The CARAT was able to optimize the selection of therapy, increasing anticoagulant use among eligible patients. With the increasing complexity of decision-making, such tools may be useful adjuncts in therapy selection in atrial fibrillation. Future studies should explore the utility of such tools in selecting therapies from within an expanded treatment armamentarium comprising the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants.

Factor VIII, Protein C and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: The REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study (REGARDS).

PubMed

Zakai, Neil A; Judd, Suzanne E; Kissela, Brett; Howard, George; Safford, Monika M; Cushman, Mary

2018-06-11

 Haemostatic balance represented by low protein C (PC) and elevated factor VIII (FVIII) has been inconsistently associated with stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.  This article assesses whether an elevated FVIII and a low PC would increase cardiovascular risk more than either individually.  REGARDS recruited 30,239 black and white U.S. participants aged ≥ 45 years between 2003 and 2007. FVIII and PC were measured in a case-cohort sample of 646 stroke, 654 CHD, and a 1,104-person random sample with follow-up for approximately 4.5 years. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox models adjusted for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors.  Elevated FVIII (per standard deviation [SD] increase) was associated with increased risk of both stroke (HR, 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08, 1.46) and CHD (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.29, 1.79), while there was no association of PC per SD decrease. For PC, there was a trend towards increased cardiovascular disease risk in the lowest values (bottom 5%). For stroke, there was no interaction between FVIII and low PC ( p interaction  = 0.55). For CHD, the adjusted HR of FVIII per SD increase was significantly greater with PC in the bottom 5% (HR, 3.59; 95% CI, 1.39, 8.29) than PC in the upper 95% (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.23, 1.71; p interaction  = 0.07).  Higher FVIII was associated with both CHD and stroke risk and the risk potentiated by low PC for CHD. Findings demonstrate that risks for cardiovascular diseases conferred by adverse levels of haemostasis biomarkers may be augmented by levels of other biomarkers. Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart.

Warfarin versus aspirin for stroke prevention in an elderly community population with atrial fibrillation (the Birmingham Atrial Fibrillation Treatment of the Aged Study, BAFTA): a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Mant, Jonathan; Hobbs, F D Richard; Fletcher, Kate; Roalfe, Andrea; Fitzmaurice, David; Lip, Gregory Y H; Murray, Ellen

2007-08-11

Anticoagulants are more effective than antiplatelet agents at reducing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation, but whether this benefit outweighs the increased risk of bleeding in elderly patients is unknown. We assessed whether warfarin reduced risk of major stroke, arterial embolism, or other intracranial haemorrhage compared with aspirin in elderly patients. 973 patients aged 75 years or over (mean age 81.5 years, SD 4.2) with atrial fibrillation were recruited from primary care and randomly assigned to warfarin (target international normalised ratio 2-3) or aspirin (75 mg per day). Follow-up was for a mean of 2.7 years (SD 1.2). The primary endpoint was fatal or disabling stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic), intracranial haemorrhage, or clinically significant arterial embolism. Analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered as an International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial, number ISRCTN89345269. There were 24 primary events (21 strokes, two other intracranial haemorrhages, and one systemic embolus) in people assigned to warfarin and 48 primary events (44 strokes, one other intracranial haemorrhage, and three systemic emboli) in people assigned to aspirin (yearly risk 1.8%vs 3.8%, relative risk 0.48, 95% CI 0.28-0.80, p=0.003; absolute yearly risk reduction 2%, 95% CI 0.7-3.2). Yearly risk of extracranial haemorrhage was 1.4% (warfarin) versus 1.6% (aspirin) (relative risk 0.87, 0.43-1.73; absolute risk reduction 0.2%, -0.7 to 1.2). These data support the use of anticoagulation therapy for people aged over 75 who have atrial fibrillation, unless there are contraindications or the patient decides that the benefits are not worth the inconvenience.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Incident Ischemic Stroke and Its Atherothrombotic and Cardioembolic Subtypes in 3 US Cohorts.

PubMed

Saber, Hamidreza; Yakoob, Mohammad Yawar; Shi, Peilin; Longstreth, W T; Lemaitre, Rozenn N; Siscovick, David; Rexrode, Kathryn M; Willett, Walter C; Mozaffarian, Dariush

2017-10-01

The associations of individual long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with incident ischemic stroke and its main subtypes are not well established. We aimed to investigate prospectively the relationship of circulating eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with risk of total ischemic, atherothrombotic, and cardioembolic stroke. We measured circulating phospholipid fatty acids at baseline in 3 separate US cohorts: CHS (Cardiovascular Health Study), NHS (Nurses' Health Study), and HPFS (Health Professionals Follow-Up Study). Ischemic strokes were prospectively adjudicated and classified into atherothrombotic (large- and small-vessel infarctions) or cardioembolic by imaging studies and medical records. Risk according to fatty acid levels was assessed using Cox proportional hazards (CHS) or conditional logistic regression (NHS, HPFS) according to study design. Cohort findings were pooled using fixed-effects meta-analysis. A total of 953 incident ischemic strokes were identified (408 atherothrombotic, 256 cardioembolic, and 289 undetermined subtypes) during median follow-up of 11.2 years (CHS) and 8.3 years (pooled, NHS and HPFS). After multivariable adjustment, lower risk of total ischemic stroke was seen with higher DPA (highest versus lowest quartiles; pooled hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58-0.92) and DHA (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64-1.00) but not eicosapentaenoic acid (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.77-1.19). DHA was associated with lower risk of atherothrombotic stroke (HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.34-0.83) and DPA with lower risk of cardioembolic stroke (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37-0.92). Findings in each individual cohort were consistent with pooled results. In 3 large US cohorts, higher circulating levels of DHA were inversely associated with incident atherothrombotic stroke and DPA with cardioembolic stroke. These novel findings suggest differential pathways of benefit for DHA, DPA, and eicosapentaenoic acid. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

NOTCH3 variants and risk of ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Ross, Owen A; Soto-Ortolaza, Alexandra I; Heckman, Michael G; Verbeeck, Christophe; Serie, Daniel J; Rayaprolu, Sruti; Rich, Stephen S; Nalls, Michael A; Singleton, Andrew; Guerreiro, Rita; Kinsella, Emma; Wszolek, Zbigniew K; Brott, Thomas G; Brown, Robert D; Worrall, Bradford B; Meschia, James F

2013-01-01

Mutations within the NOTCH3 gene cause cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). CADASIL mutations appear to be restricted to the first twenty-four exons, resulting in the gain or loss of a cysteine amino acid. The role of other exonic NOTCH3 variation not involving cysteine residues and mutations in exons 25-33 in ischemic stroke remains unresolved. All 33 exons of NOTCH3 were sequenced in 269 Caucasian probands from the Siblings With Ischemic Stroke Study (SWISS), a 70-center North American affected sibling pair study and 95 healthy Caucasian control subjects. Variants identified by sequencing in the SWISS probands were then tested for association with ischemic stroke using US Caucasian controls collected at the Mayo Clinic (n=654), and further assessed in a Caucasian (n=802) and African American (n=298) patient-control series collected through the Ischemic Stroke Genetics Study (ISGS). Sequencing of the 269 SWISS probands identified one (0.4%) with small vessel type stroke carrying a known CADASIL mutation (p.R558C; Exon 11). Of the 19 common NOTCH3 variants identified, the only variant significantly associated with ischemic stroke after multiple testing adjustment was p.R1560P (rs78501403; Exon 25) in the combined SWISS and ISGS Caucasian series (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.50, P=0.0022) where presence of the minor allele was protective against ischemic stroke. Although only significant prior to adjustment for multiple testing, p.T101T (rs3815188; Exon 3) was associated with an increased risk of small-vessel stroke (OR: 1.56, P=0.008) and p.P380P (rs61749020; Exon 7) was associated with decreased risk of large-vessel stroke (OR: 0.35, P=0.047) in Caucasians. No significant associations were observed in the small African American series. Cysteine-affecting NOTCH3 mutations are rare in patients with typical ischemic stroke, however our observation that common NOTCH3 variants may be associated with risk of ischemic stroke warrants further study.

Increased Vascular Disease Mortality Risk in Prediabetic Korean Adults Is Mainly Attributable to Ischemic Stroke.

PubMed

Kim, Nam Hoon; Kwon, Tae Yeon; Yu, Sungwook; Kim, Nan Hee; Choi, Kyung Mook; Baik, Sei Hyun; Park, Yousung; Kim, Sin Gon

2017-04-01

Prediabetes is a known risk factor for vascular diseases; however, its differential contribution to mortality risk from various vascular disease subtypes is not known. The subjects of the National Health Insurance Service in Korea (2002-2013) nationwide cohort were stratified into normal glucose tolerance (fasting glucose <100 mg/dL), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) stage 1 (100-109 mg/dL), IFG stage 2 (110-125 mg/dL), and diabetes mellitus groups based on the fasting glucose level. A Cox regression analysis with counting process formulation was used to assess the mortality risk for vascular disease and its subtypes-ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke. When adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index, IFG stage 2, but not stage 1, was associated with significantly higher all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-1.34) and vascular disease mortality (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.08-1.49) compared with normal glucose tolerance. Among the vascular disease subtypes, mortality from ischemic stroke was significantly higher (HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.18-2.18) in subjects with IFG stage 2 but not from ischemic heart disease and hemorrhagic stroke. The ischemic stroke mortality associated with IFG stage 2 remained significantly high when adjusted other modifiable vascular disease risk factors (HR, 1.51; 95% CI: 1.10-2.09) and medical treatments (HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.19-2.57). Higher IFG degree (fasting glucose, 110-125 mg/dL) was associated with increased all-cause and vascular disease mortality. The increased vascular disease mortality in IFG stage 2 was attributable to ischemic stroke, but not ischemic heart disease or hemorrhagic stroke in Korean adults. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Interarm blood pressure difference in a post-stroke population.

PubMed

Gaynor, Eva; Brewer, Linda; Mellon, Lisa; Hall, Patricia; Horgan, Frances; Shelley, Emer; Dolan, Eamonn; Hickey, Anne; Bennett, Kathleen; Williams, David J

2017-09-01

An increased interarm systolic blood pressure (SBP) difference of ≥10 mm Hg is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and a difference of ≥15 mm Hg with increased cerebrovascular risk. The stroke population presents a high-risk group for future cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and therefore estimation of interarm SBP difference as a predictive tool may assist with further secondary stroke prevention. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of interarm SBP and diastolic blood pressure difference in a post-stroke population. A comprehensive assessment of secondary risk factors along with blood pressure measurements were taken 6-months' post-ischemic stroke from the Action on Secondary Prevention Interventions and Rehabilitation in Stroke cohort. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are presented. Two hundred thirty-eight (M: F,139:99; mean age, 68.4 years) of 256 patients followed up at 6 months post-stroke had suitable blood pressure readings from both arms. Ninety-six patients (40.3%) had an interarm SBP difference of ≥10 mm Hg and 49 (20.6%) had a difference of ≥15 mm Hg. A history of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and obesity was not significantly associated with an increased risk of interarm SBP difference. After multivariate logistic analysis, a history of alcohol excess was associated with an increased IASBP ≥15 mm Hg (odds ratio 2.32, 95% confidence interval 1.03-5.22). We have demonstrated that interarm SBP difference is commonly seen in a post stroke population. Copyright © 2017 American Society of Hypertension. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Heart failure: a weak link in CHA2 DS2 -VASc.

PubMed

Friberg, Leif; Lund, Lars H

2018-06-01

In atrial fibrillation, stroke risk is assessed by the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score. Heart failure is included in CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc, but the rationale is uncertain. Our objective was to test if heart failure is a risk factor for stroke, independent of other risk factors in CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc. We studied 300 839 patients with atrial fibrillation in the Swedish Patient Register 2005-11. Three definitions of heart failure were used in order to assess the robustness of the results. In the main analysis, heart failure was defined by a hospital discharge diagnosis of heart failure as first or second diagnosis and a filled prescription of a diuretic within 3 months before index + 30 days. The second definition counted first or second discharge diagnoses <1 year before index + 30 days and the third definition any heart failure diagnosis in open or hospital care before index + 30 days. Associations with outcomes were assessed with multivariable Cox analyses. Patients with heart failure were older (80.5 vs. 74.0 years, P < 0.001) and had higher CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score (4.4 vs. 2.7, P < 0.001). The 1 year incidence of ischaemic stroke without warfarin was 4.4% with heart failure and 3.1% without. Adjustment for the cofactors in CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc eradicated the difference in stroke risk between patients with and without heart failure (hazard ratio 1.01 with 95% confidence interval 0.96-1.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc was not improved by points for heart failure. A clinical diagnosis of heart failure was not an independent risk factor for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, which may have implications for anticoagulation management. © 2018 The Authors. ESC Heart Failure published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation.

PubMed

Gutierrez, Cecilia; Blanchard, Daniel G

2016-09-15

Atrial fibrillation is a supraventricular arrhythmia that adversely affects cardiac function and increases the risk of stroke. It is the most common arrhythmia and a major source of morbidity and mortality; its prevalence increases with age. Pulse rate is sensitive, but not specific, for diagnosis, and suspected atrial fibrillation should be confirmed with 12-lead electrocardiography. Because normal electrocardiographic findings do not rule out atrial fibrillation, home monitoring is recommended if there is clinical suspicion of arrhythmia despite normal test results. Treatment is based on decisions made regarding when to convert to normal sinus rhythm vs. when to treat with rate control, and, in either case, how to best reduce the risk of stroke. For most patients, rate control is preferred to rhythm control. Ablation therapy is used to destroy abnormal foci responsible for atrial fibrillation. Anticoagulation reduces the risk of stroke while increasing the risk of bleeding. The CHA2DS2-VASc scoring system assesses the risk of stroke, with a score of 2 or greater indicating a need for anticoagulation. The HAS-BLED score estimates the risk of bleeding. Scores of 3 or greater indicate high risk. Warfarin, dabigatran, factor Xa inhibitors (e.g., rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban), and aspirin are options for stroke prevention. Selection of therapy should be individualized based on risks and potential benefits, cost, and patient preference. Left atrial appendage obliteration is an option for reducing stroke risk. Two implantable devices used to occlude the appendage, the Watchman and the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug, appear to be as effective as warfarin in preventing stroke, but they are invasive. Another percutaneous approach to occlusion, wherein the left atrium is closed off using the Lariat, is also available, but data on its long-term effectiveness and safety are still limited. Surgical treatments for atrial fibrillation are reserved for patients who are undergoing cardiac surgery for other reasons.

Comparing Management and Outcomes in Men and Women With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: Data From a Population-Based Cohort.

PubMed

Arnson, Yoav; Hoshen, Moshe; Berliner Senderey, Adi; Reges, Orna; Balicer, Ran; Leibowitz, Morton; Avgil Tsadok, Meytal; Haim, Moti

2018-05-01

This study sought to identify the differences in stroke, mortality, and bleeding between men and women with atrial fibrillation (AF). There are inconsistent data regarding the thromboembolic risk difference between men and women with AF. The authors assessed the risk of stroke, death, and bleeding in men and women with incident AF. The authors employed a prospective historical cohort using an electronic database from a large health maintenance organization. All members with incident AF between 2004 and 2015 were included. Primary endpoints were ischemic stroke, death, and major bleeding. The authors identified 89,213 members with incident nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), 52.3% of whom were women. Women were older, with a higher prevalence of hypertension, whereas more men had diabetes, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease than the women did. Ischemic stroke occurred in 6.4% of the patients: 7.0% of women and 5.8% of men. Sex did not affect adjusted stroke risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77 to 1.06; p = 0.22). However, women 75 years of age and older were at an increased risk (HR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.34). Mortality rates were higher among women (33.5% vs. 32%; p < 0.001); however, women had a significantly lower adjusted mortality risk (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.86). Women had lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage (HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.87) and major gastrointestinal bleeding (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.70 to 0.87). Men and women with AF had a similar risk of ischemic stroke, except for women 75 years of age or older, who had a higher risk. Our findings support using a similar anticoagulation strategy for prevention of stroke in men and women with a similar number of risk factors. Copyright © 2018 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The relationship between pneumonia and Glasgow coma scale assessment on acute stroke patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ritarwan, K.; Batubara, C. A.; Dhanu, R.

2018-03-01

Pneumonia is one of the most frequent medical complications of a stroke. Despite the well-documented association of a stroke associated infections with increased mortality and worse long-term outcome, on the other hand, the limited data available on independent predictors of pneumonia in acute stroke patients in an emergency unit. To determine the independentrelationship between pneumonia and Glasgow Coma Scale assessment on acute stroke patients. The cohort retrospective study observed 55 acute stroke patients who stayed in intensive care unit Adam Malik General Hospital from January until August 2017. Pneumonia was more frequent in patients with Ischemic stroke (OR 5.40; 95% CI: 1.28 – 6.40, p=0.003), higher National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (p=0.014) and lower Glasgow Coma Scale (p=0.0001). Analysis multivariate logistic regression identified NIHSS as an independent of predictors of pneumonia (95% CI : 1.047 – 1.326, p=0.001). Pneumonia was associated with severity and type of stroke and length of hospital stay. The severity of the deficits evaluated by the NIHSS was shown to be the only independent risk factor for pneumonia in acute stroke patients.

Short-Term Effect of Ambient Temperature and the Risk of Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Lian, Hui; Ruan, Yanping; Liang, Ruijuan; Liu, Xiaole; Fan, Zhongjie

2015-01-01

Background and Purpose: The relationship between stroke and short-term temperature changes remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between stroke and both high and low temperatures, and health assessment. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang Data up to 14 September 2014. Study selection, quality assessment, and author-contractions were steps before data extraction. We converted all estimates effects into relative risk (RR) per 1 °C increase/decrease in temperature from 75th to 99th or 25th to 1st percentiles, then conducted meta-analyses to combine the ultimate RRs, and assessed health impact among the population. Results: 20 articles were included in the final analysis. The overall analysis showed a positive relationship between 1 °C change and the occurrence of major adverse cerebrovascular events (MACBE), 1.1% (95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.6 to 1.7) and 1.2% (95% CI, 0.8 to 1.6) increase for hot and cold effects separately. The same trends can be found in both effects of mortality and the cold effect for morbidity. Hot temperature acted as a protective factor of hemorrhage stroke (HS), −1.9% (95% CI, −2.8 to −0.9), however, it acted as a risk factor for ischemic stroke (IS), 1.2% (95% CI, 0.7 to 1.8). Conclusion: Short-term changes of both low and high temperature had statistically significant impacts on MACBE. PMID:26264018

Cerebellar stroke presenting with isolated dizziness: Brain MRI in 136 patients.

PubMed

Perloff, Michael D; Patel, Nimesh S; Kase, Carlos S; Oza, Anuja U; Voetsch, Barbara; Romero, Jose R

2017-11-01

To evaluate occurrence of cerebellar stroke in Emergency Department (ED) presentations of isolated dizziness (dizziness with a normal exam and negative neurological review of systems). A 5-year retrospective study of ED patients presenting with a chief complaint of "dizziness or vertigo", without other symptoms or signs in narrative history or on exam to suggest a central nervous system lesion, and work-up included a brain MRI within 48h. Patients with symptoms commonly peripheral in etiology (nystagmus, tinnitus, gait instability, etc.) were included in the study. Patient demographics, stroke risk factors, and gait assessments were recorded. One hundred and thirty-six patients, who had a brain MRI for isolated dizziness, were included. There was a low correlation of gait assessment between ED physician and Neurologist (49 patients, Spearman's correlation r 2 =0.17). Based on MRI DWI sequence, 3.7% (5/136 patients) had acute cerebellar strokes, limited to or including, the medial posterior inferior cerebellar artery vascular territory. In the 5 cerebellar stroke patients, mean age, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c, gender distribution, and prevalence of hypertension were similar to the non-cerebellar stroke patient group. Mean LDL/HDL ratio was 3.63±0.80 and smoking prevalence was 80% in the cerebellar stroke group compared to 2.43±0.79 and 22% (respectively, p values<0.01) in the non-cerebellar stroke group. Though there was preselection bias for stroke risk factors, our study suggests an important proportion of cerebellar stroke among ED patients with isolated dizziness, considering how common this complaint is. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Emergency Physician Attitudes, Preferences, and Risk Tolerance for Stroke as a Potential Cause of Dizziness Symptoms.

PubMed

Kene, Mamata V; Ballard, Dustin W; Vinson, David R; Rauchwerger, Adina S; Iskin, Hilary R; Kim, Anthony S

2015-09-01

We evaluated emergency physicians' (EP) current perceptions, practice, and attitudes towards evaluating stroke as a cause of dizziness among emergency department patients. We administered a survey to all EPs in a large integrated healthcare delivery system. The survey included clinical vignettes, perceived utility of historical and exam elements, attitudes about the value of and requisite post-test probability of a clinical prediction rule for dizziness. We calculated descriptive statistics and post-test probabilities for such a clinical prediction rule. The response rate was 68% (366/535). Respondents' median practice tenure was eight years (37% female, 92% emergency medicine board certified). Symptom quality and typical vascular risk factors increased suspicion for stroke as a cause of dizziness. Most respondents reported obtaining head computed tomography (CT) (74%). Nearly all respondents used and felt confident using cranial nerve and limb strength testing. A substantial minority of EPs used the Epley maneuver (49%) and HINTS (head-thrust test, gaze-evoked nystagmus, and skew deviation) testing (30%); however, few EPs reported confidence in these tests' bedside application (35% and 16%, respectively). Respondents favorably viewed applying a properly validated clinical prediction rule for assessment of immediate and 30-day stroke risk, but indicated it would have to reduce stroke risk to <0.5% to be clinically useful. EPs report relying on symptom quality, vascular risk factors, simple physical exam elements, and head CT to diagnose stroke as the cause of dizziness, but would find a validated clinical prediction rule for dizziness helpful. A clinical prediction rule would have to achieve a 0.5% post-test stroke probability for acceptability.

Family functioning is associated with depressive symptoms in caregivers of acute stroke survivors.

PubMed

Epstein-Lubow, Gary P; Beevers, Christopher G; Bishop, Duane S; Miller, Ivan W

2009-06-01

To determine whether family functioning is uniquely associated with caregiver depressive symptoms in the immediate aftermath of stroke. Cross-sectional data from the baseline assessment of an intervention study for stroke survivors and their families. Neurology inpatient service of a large urban hospital. Stroke survivors (n=192), each with a primary caregiver. The mean age of stroke survivors was 66 years, and most, 57%, were men (n=110). The mean age of caregivers was 57 years, and 73% (n=140) of the caregivers were women. Eighty-five percent of caregivers were white. Not applicable. Measures were chosen to assess caregivers' depressive symptoms (Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), family functioning (Family Assessment Device), and additional factors such as health status (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) and stroke survivors' cognitive abilities (modified Mini-Mental State Examination) and functional impairments (FIM and Frenchay Activities Index). Depressive symptoms were mild to moderate in 14% and severe in 27% of caregivers. Family functioning was assessed as unhealthy in 34% of caregiver-patient dyads. In statistical regression models, caregiver depression was associated with patients' sex, caregivers' general health, and family functioning. Forty-one percent of caregivers experienced prominent depressive symptoms after their family member's stroke. Higher depression severity in caregivers was associated with caring for a man, and having worse health and poor family functioning. After stroke, the assessment of caregivers' health and family functioning may help determine which caregivers are most at risk for a depressive syndrome.

Effect of Stroke on Fall Rate, Location and Predictors: A Prospective Comparison of Older Adults with and without Stroke

PubMed Central

Simpson, Lisa A.; Miller, William C.; Eng, Janice J.

2011-01-01

Background The literature suggests that stroke is a major risk factor for falls, but there is a lack of prospective, controlled studies which quantify fall-risk after stroke. The purpose of this study was to compare the rates, location and predictors among individuals recently discharged home from stroke rehabilitation to age and sex matched controls. Methodology/Principal Findings A sample of 80 people with stroke and 90 controls received baseline assessments of balance, mobility and balance confidence. Falls were recorded prospectively over 13 months for both groups. Group differences in fall rates and contribution of clinical measures to falls were determined using negative binomial regression. Fall location was compared between groups using χ2 statistics. The rate of falls for individuals with stroke was 1.77 times the rate for the control group. People with stroke were more likely to fall at home. Poorer balance (Berg Balance Scale) was associated with greater falls for both stroke and control groups (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.908 and IRR: 0.877 respectively). A faster Timed Up and Go Test was associated with greater falls for the stroke group (IRR: 0.955) while better walking endurance (Six Minute Walk Test) was associated with greater falls for the controls (IRR: 1.004). Balance confidence was not an independent predictor in either group. Conclusions Individuals recently discharged home are at greater risk of falling than individuals without stroke. Attention to home environment is warranted. Balance function can predict falls for both people with stroke and age and sex matched controls. Increased mobility may increase exposure to fall opportunities. PMID:21559367

Air Pollution and Subtypes, Severity and Vulnerability to Ischemic Stroke—A Population Based Case-Crossover Study

PubMed Central

Maheswaran, Ravi; Pearson, Tim; Beevers, Sean D.; Campbell, Michael J.; Wolfe, Charles D.

2016-01-01

Background and Purpose Few studies have examined the association between air pollutants and ischemic stroke subtypes. We examined acute effects of outdoor air pollutants (PM10, NO2, O3, CO, SO2) on subtypes and severity of incident ischemic stroke and investigated if pre-existing risk factors increased susceptibility. Methods We used a time stratified case-crossover study and stroke cases from the South London Stroke Register set up to capture all incident cases of first ever stroke occurring amongst residents in a geographically defined area. The Oxford clinical and TOAST etiological classifications were used to classify subtypes. A pragmatic clinical classification system was used to assess severity. Air pollution concentrations from the nearest background air pollution monitoring stations to patients’ residential postcode centroids were used. Lags from 0 to 6 days were investigated. Results There were 2590 incident cases of ischemic stroke (1995–2006). While there were associations at various lag times with several pollutants, overall, there was no consistent pattern between exposure and risk of ischemic stroke subtypes or severity. The possible exception was the association between NO2 exposure and small vessel disease stroke—adjusted odds ratio of 1.51 (1.12–2.02) associated with an inter-quartile range increase in the lag 0–6 day average for NO2. There were no clear associations in relation to pre-existing risk factors. Conclusions Overall, we found little consistent evidence of association between air pollutants and ischemic stroke subtypes and severity. There was however a suggestion that increasing NO2 exposure might be associated with higher risk of stroke caused by cerebrovascular small vessel disease. PMID:27362783

Retinal microvascular changes and subsequent vascular events after ischemic stroke.

PubMed

De Silva, D A; Manzano, J J F; Liu, E Y; Woon, F-P; Wong, W-X; Chang, H-M; Chen, C; Lindley, R I; Wang, J J; Mitchell, P; Wong, T-Y; Wong, M-C

2011-08-30

Retinal microvasculature changes are associated with vascular events including stroke in healthy populations. It is not known whether retinal microvascular changes predict recurrent vascular events after ischemic stroke. We examined the relationship between retinal microvascular signs and subsequent vascular events in a prospective cohort of 652 acute ischemic stroke patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Singapore from 2005 to 2007. Retinal photographs taken within 1 week of stroke onset were assessed in a masked manner for quantitative and qualitative measures. Follow-up data over 2-4 years were obtained by standardized telephone interview and then were verified from medical records. Predictors of recurrent vascular events (cerebrovascular, coronary, vascular death, and composite vascular events) were determined using Cox regression models. Follow-up data over a median of 29 months were obtained for 89% (652 patients) of the cohort. After adjustment for covariates including traditional risk factors and index stroke etiology, patients with severe arteriovenous nicking (AVN) were more likely to have a recurrent cerebrovascular event (hazard ratio [HR] 2.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-4.33) compared with those without AVN. Patients with severe focal arteriolar narrowing (FAN) were more likely to have a recurrent cerebrovascular event (HR 2.75, 95% CI 1.14-6.63) or subsequent composite vascular event (HR 2.77, 95% CI 1.31-5.86) compared to those without FAN. Retinal microvascular changes predicted subsequent vascular events after ischemic stroke, independent of traditional risk factors and stroke subtype. Thus, retinal imaging has a potential role in predicting the risk of recurrent vascular events after ischemic stroke and in understanding novel vascular risk factors.

Dietary intakes of glutamic acid and glycine are associated with stroke mortality in Japanese adults.

PubMed

Nagata, Chisato; Wada, Keiko; Tamura, Takashi; Kawachi, Toshiaki; Konishi, Kie; Tsuji, Michiko; Nakamura, Kozue

2015-04-01

Dietary intakes of glutamic acid and glycine have been reported to be associated with blood pressure. However, the link between intakes of these amino acids and stroke has not been studied. We aimed to examine the association between glutamic acid and glycine intakes and the risk of mortality from stroke in a population-based cohort study in Japan. The analyses included 29,079 residents (13,355 men and 15,724 women) of Takayama City, Japan, who were aged 35-101 y and enrolled in 1992. Their body mass index ranged from 9.9 to 57.4 kg/m(2). Their diets were assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Deaths from stroke were ascertained over 16 y. During follow-up, 677 deaths from stroke (328 men and 349 women) were identified. A high intake of glutamic acid in terms of a percentage of total protein was significantly associated with a decreased risk of mortality from total stroke in women after controlling for covariates; the HR (95% CI) for the highest vs. lowest quartile was 0.72 (0.53, 0.98; P-trend: 0.03). Glycine intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality from total and ischemic stroke in men without history of hypertension at baseline; the HRs (95% CIs) for the highest vs. lowest tertile were 1.60 (0.97, 2.51; P-trend: 0.03) and 1.88 (1.01, 3.52; P-trend: 0.02), respectively. There was no association between animal or vegetable protein intake and mortality from total and any subtype of stroke. The data suggest that glutamic acid and glycine intakes may be associated with risk of stroke mortality. Given that this is an initial observation, our results need to be confirmed. © 2015 American Society for Nutrition.

Efficacy of homocysteine lowering therapy with folic acid in stroke prevention: a meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Lee, Meng; Hong, Keun-Sik; Chang, Shen-Chih; Saver, Jeffrey L.

2010-01-01

Background and Purpose Although lower serum homocysteine concentration is associated with a reduced risk of stroke in epidemiologic studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have yielded mixed findings regarding the effect of therapeutic homocysteine lowering on stroke prevention. We performed a meta-analysis of RCTs to assess the efficacy of folic acid supplementation in the prevention of stroke. Methods Salient trials were identified by formal literature search. Relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as a measure of the association between folic acid supplementation and risk of stroke, pooling data across trials using a fixed-effects model. Results The search identified 13 RCTs of folic acid therapy to reduce homocysteine, enrolling 39,005 participants, in which stroke was reported as an outcome measure. Across all trials, folic acid supplementation was associated with a trend toward mild benefit that did not reach statistical significance in reducing the risk of stroke (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85-1.03; p=0.16). The RR for non-secondary prevention trials was 0.89 (95% CI 0.79-0.99; p=0.03). In stratified analyses, a greater beneficial effect was seen in the trials testing combination therapy of folic acid plus vitamins B6 and B12 (RR 0.83, 0.71-0.97; p=0.02) and in the trials which disproportionately enrolled male patients (men/women > 2, RR 0.84, 0.74-0.94; p=0.003). Conclusions Folic acid supplementation did not demonstrate a major effect in averting stroke. However, potential mild benefits in primary stroke prevention, especially when folate is combined with B vitamins and in male patients, merit further investigation. PMID:20413740

Strokes after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation--The FibStroke study.

PubMed

Palomäki, Antti; Mustonen, Pirjo; Hartikainen, Juha E K; Nuotio, Ilpo; Kiviniemi, Tuomas; Ylitalo, Antti; Hartikainen, Päivi; Lehtola, Heidi; Luite, Riho; Airaksinen, K E Juhani

2016-01-15

Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk for stroke. We identified all cardioversions during the 30 days preceding stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients with a previously diagnosed AF, and sought to assess the characteristics of cardioversions leading to stroke or TIA. FibStroke is a cross-sectional observational multicenter registry that included AF patients with an ischemic stroke or intracranial bleed identified from a discharge registry of four Finnish hospitals. In total 3677 consecutive AF patients suffered 3252 strokes and 956 TIA episodes during 2003–2012. This pre-specified analysis focused on the 1644 events that occurred to patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF at the time of stroke/TIA. A total of 78 strokes and 22 TIA episodes were preceded by a cardioversion. Post-cardioversion strokes accounted for 6.4% of strokes in patients with paroxysmal/persistent AF. Of the 100 cardioversions leading to an ischemic event, 77 were acute and 23 were elective, 63 events occurred in patients not using anticoagulation, and 5 patients had periprocedural INR < 2. Importantly, 21 patients were in low risk of stroke, i.e. CHA2DS2-VASc score < 2. The median delay from cardioversion to event was 2 days. All nine patients who after an unsuccessful cardioversion developed a stroke had a spontaneous cardioversion prior to stroke. Every sixteenth stroke of patients with paroxysmal/persistent AF is preceded by a cardioversion. Most post-cardioversion strokes occur in patients not using oral anticoagulation before cardioversion of acute AF.

Comparison of cardiovascular risk factors and survival in patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.

PubMed

Henriksson, Karin M; Farahmand, Bahman; Åsberg, Signild; Edvardsson, Nils; Terént, Andreas

2012-06-01

Differences in risk factor profiles between patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke may have an impact on subsequent mortality. To explore cardiovascular disease risk factors, including the CHADS(2) score, with survival after ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Between 2001 and 2005, 87 111 (83%) ischemic stroke, 12 497 (12%) hemorrhagic stroke, and 5435 (5%) patients with unspecified stroke were identified in the Swedish Stroke Register. Data on gender, age, and cardiovascular disease risk factors were linked to the Swedish Hospital Discharge and Cause of Death Registers. Adjusted odds and hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval were calculated using logistic and Cox proportional hazard regression models. Hemorrhagic stroke patients were younger than ischemic stroke patients. All cardiovascular disease risk factors studied, alone or combined in the CHADS(2) score, were associated with higher odds ratios for ischemic stroke vs. hemorrhagic stroke. Higher CHADS(2) scores and all studied risk factors except hypertension were associated with higher odds ratio for death by ischemic stroke than hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke was associated with lower early mortality (within 30 days) vs. hemorrhagic stroke (hazard ratio = 0·28, confidence interval 0·27 to 0·29). Patients with hemorrhagic stroke had a higher risk of dying within the first 30 days after stroke, but the risk of death was similar in the two groups after one-month. Hypertension was the only cardiovascular disease risk factor associated with an increased mortality rate for hemorrhagic stroke as compared to ischemic stroke. © 2011 The Authors. International Journal of Stroke © 2011 World Stroke Organization.

Risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in bipolar disorder: a systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Prieto, M.L.; Cuéllar-Barboza, A.B.; Bobo, W.V.; Roger, V.L.; Bellivier, F.; Leboyer, M.; West, C.P.; Frye, M.A.

2016-01-01

Objective To review the evidence on and estimate the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in bipolar disorder. Method A systematic search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and bibliographies (1946 – May, 2013) was conducted. Case-control and cohort studies of bipolar disorder patients age 15 or older with myocardial infarction or stroke as outcomes were included. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed quality. Estimates of effect were summarized using random-effects meta-analysis. Results Five cohort studies including 13 115 911 participants (27 092 bipolar) were included. Due to the use of registers, different statistical methods, and inconsistent adjustment for confounders, there was significant methodological heterogeneity among studies. The exploratory meta-analysis yielded no evidence for a significant increase in the risk of myocardial infarction: [relative risk (RR): 1.09, 95% CI 0.96–1.24, P = 0.20; I2 = 6%]. While there was evidence of significant study heterogeneity, the risk of stroke in bipolar disorder was significantly increased (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.29–2.35; P = 0.0003; I2 = 83%). Conclusion There may be a differential risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with bipolar disorder. Confidence in these pooled estimates was limited by the small number of studies, significant heterogeneity and dissimilar methodological features. PMID:24850482

Dietary choline and betaine; associations with subclinical markers of cardiovascular disease risk and incidence of CVD, coronary heart disease and stroke: the Jackson Heart Study.

PubMed

Millard, Heather R; Musani, Solomon K; Dibaba, Daniel T; Talegawkar, Sameera A; Taylor, Herman A; Tucker, Katherine L; Bidulescu, Aurelian

2018-02-01

Several mechanisms have been described through which dietary intake of choline and its derivative betaine may be associated in both directions with subclinical atherosclerosis. We assessed the association of dietary intake of choline and betaine with cardiovascular risk and markers of subclinical cardiovascular disease. Data from 3924 Jackson Heart Study (JHS) African-American participants with complete food frequency questionnaire at baseline and follow-up measurements of heart disease measures were used. Multivariable linear regression models were employed to assess associations between choline and betaine intake with carotid intima-media thickness, coronary artery calcium, abdominal aortic calcium and left ventricular mass. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate associations with time to incident coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD). During an average nine years of follow-up, 124 incident CHD events, 75 incident stroke events and 153 incident CVD events were documented. In women, greater choline intake was associated with lower left ventricular mass (p = 0.0006 for trend across choline quartiles) and with abdominal aortic calcium score. Among all JHS participants, there was a statistically significant inverse association between dietary choline intake and incident stroke, β = -0.33 (p = 0.04). Betaine intake was associated with greater risk of incident CHD when comparing the third quartile of intake with the lowest quartile of intake (HR 1.89, 95 % CI 1.14, 3.15). Among our African-American participants, higher dietary choline intake was associated with a lower risk of incident ischemic stroke, and thus putative dietary benefits. Higher dietary betaine intake was associated with a nonlinear higher risk of incident CHD.

Antidepressant Medication Use and Its Association With Cardiovascular Disease and All-Cause Mortality in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study.

PubMed

Hansen, Richard A; Khodneva, Yulia; Glasser, Stephen P; Qian, Jingjing; Redmond, Nicole; Safford, Monika M

2016-04-01

Mixed evidence suggests that second-generation antidepressants may increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. To assess whether antidepressant use is associated with acute coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, cardiovascular disease (CVD) death, and all-cause mortality. Secondary analyses of the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) longitudinal cohort study were conducted. Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, bupropion, nefazodone, and trazodone was measured during the baseline (2003-2007) in-home visit. Outcomes of CHD, stroke, CVD death, and all-cause mortality were assessed every 6 months and adjudicated by medical record review. Cox proportional hazards time-to-event analysis followed patients until their first event on or before December 31, 2011, iteratively adjusting for covariates. Among 29 616 participants, 3458 (11.7%) used an antidepressant of interest. Intermediate models adjusting for everything but physical and mental health found an increased risk of acute CHD (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.04-1.41), stroke (HR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.02-1.60), CVD death (HR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.09-1.53), and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.15-1.41) for antidepressant users. Risk estimates trended in this direction for all outcomes in the fully adjusted model but only remained statistically associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.12; 95% CI = 1.01-1.24). This risk was attenuated in sensitivity analyses censoring follow-up time at 2 years (HR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.11-1.68). In fully adjusted models, antidepressant use was associated with a small increase in all-cause mortality. © The Author(s) 2016.

A Multicomponent Behavioral Intervention to Reduce Stroke Risk Factor Behaviors: The Stroke Health and Risk Education Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Brown, Devin L; Conley, Kathleen M; Sánchez, Brisa N; Resnicow, Kenneth; Cowdery, Joan E; Sais, Emma; Murphy, Jillian; Skolarus, Lesli E; Lisabeth, Lynda D; Morgenstern, Lewis B

2015-10-01

The Stroke Health and Risk Education Project was a cluster-randomized, faith-based, culturally sensitive, theory-based multicomponent behavioral intervention trial to reduce key stroke risk factor behaviors in Hispanics/Latinos and European Americans. Ten Catholic churches were randomized to intervention or control group. The intervention group received a 1-year multicomponent intervention (with poor adherence) that included self-help materials, tailored newsletters, and motivational interviewing counseling calls. Multilevel modeling, accounting for clustering within subject pairs and parishes, was used to test treatment differences in the average change since baseline (ascertained at 6 and 12 months) in dietary sodium, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity, measured using standardized questionnaires. A priori, the trial was considered successful if any one of the 3 outcomes was significant at the 0.05/3 level. Of 801 subjects who consented, 760 completed baseline data assessments, and of these, 86% completed at least one outcome assessment. The median age was 53 years; 84% subjects were Hispanic/Latino; and 64% subjects were women. The intervention group had a greater increase in fruit and vegetable intake than the control group (0.25 cups per day [95% confidence interval: 0.08, 0.42], P=0.002), a greater decrease in sodium intake (-123.17 mg/d [-194.76, -51.59], P=0.04), but no difference in change in moderate- or greater-intensity physical activity (-27 metabolic equivalent-minutes per week [-526, 471], P=0.56). This multicomponent behavioral intervention targeting stroke risk factors in predominantly Hispanics/Latinos was effective in increasing fruit and vegetable intake, reaching its primary end point. The intervention also seemed to lower sodium intake. Church-based health promotions can be successful in primary stroke prevention efforts. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01378780. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Risk of intracerebral haemorrhage with alteplase after acute ischaemic stroke: a secondary analysis of an individual patient data meta-analysis.

PubMed

Whiteley, William N; Emberson, Jonathan; Lees, Kennedy R; Blackwell, Lisa; Albers, Gregory; Bluhmki, Erich; Brott, Thomas; Cohen, Geoff; Davis, Stephen; Donnan, Geoffrey; Grotta, James; Howard, George; Kaste, Markku; Koga, Masatoshi; von Kummer, Rüdiger; Lansberg, Maarten G; Lindley, Richard I; Lyden, Patrick; Olivot, Jean Marc; Parsons, Mark; Toni, Danilo; Toyoda, Kazunori; Wahlgren, Nils; Wardlaw, Joanna; Del Zoppo, Gregory J; Sandercock, Peter; Hacke, Werner; Baigent, Colin

2016-08-01

Randomised trials have shown that alteplase improves the odds of a good outcome when delivered within 4·5 h of acute ischaemic stroke. However, alteplase also increases the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage; we aimed to determine the proportional and absolute effects of alteplase on the risks of intracerebral haemorrhage, mortality, and functional impairment in different types of patients. We used individual patient data from the Stroke Thrombolysis Trialists' (STT) meta-analysis of randomised trials of alteplase versus placebo (or untreated control) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. We prespecified assessment of three classifications of intracerebral haemorrhage: type 2 parenchymal haemorrhage within 7 days; Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke Monitoring Study's (SITS-MOST) haemorrhage within 24-36 h (type 2 parenchymal haemorrhage with a deterioration of at least 4 points on National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]); and fatal intracerebral haemorrhage within 7 days. We used logistic regression, stratified by trial, to model the log odds of intracerebral haemorrhage on allocation to alteplase, treatment delay, age, and stroke severity. We did exploratory analyses to assess mortality after intracerebral haemorrhage and examine the absolute risks of intracerebral haemorrhage in the context of functional outcome at 90-180 days. Data were available from 6756 participants in the nine trials of intravenous alteplase versus control. Alteplase increased the odds of type 2 parenchymal haemorrhage (occurring in 231 [6·8%] of 3391 patients allocated alteplase vs 44 [1·3%] of 3365 patients allocated control; odds ratio [OR] 5·55 [95% CI 4·01-7·70]; absolute excess 5·5% [4·6-6·4]); of SITS-MOST haemorrhage (124 [3·7%] of 3391 vs 19 [0·6%] of 3365; OR 6·67 [4·11-10·84]; absolute excess 3·1% [2·4-3·8]); and of fatal intracerebral haemorrhage (91 [2·7%] of 3391 vs 13 [0·4%] of 3365; OR 7·14 [3·98-12·79]; absolute excess 2·3% [1·7-2·9]). However defined, the proportional increase in intracerebral haemorrhage was similar irrespective of treatment delay, age, or baseline stroke severity, but the absolute excess risk of intracerebral haemorrhage increased with increasing stroke severity: for SITS-MOST intracerebral haemorrhage the absolute excess risk ranged from 1·5% (0·8-2·6%) for strokes with NIHSS 0-4 to 3·7% (2·1-6·3%) for NIHSS 22 or more (p=0·0101). For patients treated within 4·5 h, the absolute increase in the proportion (6·8% [4·0% to 9·5%]) achieving a modified Rankin Scale of 0 or 1 (excellent outcome) exceeded the absolute increase in risk of fatal intracerebral haemorrhage (2·2% [1·5% to 3·0%]) and the increased risk of any death within 90 days (0·9% [-1·4% to 3·2%]). Among patients given alteplase, the net outcome is predicted both by time to treatment (with faster time increasing the proportion achieving an excellent outcome) and stroke severity (with a more severe stroke increasing the absolute risk of intracerebral haemorrhage). Although, within 4·5 h of stroke, the probability of achieving an excellent outcome with alteplase treatment exceeds the risk of death, early treatment is especially important for patients with severe stroke. UK Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation, University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adelaide stroke incidence study: declining stroke rates but many preventable cardioembolic strokes.

PubMed

Leyden, James M; Kleinig, Timothy J; Newbury, Jonathan; Castle, Sally; Cranefield, Jennifer; Anderson, Craig S; Crotty, Maria; Whitford, Deirdre; Jannes, Jim; Lee, Andrew; Greenhill, Jennene

2013-05-01

Stroke incidence rates are in flux worldwide because of evolving risk factor prevalence, risk factor control, and population aging. Adelaide Stroke Incidence Study was performed to determine the incidence of strokes and stroke subtypes in a relatively elderly population of 148 000 people in the Western suburbs of Adelaide. All suspected strokes were identified and assessed in a 12-month period from 2009 to 2010. Standard definitions for stroke and stroke fatality were used. Ischemic stroke pathogenesis was classified by the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria. There were 318 stroke events recorded in 301 individuals; 238 (75%) were first-in-lifetime events. Crude incidence rates for first-ever strokes were 161 per 100 000 per year overall (95% confidence interval [CI], 141-183), 176 for men (95% CI, 147-201), and 146 for women (95% CI, 120-176). Adjusted to the world population rates were 76 overall (95% CI, 59-94), 91 for men (95% CI, 73-112), and 61 for women (95% CI, 47-78). The 28-day case fatality rate for first-ever stroke was 19% (95% CI, 14-24); the majority were ischemic (84% [95% CI, 78-88]). Intracerebral hemorrhage comprised 11% (8-16), subarachnoid hemorrhage 3% (1-6), and 3% (1-6) were undetermined. Of the 258 ischemic strokes, 42% (95% CI, 36-49) were of cardioembolic pathogenesis. Atrial fibrillation accounted for 36% of all ischemic strokes, of which 85% were inadequately anticoagulated. Stroke incidence in Adelaide has not increased compared with previous Australian studies, despite the aging population. Cardioembolic strokes are becoming a higher proportion of all ischemic strokes.

Lifetime risk of stroke in young-aged and middle-aged Chinese population: the Chinese Multi-Provincial Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Wang, Ying; Liu, Jing; Wang, Wei; Wang, Miao; Qi, Yue; Xie, Wuxiang; Li, Yan; Sun, Jiayi; Liu, Jun; Zhao, Dong

2016-01-01

Objective: Stroke is a major cause of premature death in China. Early prevention of stroke requires a more effective method to differentiate the stroke risk among young-aged and middle-aged individuals than the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to establish a lifetime stroke risk model and risk charts for the young-aged and middle-aged population in China. Methods: The Chinese Multi-Provincial Cohort Study participants (n = 21 953) aged 35–84 years without cardiovascular disease at baseline were followed for 18 years (263 016 person-years). Modified Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the mean lifetime stroke risk up to age of 80 years and the lifetime stroke risk according to major stroke risk factors for the population aged 35–60 years. Results: A total of 917 participants developed first-ever strokes. For the participants aged 35–40 years (98 stroke cases), the lifetime stroke risk was 18.0 and 14.7% in men and women, respectively. Blood pressure most effectively discriminated the lifetime stroke risk. The lifetime risk of stroke for the individuals with all risk factors optimal was 8–10 times lower compared with those with two or more high risk factors at age 35–60 years at baseline. Conclusion: In young-aged and middle-aged population, the lifetime stroke risk will keep very low if major risk factors especially blood pressure level is at optimal levels, but the risk substantially increases even with a slight elevation of major risk factors, which could not be identified using 10-year risk estimation. PMID:27512963

Stroke risks and patterns of warfarin therapy among atrial fibrillation patients post radiofrequency ablation: A real-world experience.

PubMed

Zhang, Juan; Liu, Xingpeng; Liu, Xiaoqing; Yin, Xiandong; Wang, Yanjiang; Lu, Xiaoying; Yang, Xinchun

2017-11-01

We assessed the thromboembolic risks of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who had undergone radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using the CHADS2-VASc risk scoring system and further investigated the patterns of warfarin use for thromboprophylaxis according to patient thromboembolic risk scores.In this study, we analyzed the stroke risks of patients who had undergone RFA for AF at our hospital between March 2014 and June 2016 using the CHADS2, CHADS2-VASc, and Hypertension, Abnormal renal/liver function, Stroke, Bleeding history or predisposition, Labile international normalized ratio, Elderly (> 65 years) (HAS-BLED) scoring systems. We retrieved medications, co-morbidities, and initial warfarin dosage data. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients initiated with warfarin therapy for stroke prophylaxis in AF who had a CHADS2-VASc score of 0.Totally, 309 patients were initiated with warfarin therapy for stroke prophylaxis in AF post-RFA. The baseline warfarin dosage was 2.76 ± 0.61 mg. The baseline CHADS2-VASC score was 2.93 ± 1.96 and 40 (12.95%) had a CHADS2-VASC score of 0, 42 (13.6%) had a CHADS2-VASCscore of 1, and 227 (73.5%) had a CHADS2-VASC score ≥2. The baseline CHADS2 score was 2.17 ± 1.55 and 48 (15.5%) had a CHADS2 score of 0, 68 (22.0%) had a CHADS2 score of 1, and 193 (62.5%) had a CHADS2 score ≥2. The baseline HAS-BLED score was 1.25 ± 0.91 and 69 (22.3%) had a HAS-BLED score of 0, 121 (39.2%) had a HAS-BLED score of 1, and 119 (38.5%) had a HAS-BLED score ≥2. Patients aged <65 years or 65 years, male and female patients, patients with or without hypertension, coronary heart disease, or diabetes mellitus, and patients with or without previous stroke/transient ischemic attack differed significantly in stroke risks by CHADS2-VASC, CHADS2, and HAS-BLED scores for stroke risks. Patients with different baseline international normalized ratio differed significantly in CHADS2-VASC scores. Furthermore, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and statins were of statistical significance for stroke risks.The majority of AF patients post-RFAs was of high stroke risk and received warfarin thromboprophylaxis in accordance with national guidelines. Our findings suggest that low and intermediate stroke risk patients should be evaluated for stroke risks and risk factors so that tailored warfarin thromboprophylaxis therapy can be given and inappropriate use of warfarin in AF patients can be avoided. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

The poor outcome of ischemic stroke in very old people: a cohort study of its determinants.

PubMed

Denti, Licia; Scoditti, Umberto; Tonelli, Claudio; Saccavini, Marsilio; Caminiti, Caterina; Valcavi, Rita; Benatti, Mario; Ceda, Gian Paolo

2010-01-01

To assess how much of the excess risk of poor outcome from stroke in people aged 80 and older aging per se explains, independent of other prognostic determinants. Cohort, observational. University hospital. One thousand five hundred fifty-five patients with first-ever ischemic stroke consecutively referred to an in-hospital Clinical Pathway program were studied. The relationship between age and 1-month outcome (death, disability (modified Rankin Scale 3-5), and poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale 3-6)) was assessed, with adjustment for several prognostic factors. Six hundred twelve patients aged 80 and older showed worse outcome after 1 month than those who were younger, in terms of mortality (19% vs 5%, hazard ratio (HR)=3.85, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.8-5.4) and disability (51% vs 33%, odds ratio (OR)=3.16, 95% CI=2.5-4.0), although in multivariate models, the adjusted HR for mortality decreased to 1.47 (95% CI=1.0-2.16) and the ORs for disability and poor outcome decreased to 1.76 (95% CI=1.32-2.3.) and 1.83 (95% CI=137-2.43), respectively. Stroke severity, the occurrence of at least one medical complication, and premorbid disability explained most of the risk excess in the oldest-old. Stroke outcome is definitely worse in very old people, and most of the excess risk of death and disability is attributable to the higher occurrences of the most-severe clinical stroke syndromes and of medical complications in the acute phase. These represent potential targets for preventive and therapeutical strategies specifically for elderly people.

Self-report of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or stroke symptoms and risk of future stroke in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study

PubMed Central

Judd, Suzanne E; Kleindorfer, Dawn O; McClure, Leslie A; Rhodes, J. David; Howard, George; Cushman, Mary; Howard, Virginia J.

2013-01-01

Background and Purpose History of stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) are documented risk factors for subsequent stroke and all-cause mortality. Recent reports suggest increased risk among those reporting stroke symptoms absent stroke or TIA. However, the relative magnitude of increased stroke risk has not been described across the symptomatic spectrum: 1) asymptomatic (Asx), 2) stroke symptoms only (SS), 3) TIA, 4) stroke in the distant past (DS), and 5) recent stroke (RS). Methods Between 2003–2007 the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study enrolled 30,239 black and white Americans aged 45+. DS and RS were defined as self-report of physician diagnosis of stroke >5 or <5 years before baseline, respectively. SS was defined as a history of any of six sudden onset stroke symptoms absent TIA/stroke diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier and proportional hazards analysis were used to contrast stroke risk differences. Results Over 5.0 ± 1.72 years of follow up, 737 strokes were validated. Compared to Asx persons, those with SS, TIA, DS and RS all had increased risk of future stroke. After adjustment for age, race, sex, income, education, alcohol intake, current smoking, and a history of diabetes, hypertension, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, and dyslipidemia, there was 1.20-fold (not statistically significant) increased stroke risk for SS (95% CI 0.96, 1.51), 1.73-fold for TIA (95% CI 1.27, 2.36), 2.23-fold for DS (95% CI 1.61, 3.09) and 2.85-fold for RS (95% CI 2.16, 3.76). Discussion Results suggest a spectrum of risk from stroke symptoms to TIA, distant stroke, and recent stroke, and imply a need for establishing these categories in health screenings to manage risk for future stroke, reinforcing the clinical importance of stroke history including the presence of stroke symptoms. PMID:23233382

The ankle-foot orthosis improves balance and reduces fall risk of chronic spastic hemiparetic patients.

PubMed

Cakar, E; Durmus, O; Tekin, L; Dincer, U; Kiralp, M Z

2010-09-01

Ankle foot orthoses (AFO) are commonly used orthotic device in order to restore the ankle foot function and to improve the balance and gait in post-stroke hemiparetic patients. However, there remain some discussions about their effectiveness on long term hemiparetic patients who had mild to moderate spasticity. To investigate the relative effect of prefabricated thermoplastic posterior leaf spring AFO (PLS-AFO) on balance and fall risk. A cross-over interventional study The Department of PMR of a tertiary hospital. Twenty-five chronic post-stroke long duration hemiparetic patients who had Ashworth grade 1-2 spasticity at affected calf muscles and lower limb Brunnstrom stage 2-3 and also able to walk independently without an assistive device. Berg Balance Scale (BERG), and the postural stability test (PST) and the fall risk test (FRT) of Biodex balance systems were used for the assessments. All of the patients were assessed with AFO and without AFO. All assessments were made with footwear. The mean post-stroke duration was 20,32±7,46 months. The BERG scores were 42,12±9,05 without AFO and 47,52±7,77 with AFO; the overall stability scores of FRT were 3,35±1,97 without AFO and 2,69±1,65 with AFO (P<0,001). It was found that the prefabricated thermoplastic PLS-AFO improve balance and provide fall risk reduction in chronic post-stroke ambulatory hemiparetic patients who had mild to moderate spasticity on their affected lower limb. These results encourage the usage of AFO on long duration hemiparetic patients in order to provide better balance and lesser fall risk.

Effect of Hemodynamics on Stroke Risk in Symptomatic Atherosclerotic Vertebrobasilar Occlusive Disease.

PubMed

Amin-Hanjani, Sepideh; Pandey, Dilip K; Rose-Finnell, Linda; Du, Xinjian; Richardson, DeJuran; Thulborn, Keith R; Elkind, Mitchell S V; Zipfel, Gregory J; Liebeskind, David S; Silver, Frank L; Kasner, Scott E; Aletich, Victor A; Caplan, Louis R; Derdeyn, Colin P; Gorelick, Philip B; Charbel, Fady T

2016-02-01

Atherosclerotic vertebrobasilar (VB) occlusive disease is a significant etiology of posterior circulation stroke, with regional hypoperfusion as an important potential contributor to stroke risk. To test the hypothesis that, among patients with symptomatic VB stenosis or occlusion, those with distal blood flow compromise as measured by large-vessel quantitative magnetic resonance angiography (QMRA) are at higher risk of subsequent posterior circulation stroke. A prospective, blinded, longitudinal cohort study was conducted at 5 academic hospital-based centers in the United States and Canada; 82 patients from inpatient and outpatient settings were enrolled. Participants with recent VB transient ischemic attack or stroke and 50% or more atherosclerotic stenosis or occlusion in vertebral and/or basilar arteries underwent large-vessel flow measurement in the VB territory using QMRA. Physicians performing follow-up assessments were blinded to QMRA flow status. Follow-up included monthly telephone calls for 12 months and biannual clinical visits (for a minimum of 12 months, and up to 24 months or the final visit). Enrollment took place from July 1, 2008, to July 31, 2013, with study completion on June 30, 2014; data analysis was performed from October 1, 2014, to April 10, 2015. Standard medical management of stroke risk factors. The primary outcome was VB-territory stroke. Of the 82 enrolled patients, 72 remained eligible after central review of their angiograms. Sixty-nine of 72 patients completed the minimum 12-month follow-up; median follow-up was 23 (interquartile range, 14-25) months. Distal flow status was low in 18 of the 72 participants (25%) included in the analysis and was significantly associated with risk for a subsequent VB stroke (P = .04), with 12- and 24-month event-free survival rates of 78% and 70%, respectively, in the low-flow group vs 96% and 87%, respectively, in the normal-flow group. The hazard ratio, adjusted for age and stroke risk factors, in the low distal flow status group was 11.55 (95% CI, 1.88-71.00; P = .008). Medical risk factor management at 6-month intervals was similar between patients with low and normal distal flow. Distal flow status remained significantly associated with risk even when controlling for the degree of stenosis and location. Distal flow status determined using a noninvasive and practical imaging tool is robustly associated with risk for subsequent stroke in patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic VB occlusive disease. Identification of high-risk patients has important implications for future investigation of more aggressive interventional or medical therapies.

Challenges in assessing hospital-level stroke mortality as a quality measure: comparison of ischemic, intracerebral hemorrhage, and total stroke mortality rates.

PubMed

Xian, Ying; Holloway, Robert G; Pan, Wenqin; Peterson, Eric D

2012-06-01

Public reporting efforts currently profile hospitals based on overall stroke mortality rates, yet the "mix" of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke cases may impact this rate. Using the 2005 to 2006 New York state data, we examined the degree to which hospital stroke mortality rankings varied regarding ischemic versus hemorrhagic versus total stroke. Observed/expected ratio was calculated using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Inpatient Quality Indicator software. The observed/expected ratio and outlier status based on stroke types across hospitals were examined using Pearson correlation coefficients (r) and weighted κ. Overall 30-day stroke mortality rates were 15.2% and varied from 11.3% for ischemic stroke and 37.3% for intracerebral hemorrhage. Hospital risk-adjusted ischemic stroke observed/expected ratio was weakly correlated with its own intracerebral hemorrhage observed/expected ratio (r=0.38). When examining hospital performance group (mortality better, worse, or no different than average), disagreement was observed in 35 of 81 hospitals (κ=0.23). Total stroke mortality observed/expected ratio and rankings were correlated with intracerebral hemorrhage (r=0.61 and κ=0.36) and ischemic stroke (r=0.94 and κ=0.71), but many hospitals still switched classification depending on mortality metrics. However, hospitals treating a higher percent of hemorrhagic stroke did not have a statistically significant higher total stroke mortality rate relative to those treating fewer hemorrhagic strokes. Hospital stroke mortality ratings varied considerably depending on whether ischemic, hemorrhagic, or total stroke mortality rates were used. Public reporting of stroke mortality measures should consider providing risk-adjusted outcome on separate stroke types.

Reconstructive valve surgery within 10 days of stroke in endocarditis.

PubMed

Raman, Jai; Ballal, Apoorva; Hota, Bala; Mirza, Sara; Lai, David; Bleck, Thomas; Lateef, Omar

2016-07-01

The optimal timing of surgical treatment for infective endocarditis complicated by cerebrovascular events is controversial, largely due to the perceived risk of perioperative intracranial bleeding. Current guidelines suggest waiting 2 weeks between the diagnosis of stroke and surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and neurological outcomes of early surgery following a stroke. This was a single-center retrospective analysis of 12 consecutive patients requiring surgery for infective endocarditis between 2011 and 2014 at Rush University Medical Center, with either ischemic (n = 6) and/or hemorrhagic (n = 6) cerebrovascular complications. All underwent computed tomographic angiography prior to early valve reconstructive surgery to identify potentially actionable neurological findings. Early valve surgery was performed for ongoing sepsis or persistent emboli. Neurologic risk and outcome were assessed pre- and postoperatively using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the Glasgow Outcome Scale, respectively. All 12 patients underwent surgical treatment within 10 days of the diagnosis of stroke. Mortality in the immediate postoperative period was 8%. Eleven of the 12 patients exhibited good neurological recovery in the immediate postoperative period, with a Glasgow Outcome Scale score ≥ 3. There was no correlation between duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and neurological outcomes. Early cardiac surgery in patients with infective endocarditis and stroke maybe lifesaving with a low neurological risk. Comprehensive neurovascular imaging may help in identifying patient-related risk factors. © The Author(s) 2016.

Hematologic risk factors for stroke in Saudi children.

PubMed

Salih, Mustafa A; Abdel-Gader, Abdel-Galil M; Al-Jarallah, Ahmed A; Kentab, Amal Y; Alorainy, Ibrahim A; Hassan, Hamdy H; Bahakim, Hassan M; Kurbaan, Khadija M; Zahraa, Jihad N; Murshid, Waleed R; El-Hazmi, Mohsen A; Khoja, Waleed A

2006-03-01

To explore the hematologic risk factors for stroke in a cohort of Saudi children. We evaluated children at the Division of Pediatric Neurology at King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, during the periods July 1992 to February 2001 (retrospective study) and February 2001 to March 2003 (prospective study). Investigations for suspected cases included neuroimaging, transcranial Doppler (TCD) for cases of sickle cell disease (SCD), and Duplex scan. Hemostatic assays included coagulation screening tests, tests of thrombin generation and fibrinolysis, coagulation inhibitors, and activated protein C resistance. During the study period, 104 Saudi children (aged one month to 12 years) with stroke were seen. The mean age of the cohort was 27.1 months (SD = 39.3 months) and median was 6 months. Ischemic strokes accounted for the majority of cases (76%). A major risk factor was identified in 93 of 104 cases of stroke (89.4%). Hematologic disorders were the most common (46.2%), followed by prothrombic disorders (31.7%); microcytic hypochromic anemia (26%); sickle cell disease (SCD), or SCbeta(0)-thalassemia, (11.5%), and factor IX deficiency (2.9%). Raised anticardiolipin antibodies (13/49, 26.5%) was the most frequent abnormality. Deficiencies of the natural anticoagulants (protein S, protein C and antithrombin III) were as follows: protein S (15/70, 21.4%); protein C (15/70, 21.4%) and combined deficiency of 2 or more inhibitors (9/70, 12.9%). Activated protein C resistance has not been detected. Contrary to the findings of previous studies from Saudi Arabia, SCD is a common risk factor and is severe, as it resulted in multiple strokes. Moyamoya syndrome was diagnosed in 2 patients with SCD, one of whom had revascularization surgery (encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis). Assessment of children with SCD at risk of stroke was helped by the introduction of TCD followed by neuroimaging, using MRI and magnetic resonance angiography. The study strongly highlights the importance of prothrombotic disorders and the severe phenotype of SCD as risk factors for stroke in Saudi children.

Longitudinal Change of Perceived Salt Intake and Stroke Risk in a Chinese Population.

PubMed

Li, Yun; Huang, Zhe; Jin, Cheng; Xing, Aijun; Liu, Yesong; Huangfu, Chunmei; Lichtenstein, Alice H; Tucker, Katherine L; Wu, Shouling; Gao, Xiang

2018-06-01

Data for a relationship between salt intake and stroke have been inconsistent. This inconstancy could be because of the majority of studies evaluated salt intake at a single time point, which may be insufficient to accurately characterize salt intake throughout the observation period. Included were 77 605 participants from the Kailuan study. We assessed perceived salt intake via questionnaire in 2006, 2008, and 2010. Salt intake trajectories from 2006 to 2010 were identified using latent mixture models. Incident stroke cases were identified from 2010 to 2015 and confirmed by review of medical records. Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the association between salt intake trajectories and stroke risk after adjusting for possible confounders, including age, sex, lifestyle, social economic status, body mass index, use of medicines, blood pressure, and lipoprotein profiles. Identified were 5 distinct salt intake trajectories: moderate-stable (n=59 241), moderate-decreasing (n=9268), moderate-increasing (n=2975), low-increasing (n=2879), and high-decreasing (n=3242). During the 5-year follow-up period, there were 1564 incident strokes cases. Compared with individuals with the moderate-stable salt intake trajectory, individuals with moderate-decreasing salt intake trajectory had significantly lower cerebral infarction stroke risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.92) but not intracerebral hemorrhage risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-1.29). Further adjustment for 2006 or 2010 perceived salt intakes generated similar results. When baseline perceived salt intake only was used as the exposure, a significant dose-response relationship between higher perceived salt intake and higher stroke risk was observed ( P trend=0.006). Change in salt intake was associated with the stroke risk. These data support the dietary recommendation to the reduction of salt intake. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

Addition of 24-Hour Heart Rate Variability Parameters to the Cardiovascular Health Study Stroke Risk Score and Prediction of Incident Stroke: The Cardiovascular Health Study.

PubMed

Bodapati, Rohan K; Kizer, Jorge R; Kop, Willem J; Kamel, Hooman; Stein, Phyllis K

2017-07-21

Heart rate variability (HRV) characterizes cardiac autonomic functioning. The association of HRV with stroke is uncertain. We examined whether 24-hour HRV added predictive value to the Cardiovascular Health Study clinical stroke risk score (CHS-SCORE), previously developed at the baseline examination. N=884 stroke-free CHS participants (age 75.3±4.6), with 24-hour Holters adequate for HRV analysis at the 1994-1995 examination, had 68 strokes over ≤8 year follow-up (median 7.3 [interquartile range 7.1-7.6] years). The value of adding HRV to the CHS-SCORE was assessed with stepwise Cox regression analysis. The CHS-SCORE predicted incident stroke (HR=1.06 per unit increment, P =0.005). Two HRV parameters, decreased coefficient of variance of NN intervals (CV%, P =0.031) and decreased power law slope (SLOPE, P =0.033) also entered the model, but these did not significantly improve the c-statistic ( P =0.47). In a secondary analysis, dichotomization of CV% (LOWCV% ≤12.8%) was found to maximally stratify higher-risk participants after adjustment for CHS-SCORE. Similarly, dichotomizing SLOPE (LOWSLOPE <-1.4) maximally stratified higher-risk participants. When these HRV categories were combined (eg, HIGHCV% with HIGHSLOPE), the c-statistic for the model with the CHS-SCORE and combined HRV categories was 0.68, significantly higher than 0.61 for the CHS-SCORE alone ( P =0.02). In this sample of older adults, 2 HRV parameters, CV% and power law slope, emerged as significantly associated with incident stroke when added to a validated clinical risk score. After each parameter was dichotomized based on its optimal cut point in this sample, their composite significantly improved prediction of incident stroke during ≤8-year follow-up. These findings will require validation in separate, larger cohorts. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Association of ischemic stroke, hormone therapy, and right to left shunt in postmenopausal women.

PubMed

Greep, Nancy C; Liebeskind, David S; Gevorgyan, Rubine; Truong, Tam; Cua, Bennett; Tseng, Chi-Hong; Dodick, David W; Demaerschalk, Bart M; Thaler, David E; Tobis, Jonathan M

2014-09-01

Postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) increases the risk of venous thrombosis and ischemic stroke. We postulated that HT might increase the risk of ischemic stroke by promoting venous clots that travel to the brain through a right to left shunt (RLS). A total of 2,389 records were studied. After eliminating the premenopausal patients, and those with TIAs and non-ischemic strokes, the medical records of 1846 postmenopausal women hospitalized at four institutions for ischemic stroke were reviewed to identify those who had undergone an adequate study to assess for RLS. The proportion of women with a shunt in users and non-users of HT was compared in stroke patients and in a reference population consisting of postmenopausal women undergoing elective cardiac catheterization. There were 363 (20%) records that had complete data and were included in the analysis. A shunt was more prevalent in patients with a cryptogenic stroke than in patients with a stroke of known cause (55/88 (63%) vs. 53/275 (19%), P < 0.001). In patients with a stroke of known cause, the frequency of a shunt was similar to that in reference women 31/136 (23%), and the proportion of women with a shunt was similar in non-users and current users of HT (14% vs. 20%, P = 0.40). However, among patients with a cryptogenic stroke, the prevalence of a shunt was 1.5 times higher in current users than non-users of HT (82% vs. 56%, P = 0.04). Approximately 23% of older women have a RLS. HT in these women may increase the risk of ischemic stroke by promoting paradoxical embolism. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Stroke Risk Factors and Symptoms

MedlinePlus

... » [ pdf, 433 kb ] Order Materials » Stroke Risk Factors and Symptoms Risk Factors for a Stroke Stroke prevention is still ... it. Treatment can delay complications that increase the risk of stroke. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Seek help. ...

Contribution of Established Stroke Risk Factors to the Burden of Stroke in Young Adults.

PubMed

Aigner, Annette; Grittner, Ulrike; Rolfs, Arndt; Norrving, Bo; Siegerink, Bob; Busch, Markus A

2017-07-01

As stroke in young adults is assumed to have different etiologies and risk factors than in older populations, the aim of this study was to examine the contribution of established potentially modifiable cardiovascular risk factors to the burden of stroke in young adults. A German nationwide case-control study based on patients enrolled in the SIFAP1 study (Stroke In Young Fabry Patients) 2007 to 2010 and controls from the population-based GEDA study (German Health Update) 2009 to 2010 was performed. Cases were 2125 consecutive patients aged 18 to 55 years with acute first-ever stroke from 26 clinical stroke centers; controls (age- and sex-matched, n=8500, without previous stroke) were from a nationwide community sample. Adjusted population-attributable risks of 8 risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, smoking, heavy episodic alcohol consumption, low physical activity, and obesity) and their combinations for all stroke, ischemic stroke, and primary intracerebral hemorrhage were calculated. Low physical activity and hypertension were the most important risk factors, accounting for 59.7% (95% confidence interval, 56.3-63.2) and 27.1% (95% confidence interval, 23.6-30.6) of all strokes, respectively. All 8 risk factors combined explained 78.9% (95% confidence interval, 76.3-81.4) of all strokes. Population-attributable risks of all risk factors were similar for all ischemic stroke subtypes. Population-attributable risks of most risk factors were higher in older age groups and in men. Modifiable risk factors previously established in older populations also account for a large part of stroke in younger adults, with 4 risk factors explaining almost 80% of stroke risk. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00414583. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Quality of life after lacunar stroke: the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes study.

PubMed

Dhamoon, Mandip S; McClure, Leslie A; White, Carole L; Lau, Helena; Benavente, Oscar; Elkind, Mitchell S V

2014-01-01

We sought to describe the course and predictors of quality of life (QOL) after lacunar stroke. We hypothesized that there is a decline in QOL after recovery from lacunar stroke. The Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes is a clinical trial in lacunar stroke patients with annual assessments of QOL with the stroke-specific QOL score. The overall score was used and analyzed as a continuous variable (range 0-5). We fit linear mixed models to assess the trend in QOL over time, assuming linearity of time, and adjusted for demographics, medical risk factors, cognitive factors, and functional status in univariable and multivariable models. Among 2870 participants, mean age was 63.4 years (SD 10.7), 63% were men, 51% White, 32% Hispanic, 36% had college education, 36% had diabetes, 89% had hypertension, and 10% had prior stroke. Mean poststroke Barthel Index (BI) score was 95.4 (assessed on average 6 months after stroke). In the final multivariable model, there was an average increase in QOL of .6% per year, and factors associated with decline in QOL over time included age (-.0003 per year, P < .0001), any college education (-.0013 per year, .01), prior stroke (-.004 per year, P < .0001), and BI (-.0002 per year, P < .0001). In this clinical trial of lacunar stroke patients, there was a slight annual increase in QOL overall, and age, level of education, and prior stroke were associated with changes in QOL over time. Multiple strokes may cause decline in QOL over time in the absence of recurrent events. Copyright © 2014 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Risk scores and geriatric profile: can they really help us in anticoagulation decision making among older patients suffering from atrial fibrillation?

PubMed

Maes, Frédéric; Dalleur, Olivia; Henrard, Séverine; Wouters, Dominique; Scavée, Christophe; Spinewine, Anne; Boland, Benoit

2014-01-01

Anticoagulation for the prevention of cardio-embolism is most frequently indicated but largely underused in frail older patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed at identifying characteristics associated with anticoagulation underuse. A cross-sectional study of consecutive geriatric patients aged ≥75 years, with AF and clear anticoagulation indication (CHADS₂ [Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age >75, Diabetes mellitus, and prior Stroke or transient ischemic attack] ≥2) upon hospital admission. All patients benefited from a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Their risks of stroke and bleeding were predicted using CHADS₂ and HEMORR2HAGES (Hepatic or renal disease, Ethanol abuse, Malignancy, Older (age >75 years), Reduced platelet count or function, Rebleed risk, Hypertension (uncontrolled), Anemia, Genetic factors, Excessive fall risk, and Stroke) scores, respectively. Anticoagulation underuse was observed in 384 (50%) of 773 geriatric patients with AF (median age 85 years; female 57%, cognitive disorder 33%, nursing home 20%). No geriatric characteristic was found to be associated with anticoagulation underuse. Conversely, anticoagulation underuse was markedly increased in the patients treated with aspirin (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval]: 5.3 [3.8; 7.5]). Other independent predictors of anticoagulation underuse were ethanol abuse (OR: 4.0 [1.4; 13.3]) and age ≥90 years (OR: 2.0 [1.2; 3.4]). Anticoagulation underuse was not inferior in patients with a lower bleeding risk and/or a higher stroke risk and underuse was surprisingly not inferior either in the AF patients who had previously had a stroke. Half of this geriatric population did not receive any anticoagulation despite a clear indication, regardless of their individual bleeding or stroke risks. Aspirin use is the main characteristic associated with anticoagulation underuse.

Risk scores and geriatric profile: can they really help us in anticoagulation decision making among older patients suffering from atrial fibrillation?

PubMed Central

Maes, Frédéric; Dalleur, Olivia; Henrard, Séverine; Wouters, Dominique; Scavée, Christophe; Spinewine, Anne; Boland, Benoit

2014-01-01

Objectives Anticoagulation for the prevention of cardio-embolism is most frequently indicated but largely underused in frail older patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed at identifying characteristics associated with anticoagulation underuse. Methods A cross-sectional study of consecutive geriatric patients aged ≥75 years, with AF and clear anticoagulation indication (CHADS2 [Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age >75, Diabetes mellitus, and prior Stroke or transient ischemic attack] ≥2) upon hospital admission. All patients benefited from a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Their risks of stroke and bleeding were predicted using CHADS2 and HEMORR2HAGES (Hepatic or renal disease, Ethanol abuse, Malignancy, Older (age >75 years), Reduced platelet count or function, Rebleed risk, Hypertension (uncontrolled), Anemia, Genetic factors, Excessive fall risk, and Stroke) scores, respectively. Results Anticoagulation underuse was observed in 384 (50%) of 773 geriatric patients with AF (median age 85 years; female 57%, cognitive disorder 33%, nursing home 20%). No geriatric characteristic was found to be associated with anticoagulation underuse. Conversely, anticoagulation underuse was markedly increased in the patients treated with aspirin (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval]: 5.3 [3.8; 7.5]). Other independent predictors of anticoagulation underuse were ethanol abuse (OR: 4.0 [1.4; 13.3]) and age ≥90 years (OR: 2.0 [1.2; 3.4]). Anticoagulation underuse was not inferior in patients with a lower bleeding risk and/or a higher stroke risk and underuse was surprisingly not inferior either in the AF patients who had previously had a stroke. Conclusion Half of this geriatric population did not receive any anticoagulation despite a clear indication, regardless of their individual bleeding or stroke risks. Aspirin use is the main characteristic associated with anticoagulation underuse. PMID:25053883

Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal observational studies.

PubMed

Valtorta, Nicole K; Kanaan, Mona; Gilbody, Simon; Ronzi, Sara; Hanratty, Barbara

2016-07-01

The influence of social relationships on morbidity is widely accepted, but the size of the risk to cardiovascular health is unclear. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between loneliness or social isolation and incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Sixteen electronic databases were systematically searched for longitudinal studies set in high-income countries and published up until May 2015. Two independent reviewers screened studies for inclusion and extracted data. We assessed quality using a component approach and pooled data for analysis using random effects models. Of the 35 925 records retrieved, 23 papers met inclusion criteria for the narrative review. They reported data from 16 longitudinal datasets, for a total of 4628 CHD and 3002 stroke events recorded over follow-up periods ranging from 3 to 21 years. Reports of 11 CHD studies and 8 stroke studies provided data suitable for meta-analysis. Poor social relationships were associated with a 29% increase in risk of incident CHD (pooled relative risk: 1.29, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.59) and a 32% increase in risk of stroke (pooled relative risk: 1.32, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.68). Subgroup analyses did not identify any differences by gender. Our findings suggest that deficiencies in social relationships are associated with an increased risk of developing CHD and stroke. Future studies are needed to investigate whether interventions targeting loneliness and social isolation can help to prevent two of the leading causes of death and disability in high-income countries. CRD42014010225. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Adherence to dietary guidelines and cardiovascular disease risk in the EPIC-NL cohort.

PubMed

Struijk, Ellen A; May, Anne M; Wezenbeek, Nick L W; Fransen, Heidi P; Soedamah-Muthu, Sabita S; Geelen, Anouk; Boer, Jolanda M A; van der Schouw, Yvonne T; Bueno-de-Mesquita, H Bas; Beulens, Joline W J

2014-09-20

Global and national dietary guidelines have been created to lower chronic disease risk. The aim of this study was to assess whether greater adherence to the WHO guidelines (Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI)); the Dutch guidelines for a healthy diet (Dutch Healthy Diet-index (DHD-index)); and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke. A prospective cohort study was conducted among 33,671 healthy Dutch men and women aged 20-70 years recruited into the EPIC-NL study during 1993-1997. We used Cox regression adjusted for relevant confounders to estimate the hazard ratios per standard deviation increase in score and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the associations between the dietary guidelines and CVD, CHD and stroke risk. After an average follow-up of 12.2 years, 2752 CVD cases were documented, including 1630 CHD cases and 527 stroke cases. We found no association between the HDI (0.98, 95% CI 0.94; 1.02) or DHD-index (0.96, 95% CI 0.92; 1.00) and CVD incidence. Similar results were found for these guidelines and CHD or stroke incidence. Higher adherence to the DASH diet was significantly associated with a lower CVD (0.92, 95% CI 0.89; 0.96), CHD (0.91, 95% CI 0.86; 0.95), and stroke (0.90, 95% CI 0.82; 0.99) risk. The HDI and the DHD-index were not associated with CVD risk, while the DASH diet was significantly associated with a lower risk of developing CVD, CHD and stroke. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Self-report of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or stroke symptoms and risk of future stroke in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study.

PubMed

Judd, Suzanne E; Kleindorfer, Dawn O; McClure, Leslie A; Rhodes, J David; Howard, George; Cushman, Mary; Howard, Virginia J

2013-01-01

History of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) are documented risk factors for subsequent stroke and all-cause mortality. Recent reports suggest increased risk among those reporting stroke symptoms absent stroke or TIA. However, the relative magnitude of increased stroke risk has not been described across the symptomatic spectrum: (1) asymptomatic, (2) stroke symptoms (SS) only, (3) TIA, (4) distant stroke (DS), and (5) recent stroke (RS). Between 2003 and 2007, the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study enrolled 30 239 black and white Americans ≥45 years of age. DS and RS were defined as self-report of physician diagnosis of stroke >5 or <5 years before baseline, respectively. SS was defined as a history of any of 6 sudden onset stroke symptoms absent TIA/stroke diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier and proportional hazards analysis were used to contrast stroke risk differences. Over 5.0±1.72 years of follow-up, 737 strokes were validated. Compared with asymptomatic persons, those with SS, TIA, DS, and RS all had increased risk of future stroke. After adjustment for age, race, sex, income, education, alcohol intake, current smoking, and a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, and dyslipidemia, there was 1.20-fold (not statistically significant) increased stroke risk for SS (95% CI, 0.96-1.51), 1.73-fold for TIA (95% CI, 1.27-2.36), 2.23-fold for DS (95% CI, 1.61- 3.09), and 2.85-fold for RS (95% CI, 2.16-3.76). Results suggest a spectrum of risk from stroke symptoms to TIA, DS, and RS, and imply a need for establishing these categories in health screenings to manage risk for future stroke, reinforcing the clinical importance of stroke history including the presence of stroke symptoms.

A cross-sectional observational study comparing foot and ankle characteristics in people with stroke and healthy controls.

PubMed

Kunkel, Dorit; Potter, Julia; Mamode, Louis

2017-06-01

The purpose of this study was to explore and compare foot and ankle characteristics in people with stroke and healthy controls; and between stroke fallers and non-fallers. Participants were recruited from community groups and completed standardized tests assessing sensation, foot posture, foot function, ankle dorsiflexion and first metatarsal phalangeal joint range of motion (1st MPJ ROM), hallux valgus presence and severity. Twenty-three stroke participants (mean age 75.09 ± 7.57 years; 12 fallers) and 16 controls (mean age 73.44 ± 8.35 years) took part. Within the stroke group, reduced 1st MPJ sensation (p = 0.016) and 1st MPJ ROM (p = 0.025) were observed in the affected foot in comparison to the non-affected foot; no other differences were apparent. Pooled data (for both feet) was used to explore between stroke/control (n = 78 feet) and stroke faller/non-faller (n = 46 feet) group differences. In comparison to the control group, stroke participants exhibited reduced sensation of the 1st MPJ (p = 0.020), higher Foot Posture Index scores (indicating greater foot pronation, p = 0.008) and reduced foot function (p = 0.003). Stroke fallers exhibited significantly greater foot pronation in comparison to non-fallers (p = 0.027). Results indicated differences in foot and ankle characteristics post stroke in comparison to healthy controls. These changes may negatively impact functional ability and the ability to preserve balance. Further research is warranted to explore the influence of foot problems on balance ability and falls in people with stroke. Implications for Rehabilitation Foot problems are common post stroke. As foot problems have been linked to increased fall risk among the general population we recommend that it would be beneficial to include foot and ankle assessments or a referral to a podiatrist for people with stroke who report foot problems. Further research is needed to explore if we can improve functional performance post stroke and reduce fall risk if treatment or prevention of foot problems can be included in stroke rehabilitation.

Endothelial dysfunction, vascular disease and stroke: the ARTICO study.

PubMed

Roquer, J; Segura, T; Serena, J; Castillo, J

2009-01-01

Endothelial dysfunction is a fundamental step in the atherosclerotic disease process. Its presence is a risk factor for the development of clinical events, and may represent a marker of atherothrombotic burden. Also, endothelial dysfunction contributes to enhanced plaque vulnerability, may trigger plaque rupture, and favors thrombus formation. The assessment of endothelial vasomotion is a useful marker of atherosclerotic vascular disease. There are different methods to assess endothelial function: endothelium-dependent vasodilatation brachial flow-mediated dilation, cerebrovascular reactivity to L-arginine, and the determination of some biomarkers such as microalbuminuria, platelet function, and C-reactive protein. Endothelial dysfunction has been observed in stroke patients and has been related to stroke physiopathology, stroke subtypes, clinical severity and outcome. Resting ankle-brachial index (ABI) is also considered an indicator of generalized atherosclerosis, and a low ABI is associated with an increase in stroke incidence in the elderly. Despite all these data, there are no studies analyzing the predictive value of ABI for new cardiovascular events in patients after suffering an acute ischemic stroke. ARTICO is an ongoing prospective, observational, multicenter study being performed in 50 Spanish hospitals. The aim of the ARTICO study is to evaluate the prognostic value of a pathological ABI (

Atrial Septal Aneurysm and Patent Foramen Ovale as Risk Factors for Cryptogenic Stroke in Patients Less Than 55 Years of Age: A Study using Transesophageal Echocardiography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cabanes, L.; Mas, J. L.; Cohen, A.; Amarenco, P.; Cabanes, P. A.; Oubary, P.; Chedru, F.; Guerin, F.; Bousser, M. G.; deRecondo, J.

1993-01-01

Background and Purpose: An association between atrial septal aneurysm and embolic events has been suggested. Atrial septal aneurysm has been shown to be associated with patent foramen ovale and,.in some reports, with mitral valve prolapse. These two latter cardiac disorder; have been identified as potential risk factors for ischemic stroke. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the role of atrial septal aneurysm as an independent risk factor for stroke, especially for cryptogenic stroke. Methods: We studied the prevalence of atrial septal aneurysm, patent foramen ovale, and mitral valve prolapse in 100 consecutive patients <55 years of age with ischemic stroke who underwent extensive etiological investigations. We compared these results with those in a control group of 50 consecutive patients. The diagnosis of atrial septal aneurysm and patent foramen ovale relied on transesophageal echocardiography with a contrast study and that of mitral valve prolapse, on two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. Results: Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that atrial septal aneurysm (odds ratio, 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 14.6; P=.01) and patent foramen ovale (odds ratio, 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 10; P=.003) but not mitral valve prolapse were significantly associated with the diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke. The stroke odds of a patient with both atrial septal aneurysm and patent foramen ovale were 33.3 times (95% confidence interval, 4.1 to 270) the stroke odds of a patient with neither of these cardiac disorders. For a patient with atrial septal aneurysm of >lo-mm excursion, the stroke odds were approximately 8 times the stroke odds of a patient with atrial septal aneurysm of <10 mm. Conclusions: This study shows that atrial septal aneurysm and patent foramen ovale are both significantly associated with cryptogenic stroke and that their association has a marked synergistic effect. Atrial septal aneurysms of >lo-mm excursion are associated with a higher risk of stroke. (Stroke. 1993;24:1865-1873.) KEY WORDS aneurysm echocardiography foramen ovale, patent mitral valve prolapse o young adults

Self-Reported Stroke Symptoms Without a Prior Diagnosis of Stroke or TIA: A Powerful New Risk Factor for Stroke

PubMed Central

Kleindorfer, Dawn; Judd, Suzanne; Howard, Virginia J.; McClure, Leslie; Safford, Monika M.; Cushman, Mary; Rhodes, David; Howard, George

2011-01-01

Background and Purpose Previously in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort, we found 18% of the stroke/TIA-free study population reported ≥ 1 stroke symptom (SS) at baseline. We sought to evaluate the additional impact of these stroke symptoms (SS) on risk for subsequent stroke. Methods REGARDS recruited 30,239 U.S. blacks and whites, aged 45+ in 2003–7, who are being followed every 6 months for events. All stroke events are physician-verified; those with prior diagnosed stroke or TIA are excluded from this analysis. At baseline, participants were asked six questions regarding stroke symptoms. Measured stroke risk factors were components of the Framingham Stroke Risk Score (FSRS). Results After excluding those with prior stroke or missing data, there were 24,412 participants in this analysis, with a median follow-up of 4.4 years. Participants were 39% black, 55% female, and had median age of 64 years. There were 381 physician-verified stroke events. The FSRS explained 72.0% of stroke risk; individual components explained between 0.2% (LVH) and 5.7% (age + race) of stroke risk. After adjustment for FSRS factors, SS were significantly related to stroke risk: for each SS reported, the risk of stroke increased by 21% per symptom. Discussion Among participants without self-reported stroke or TIA, prior SS are highly predictive of future stroke events. Compared to FSRS factors, the impact of SS on the prediction of future stroke was almost as large as the impact of smoking and hypertension, and larger than the impact of diabetes and heart disease. PMID:21921283

Poststroke Depression: Social Workers' Role in Addressing an Underrecognized Psychological Problem for Couples Who Have Experienced Stroke

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCarthy, Michael J.; Powers, Laurie E.; Lyons, Karen S.

2011-01-01

Depression is the most common psychological challenge faced by many individuals and families following stroke. Fortunately, poststroke depression is treatable, and even preventable, if social work and other rehabilitation practitioners understand the most common risk factors and become familiar with measures for assessing for depression among…

Child-Mediated Stroke Communication: findings from Hip Hop Stroke.

PubMed

Williams, Olajide; DeSorbo, Alexandra; Noble, James; Gerin, William

2012-01-01

Low thrombolysis rates for acute ischemic stroke are linked to delays in seeking immediate treatment due to low public stroke awareness. We aimed to assess whether "Child-Mediated Stroke Communication" could improve stroke literacy of parents of children enrolled in a school-based stroke literacy program called Hip Hop Stroke. Parents of children aged 9 to 12 years from 2 public schools in Harlem, New York City, were recruited to participate in stroke literacy questionnaires before and after their child's participation in Hip Hop Stroke, a novel Child-Mediated Stroke Communication intervention delivered in school auditoriums. Parental recall of stroke information communicated through their child was assessed 1-week after the intervention. Fifth and sixth grade students (n=182) were enrolled into Hip Hop Stroke. One hundred two parents were approached in person to participate; 75 opted to participate and 71 completed both the pretest and post-test (74% response rate and 95% retention rate). Parental stroke literacy improved after the program; before the program, 3 parents of 75 (3.9%) were able to identify the 5 cardinal stroke symptoms, distracting symptom (chest pains), and had an urgent action plan (calling 911) compared with 21 of 71 parents (29.6%) postintervention (P<0.001). The FAST mnemonic was known by 2 (2.7%) of participants before the program versus 29 (41%) after program completion (P<0.001). Knowledge of stroke signs and symptoms remains low among residents of this high-risk population. The use of Child-Mediated Stroke Communication suggests that school children aged 9 to 12 years may be effective conduits of critical stroke knowledge to their parents.

The Use of Major Risk Factors for Computer-Based Distinction of Diabetic Patients with Ischemic Stroke and Without Stroke

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-25

THE USE of MAJOR RISK FACTORS for COMPUTER-BASED DISTINCTION of DIABETIC PATIENTS with ISCHEMIC STROKE and WITHOUT STROKE Sibel Oge Merey1...highlighting the major risk factors of diabetic patients with non-embolic stroke and without stroke by performing dependency analysis and decision making...of Major Risk Factors for Computer-Based Distinction of Diabetic Patients with Ischemic Stroke and Without Stroke Contract Number Grant Number

Is the long-term prognosis of transient ischemic attack or minor ischemic stroke affected by the occurrence of nonfocal symptoms?

PubMed

Compter, Annette; van der Worp, H Bart; van Gijn, Jan; Kappelle, L Jaap; Koudstaal, Peter J; Algra, Ale

2014-05-01

In patients with a transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke, nonfocal neurological symptoms, such as confusion and nonrotatory dizziness, may be associated with a higher risk of vascular events. We assessed the relationship between nonfocal symptoms and the long-term risk of vascular events or death in patients with a transient ischemic attack or minor ischemic stroke. We related initial symptoms with outcome events in 2409 patients with a transient ischemic attack (n=723) or minor ischemic stroke (n=1686), included in the Life Long After Cerebral ischemia cohort. All patients underwent a standardized interview on the occurrence of focal and nonfocal neurological symptoms during the qualifying event. The primary outcome was the composite of any stroke, myocardial infarction, or vascular death. Secondary outcomes were all-cause death, vascular death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Hazard ratios were calculated with Cox regression. Focal symptoms were accompanied by nonfocal symptoms in 739 (31%) patients. During a mean follow-up of 10.1 years, the primary outcome occurred in 1313 (55%) patients. There was no difference in the risk of the primary outcome between patients with both focal and nonfocal symptoms and patients with focal symptoms alone (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.86-1.09; P=0.60). The risk of each of the secondary outcomes was also similar in both groups. About one third of the patients with a transient ischemic attack or minor ischemic stroke has both focal and nonfocal neurological symptoms. Nonfocal symptoms are not associated with an increased long-term risk of vascular events or death. This trial was not registered because enrollment began before July 1, 2005.

Emergency Physician Attitudes, Preferences, and Risk Tolerance for Stroke as a Potential Cause of Dizziness Symptoms

PubMed Central

Kene, Mamata V.; Ballard, Dustin W.; Vinson, David R.; Rauchwerger, Adina S.; Iskin, Hilary R.; Kim, Anthony S.

2015-01-01

Introduction We evaluated emergency physicians’ (EP) current perceptions, practice, and attitudes towards evaluating stroke as a cause of dizziness among emergency department patients. Methods We administered a survey to all EPs in a large integrated healthcare delivery system. The survey included clinical vignettes, perceived utility of historical and exam elements, attitudes about the value of and requisite post-test probability of a clinical prediction rule for dizziness. We calculated descriptive statistics and post-test probabilities for such a clinical prediction rule. Results The response rate was 68% (366/535). Respondents’ median practice tenure was eight years (37% female, 92% emergency medicine board certified). Symptom quality and typical vascular risk factors increased suspicion for stroke as a cause of dizziness. Most respondents reported obtaining head computed tomography (CT) (74%). Nearly all respondents used and felt confident using cranial nerve and limb strength testing. A substantial minority of EPs used the Epley maneuver (49%) and HINTS (head-thrust test, gaze-evoked nystagmus, and skew deviation) testing (30%); however, few EPs reported confidence in these tests’ bedside application (35% and 16%, respectively). Respondents favorably viewed applying a properly validated clinical prediction rule for assessment of immediate and 30-day stroke risk, but indicated it would have to reduce stroke risk to <0.5% to be clinically useful. Conclusion EPs report relying on symptom quality, vascular risk factors, simple physical exam elements, and head CT to diagnose stroke as the cause of dizziness, but would find a validated clinical prediction rule for dizziness helpful. A clinical prediction rule would have to achieve a 0.5% post-test stroke probability for acceptability. PMID:26587108

Risk of Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack or Myocardial Infarction with Herpes Zoster: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Zhang, Yanting; Luo, Ganfeng; Huang, Yuanwei; Yu, Qiuyan; Wang, Li; Li, Ke

2017-08-01

Accumulating evidence indicates that herpes zoster (HZ) may increase the risk of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) or myocardial infarction (MI), but the results are inconsistent. We aim to explore the relationship between HZ and risk of stroke/TIA or MI and between herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) and stroke. We estimated the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with the meta-analysis. Cochran's Q test and Higgins I 2 statistic were used to check for heterogeneity. HZ infection was significantly associated with increased risk of stroke/TIA (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.17-1.46) or MI (RR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.07-1.30). The risk of stroke after HZO was 1.91 (95% CI 1.32-2.76), higher than that after HZ. Subgroup analyses revealed increased risk of ischemic stroke after HZ infection but not hemorrhagic stroke. The risk of stroke was increased more at 1 month after HZ infection than at 1-3 months, with a gradual reduced risk with time. The risk of stroke after HZ infection was greater with age less than 40 years than 40-59 years and more than 60 years. Risk of stroke with HZ infection was greater without treatment than with treatment and was greater in Asia than Europe and America but did not differ by sex. Our study indicated that HZ infection was associated with increased risk of stroke/TIA or MI, and HZO infection was the most marked risk factor for stroke. Further studies are needed to explore whether zoster vaccination could reduce the risk of stoke/TIA or MI. Copyright © 2017 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Antiepileptic drugs and the risk of ischaemic stroke and myocardial infarction: a population-based cohort study

PubMed Central

Renoux, Christel; Dell'Aniello, Sophie; Saarela, Olli; Filion, Kristian B; Boivin, Jean-François

2015-01-01

Objectives Hepatic enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) increase serum lipid levels and other atherogenic markers via the induction of cytochrome P450 and may therefore increase the risk of vascular events. We sought to assess the risk of ischaemic stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) according to AED enzymatic properties. Design Population-based cohort study with nested case–control analysis. Setting 650 general practices in the UK contributing to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Participants A cohort of 252 407 incident AED users aged 18 or older between January 1990 and April 2013. For each case of ischaemic stroke or MI, up to 10 controls were randomly selected among the cohort members in the risk sets defined by the case and matched on age, sex, indication for AED, calendar time and duration of follow-up. Interventions Current use of enzyme-inducing and enzyme-inhibiting AEDs compared with non-inducing AEDs. Primary outcome measures Incidence rate ratios (RRs) of ischaemic stroke and MI. Results 5069 strokes and 3636 MIs were identified during follow-up. Inducing AEDs use was associated with a small increased risk of ischaemic stroke (RR=1.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.33) relative to non-inducing AEDs, most likely due to residual confounding. However, current use of inducing AEDs for ≥24 months was associated with a 46% increased risk of MI (RR=1.46, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.85) compared with the same duration of non-inducing AED, corresponding to a risk difference of 1.39/1000 (95% CI 0.33 to 2.45) persons per year. Current use of inhibiting AED was associated with a decreased risk of MI (RR=0.81, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.00). Conclusions The use of enzyme-inducing AEDs was not associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke; a small increase of MI with prolonged use was observed. In contrast, use of inhibiting AEDs was associated with a decreased risk of MI. PMID:26270948

Can overestimation of walking ability increase the risk of falls in people in the subacute stage after stroke on their return home?

PubMed

Morone, G; Iosa, M; Pratesi, L; Paolucci, S

2014-03-01

Falls are common in patients who have had a stroke who return home after neurorehabilitation. Some studies have found that walking speed inversely correlates with the risk of falls. This study examined whether comparison between comfortable self-selected walking speed and maximum maintainable speed is informative with regard to the risk of falls in patients with stroke. A prospective cohort study was performed with 75 ambulant stroke patients. At discharge, the Barthel Index score and performance at the 10-m and 6-min walking tests were assessed. Number of falls was recorded by telephone interview every two months for one year. Regression analysis was performed to identify factors that were related to the risk of falls. Using forward multiple linear regression, only the ratio between walking speeds on the 6-min and 10-m tests was linked to the number of falls in the year after discharge (R=-0.451, p<0.001, OR=0.046). Patients who chose a walking speed for short distances that was not maintainable long term fell more frequently. A discrepancy between short and long-term walking speed can help in identifying subjects in the subacute stage after stroke with an increased risk of suffering a fall. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Current Estimation of the Early Risk of Stroke after Transient Ischemic Attack: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Recent Intervention Studies.

PubMed

Valls, Joan; Peiro-Chamarro, Maranta; Cambray, Serafí; Molina-Seguin, Jessica; Benabdelhak, Ikram; Purroy, Francisco

2017-01-01

Recent studies have demonstrated that there is a decrease in the risk of subsequent stroke after transient ischemic attack (TIA) when urgent care (UC) is administered. However, no meta-analysis has been developed with contemporaneous TIA studies. We perform a systematic review and a meta-analysis to establish the risk of early stroke recurrence (SR) considering data from studies that offered UC to TIA patients. We searched for studies, without language restriction, from January 2007 to January 2015 according to PRISMA guidelines. We included studies with TIA patients who underwent UC and reported the proportion of SR at 90 days. We excluded studies that were centered on less than 100 patients and cohorts including both stroke and TIA, if stroke risk after TIA was not described. For its relevance, we included the TIAregistry.org study published in 2016. We performed both fixed and random effects meta-analyses to determine SR and assess sources of heterogeneity. From 4,103 identified citations, we selected 15 papers that included 14,889 patients. There was great variation in terms of the number of patients included in each study, ranging from 115 to 4,160. Seven studies were TIA clinic based. The mean age and the percentage of men were similar among studies, ranging from 62.4 to 73.1 years and 45.1-62%, respectively. The reported risk of stroke ranged from 0 to 1.46% 2 days after TIA (9 studies included), 0-2.55% 7 days after TIA (11 studies included), 1.91-2.85% 30 days after TIA (4 studies included), and 0.62-4.76% 90 days after TIA (all studies included). The pooled stroke risk was 3.42% (95% CI 3.14-3.74) at 90 days, 2.78% (95% CI 2.47-3.12) at 30 days, 2.06% (95% CI 1.83-2.33) at 7 days and 1.36% (95% CI 1.15-1.59) at 2 days. Although we did not find statistically significant heterogeneity in SR among studies, those with a higher proportion of patients with motor weakness had a significantly higher risk of SR. No statistically significant association was observed between TIA clinic management and SR. The pooled early SR is lower than in previous meta-analyses and homogeneous for all studies with an urgent assessment and management strategy regardless of vascular risk factors and clinical characteristics. Therefore, the best setting for TIA management can be individualized for each center. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Interventions for improving modifiable risk factor control in the secondary prevention of stroke.

PubMed

Lager, Kate E; Mistri, Amit K; Khunti, Kamlesh; Haunton, Victoria J; Sett, Aung K; Wilson, Andrew D

2014-05-02

People with stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) are at increased risk of future stroke and other cardiovascular events. Evidence-based strategies for secondary stroke prevention have been established. However, the implementation of prevention strategies could be improved. To assess the effects of stroke service interventions for implementing secondary stroke prevention strategies on modifiable risk factor control, including patient adherence to prescribed medications, and the occurrence of secondary cardiovascular events. We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (April 2013), the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group Trials Register (April 2013), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2013, issue 3), MEDLINE (1950 to April 2013), EMBASE (1981 to April 2013) and 10 additional databases. We located further studies by searching reference lists of articles and contacting authors of included studies. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of organisational or educational and behavioural interventions (compared with usual care) on modifiable risk factor control for secondary stroke prevention. Two review authors selected studies for inclusion and independently extracted data. One review author assessed the risk of bias for the included studies. We sought missing data from trialists. This review included 26 studies involving 8021 participants. Overall the studies were of reasonable quality, but one study was considered at high risk of bias. Fifteen studies evaluated predominantly organisational interventions and 11 studies evaluated educational and behavioural interventions for patients. Results were pooled where appropriate, although some clinical and methodological heterogeneity was present. The estimated effects of organisational interventions were compatible with improvements and no differences in the modifiable risk factors mean systolic blood pressure (mean difference (MD) -2.57 mmHg; 95% confidence interval (CI) -5.46 to 0.31), mean diastolic blood pressure (MD -0.90 mmHg; 95% CI -2.49 to 0.68), blood pressure target achievement (OR 1.24; 95% CI 0.94 to 1.64) and mean body mass index (MD -0.68 kg/m(2); 95% CI -1.46 to 0.11). There were no significant effects of organisational interventions on lipid profile, HbA1c, medication adherence or recurrent cardiovascular events. Educational and behavioural interventions were not generally associated with clear differences in any of the review outcomes, with only two exceptions. Pooled results indicated that educational interventions were not associated with clear differences in any of the review outcomes. The estimated effects of organisational interventions were compatible with improvements and no differences in several modifiable risk factors. We identified a large number of ongoing studies, suggesting that research in this area is increasing. The use of standardised outcome measures would facilitate the synthesis of future research findings.

Modifiable Disease Risk, Readiness to Change, and Psychosocial Functioning Improve With Integrative Medicine Immersion Model

PubMed Central

Wolever, Ruth Q.; Webber, Daniel M.; Meunier, Justin P.; Greeson, Jeffrey M.; Lausier, Evangeline R.; Gaudet, Tracy W.

2013-01-01

Background Stroke, diabetes, and coronary heart disease (CHD) remain leading causes of death in the United States and are largely attributable to lifestyle behaviors. Integrative medicine can provide a supportive partnership that focuses on improving health by identifying and implementing lifestyle changes based upon personal values and goals. Objective This prospective observational study was designed to assess the effectiveness of an integrative medicine intervention on modifiable disease risk, patient activation, and psychosocial risk factors for stroke, diabetes, and CHD. Design Sixty-three adults participated in a 3-day comprehensive, multimodal health immersion program at Duke Integrative Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. Participants received follow-up education, physician support, and telephonic health coaching between the immersion program and the endpoint 7 to 9 months later. Primary Outcome Measures Psychosocial functioning, read iness to change health behaviors, and risk of developing diabetes, stroke, and CHD were assessed at baseline and endpoint. Results Although cardiac risk remained unchanged (P = .19) during the study period, risk of diabetes (P = .02) and stroke (P < .01) decreased significantly. Perceived stress remained unchanged, but improvements were seen in mood (P < .05) and relationship satisfaction (P < .004). Patients became more activated towards self-management of health (P <.001), endorsed greater readiness to change health behaviors (P <.01), and reported increased aerobic exercise (P <.001) and stretching (P = .006) following the intervention. Conclusion An integrative health model can help patients become more engaged in self-management of health and support them in making and maintaining healthy lifestyle changes. These findings provide support for use of an integrative health model in adult disease risk reduction. PMID:22314632

A Mediterranean diet and risk of myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke: A population-based cohort study.

PubMed

Tektonidis, Thanasis G; Åkesson, Agneta; Gigante, Bruna; Wolk, Alicja; Larsson, Susanna C

2015-11-01

The Mediterranean diet, which is palatable and easily achievable, has been associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality. Data on heart failure (HF) and stroke types are lacking. The aim was to examine a Mediterranean diet in relation to incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), HF and stroke types in a Swedish prospective cohort. In a population-based cohort of 32,921 women, diet was assessed through a self-administered questionnaire. The modified Mediterranean diet (mMED) score was created based on high consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains, fermented dairy products, fish and monounsaturated fat, moderate intakes of alcohol and low consumption of red meat, on a 0-8 scale. Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for potential confounders, were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression models. During 10 y of follow-up (1998-2008), 1109 MIs, 1648 HFs, 1270 ischemic strokes and 262 total hemorrhagic strokes were ascertained. A high adherence to the mMED score (6-8), compared to low, was associated with a lower risk of MI (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61-0.90, p = 0.003), HF (RR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68-0.93, p = 0.004) and ischemic stroke (RR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.65-0.93, p = 0.007), but not hemorrhagic stroke (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.61-1.29, p = 0.53). Better adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with lower risk of MI, HF and ischemic stroke. The Mediterranean diet is most likely to be beneficial in primary prevention of all major types of atherosclerosis-related CVD. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Carotid Stenting with Distal Protection in High-Surgical-Risk Patients: One-Year Results of the ASTI Trial

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bosiers, Marc, E-mail: marc.bosiers@telenet.be; Scheinert, Dierk, E-mail: dierk.scheinert@gmx.de; Mathias, Klaus, E-mail: k.mathias@asklepios.com

2015-04-15

PurposeThis prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized study evaluated the periprocedural and 1-year outcomes in high-surgical-risk patients with carotid artery stenosis treated with the Adapt Carotid Stent plus FilterWire EZ distal protection catheter (Boston Scientific Corporation, Natick, MA).Materials and MethodsThe study enrolled 100 patients (32 symptomatic, 63 asymptomatic, 5 unknown) at high risk for carotid endarterectomy due to prespecified anatomical criteria and/or medical comorbidities. Thirty-day and 1-year follow-up included clinical evaluation, carotid duplex ultrasound, and independent neurologic and NIH stroke scale assessments. One-year endpoints included the composite rate of major adverse events (MAE), defined as death, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI) and themore » rates of late ipsilateral stroke (31–365 days), target lesion revascularization, and in-stent restenosis.ResultsOf the 100 enrolled patients, technical success was achieved in 90.9 % (90/99). The 30-day MAE rate (5.1 %) consisted of major stroke (2.0 %) and minor stroke (3.1 %); no deaths or MIs occurred. The 1-year MAE rate (12.2 %) consisted of death, MI, and stroke rates of 4.4, 3.3, and 8.9 %, respectively. Late ipsilateral stroke (31–365 days) rate was 1.1 %. Symptomatic patients had higher rates of death (11.1 vs. 1.7 %) and MI (7.4 vs. 1.7 %), but lower rates of major (7.4 vs. 10.0 %) and minor stroke (0.0 vs. 6.7 %), compared with asymptomatic patients.ConclusionResults through 1 year postprocedure demonstrated that carotid artery stenting with Adapt Carotid Stent and FilterWire EZ is safe and effective in high-risk-surgical patients.« less

Association of multiple infarctions and ICAS with outcomes of minor stroke and TIA.

PubMed

Pan, Yuesong; Meng, Xia; Jing, Jing; Li, Hao; Zhao, Xingquan; Liu, Liping; Wang, David; Johnston, S Claiborne; Wang, Yilong; Wang, Yongjun

2017-03-14

To estimate the association of different patterns of infarction and intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) with the prognosis of acute minor ischemic stroke and TIA. We derived data from the Clopidogrel in High-risk Patients with Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE) trial. A total of 1,089 patients from 45 of 114 participating sites of the trial undergoing baseline MRI/angiography were included in this subgroup analysis. Patterns of infarction and ICAS were recorded for each individual. The primary efficacy outcome was an ischemic stroke at the 90-day follow-up. We assessed the associations between imaging patterns and prognosis of patients using multivariable Cox regression models. Among the 1,089 patients included in this subgroup analysis, 93 (8.5%) patients had a recurrent ischemic stroke at 90 days. Compared with those without infarction or ICAS, patients with single infarction with ICAS (11.9% vs 1.3%, hazard ratio [HR] 6.25, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 1.40-27.86, p = 0.02) and single infarction without ICAS (6.8% vs 1.3%, HR 4.65, 95% CI 1.05-20.64, p = 0.04) were all associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke at 90 days. Patients with both multiple infarctions and ICAS were associated with approximately 13-fold risk of ischemic stroke at 90 days (18.0% vs 1.3%, HR 13.14, 95% CI 2.96-58.36, p < 0.001). The presence of multiple infarctions and ICAS were both associated with an increased risk of 90-day ischemic stroke in patients with minor stroke or TIA, while the presence of both imaging features had a combined effect. NCT00979589. © 2017 American Academy of Neurology.

Piloting a Sex-Specific, Technology-Enhanced, Active Learning Intervention for Stroke Prevention in Women.

PubMed

Dirickson, Amanda; Stutzman, Sonja E; Alberts, Mark J; Novakovic, Roberta L; Stowe, Ann M; Beal, Claudia C; Goldberg, Mark P; Olson, DaiWai M

2017-12-01

Recent studies reveal deficiencies in stroke awareness and knowledge of risk factors among women. Existing stroke education interventions may not address common and sex-specific risk factors in the population with the highest stroke-related rate of mortality. This pilot study assessed the efficacy of a technology-enhanced, sex-specific educational program ("SISTERS") for women's knowledge of stroke. This was an experimental pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of 150 women (mean age, 55 years) with at least 1 stroke risk factor. Participants were randomized to either the intervention (n = 75) or control (n = 75) group. Data were collected at baseline and at a 2-week posttest. There was no statistically significant difference in mean knowledge score (P = .67), mean confidence score (P = .77), or mean accuracy score (P = .75) between the intervention and control groups at posttest. Regression analysis revealed that older age was associated with lower knowledge scores (P < .001) and lower confidence scores (P < .001). After controlling for age, the SISTERS program was associated with a statistically significant difference in knowledge (P < .001) and confidence (P < .001). Although no change occurred overall, after controlling for age, there was a statistically significant benefit. Older women may have less comfort with technology and require consideration for cognitive differences.

Can eHealth tools enable health organizations to reach their target audience?

PubMed

Zbib, Ahmad; Hodgson, Corinne; Calderwood, Sarah

2011-01-01

Data from the health risk assessment operated by the Heart and Stroke Foundation found users were more likely to be female; married; have completed post secondary education; and report hypertension, stroke, or being overweight or obese. In developing and operating eHealth tools for health promotion, organizations should compare users to their target population(s). eHealth tools may not be optimal for reaching some higher-risk sub-groups, and a range of social marketing approaches may be required.

Independent and joint associations of physical activity and fitness on stroke in men.

PubMed

Sieverdes, John C; Sui, Xuemei; Lee, Duck-chul; Lee, I-Min; Hooker, Steven P; Blair, Steven N

2011-05-01

Recent studies have demonstrated that physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are independent predictors of stroke in men. The combined associations of these 2 factors are not well established. To investigate the independent and joint associations of PA and CRF with fatal, nonfatal, and total stroke in a group of men. The current analyses included 45 689 men aged 18 to 100 years who completed baseline sessions between 1970 and 2001. All participants had no known myocardial infarction, stroke, or cancer. Physical activity was measured by questionnaire, and CRF was assessed from a maximal treadmill exercise test. The National Death Index for fatal stroke and mail-back surveys for nonfatal stroke were used to ascertain cases. Cox regression analyses were used to estimate the risk of stroke outcomes. There were 619 cases over 800 582 person-years of observation. Significant inverse associations were observed between CRF and fatal, nonfatal, and total strokes after adjustment for age and examination year (P for trend < 0.05 for each). No associations were found between PA and any of the 3 outcomes after adjusting for other covariates and CRF. Joint associations of 9 PA fitness groups showed less risk for total stroke in the moderate and high fitness categories. These findings suggest that CRF is an independent predictor of incident stroke in asymptomatic men.

Restriction of therapy mainly explains lower thrombolysis rates in reduced stroke service levels.

PubMed

Gumbinger, Christoph; Reuter, Björn; Hacke, Werner; Sauer, Tamara; Bruder, Ingo; Diehm, Curt; Wiethölter, Horst; Schoser, Karin; Daffertshofer, Michael; Neumaier, Stephan; Drewitz, Elke; Rode, Susanne; Kern, Rolf; Hennerici, Michael G; Stock, Christian; Ringleb, Peter

2016-05-24

To assess the influence of preexisting disabilities, age, and stroke service level on standardized IV thrombolysis (IVT) rates in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We investigated standardized IVT rates in a retrospective registry-based study in 36,901 patients with AIS from the federal German state Baden-Wuerttemberg over a 5-year period. Patients admitted within 4.5 hours after stroke onset were selected. Factors associated with IVT rates (patient-level factors and stroke service level) were assessed using robust Poisson regression modeling. Interactions between factors were considered to estimate risk-adjusted mortality rates and potential IVT rates by service level (with stroke centers as benchmark). Overall, 10,499 patients (28.5%) received IVT. The IVT rate declined with service level from 44.0% (stroke center) to 13.1% (hospitals without stroke unit [SU]). Especially patients >80 years of age and with preexisting disabilities had a lower chance of being treated with IVT at lower stroke service levels. Interactions between stroke service level and age group, preexisting disabilities, and stroke severity (all p < 0.0001) were observed. High IVT rates seemed not to increase mortality. Estimated potential IVT rates ranged between 41.9% and 44.6% depending on stroke service level. Differences in IVT rates among stroke service levels were mainly explained by differences administering IVT to older patients and patients with preexisting disabilities. This indicates considerable further potential to increase IVT rates. Our findings support guideline recommendations to admit acute stroke patients to SUs. © 2016 American Academy of Neurology.

Soft drinks and sweetened beverages and the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Narain, A; Kwok, C S; Mamas, M A

2016-10-01

Soft drink consumption is associated with adverse health behaviours that predispose to adverse cardiovascular risk factor profiles; however, it is unclear whether their intake independently leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate this. Medline and EMBASE were searched in July 2015 for studies that considered soft drink intake and risk of mortality, myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) for adverse outcomes were calculated using inverse variance with a random effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic. A total of seven prospective cohort studies with 308,420 participants (age range 34-75 years) were included in the review. The pooled results suggest a greater risk of stroke (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.24), and MI (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.14-1.30), but not vascular events with incremental increase in sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. With incremental increase in artificially sweetened beverage (ASB) consumption, there was a greater risk of stroke (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.14), but not vascular events or MI. In the evaluation of high vs. low SSB, there was a greater risk of MI (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.31) but not stroke, vascular events or mortality. For ASB, there was a significantly greater risk of stroke (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04-1.26) and vascular events (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.02-2.03) but not MI or mortality. Our results suggest an association between consumption of sugar-sweetened and ASBs and cardiovascular risk, although consumption may be a surrogate for adverse health behaviours. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale versus Medical Therapy after Cryptogenic Stroke: Meta-Analysis of Five Randomized Controlled Trials with 3440 Patients

PubMed Central

Sá, Michel Pompeu Barros Oliveira; de Oliveira Neto, Luiz de Albuquerque Pereira; do Nascimento, Gabriella Caroline Sales; Vieira, Erik Everton da Silva; Martins, Gabriel Lopes; Rodrigues, Karine Coelho; Nascimento, Giulia Cioffi; de Menezes, Alexandre Motta; Lins, Ricardo Felipe de Albuquerque; Silva, Frederico Pires Vasconcelos; Lima, Ricardo Carvalho

2018-01-01

Objective We aimed to determine whether patent foramen ovale closure reduces the risk of stroke, also assessing some safety outcomes. Introduction The clinical benefit of closing a patent foramen ovale after a cryptogenic stroke has been an open question for several decades, so that it is necessary to review the current state of published medical data in this regard. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL/CCTR, SciELO, LI-LACS, Google Scholar and reference lists of relevant articles were searched for randomized controlled trials that reported any of the following outcomes: stroke, death, major bleeding or atrial fibrillation. Five studies fulfilled our eligibility criteria and included 3440 patients (1829 for patent foramen ovale closure and 1611 for medical therapy). Results The risk ratio (RR) for stroke in the "device closure" group compared with the "medical therapy" showed a statistically significant difference between the groups, favouring the "device closure" group (RR 0.400; 95% CI 0.183-0.873, P=0.021). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the safety outcomes death and major bleeding, but we observed an increase in the risk of atrial fibrillation in the "device closure group (RR 4.000; 95% CI 2.262-7.092, P<0.001). We also observed that the larger the proportion of effective closure, the lower the risk of stroke. Conclusion This meta-analysis found that stroke rates are lower with percutaneously implanted device closure than with medical therapy alone, being these rates modulated by the rates of effective closure. PMID:29617507

Risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in bipolar disorder: a systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis.

PubMed

Prieto, M L; Cuéllar-Barboza, A B; Bobo, W V; Roger, V L; Bellivier, F; Leboyer, M; West, C P; Frye, M A

2014-11-01

To review the evidence on and estimate the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in bipolar disorder. A systematic search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and bibliographies (1946 - May, 2013) was conducted. Case-control and cohort studies of bipolar disorder patients age 15 or older with myocardial infarction or stroke as outcomes were included. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed quality. Estimates of effect were summarized using random-effects meta-analysis. Five cohort studies including 13 115 911 participants (27 092 bipolar) were included. Due to the use of registers, different statistical methods, and inconsistent adjustment for confounders, there was significant methodological heterogeneity among studies. The exploratory meta-analysis yielded no evidence for a significant increase in the risk of myocardial infarction: [relative risk (RR): 1.09, 95% CI 0.96-1.24, P = 0.20; I(2)  = 6%]. While there was evidence of significant study heterogeneity, the risk of stroke in bipolar disorder was significantly increased (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.29-2.35; P = 0.0003; I(2)  = 83%). There may be a differential risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with bipolar disorder. Confidence in these pooled estimates was limited by the small number of studies, significant heterogeneity and dissimilar methodological features. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

How does age affect the care dependency risk one year after stroke? A study based on claims data from a German health insurance fund.

PubMed

Schnitzer, Susanne; von dem Knesebeck, Olaf; Kohler, Martin; Peschke, Dirk; Kuhlmey, Adelheid; Schenk, Liane

2015-10-23

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of age on care dependency risk 1 year after stroke. Two research questions are addressed: (1) How strong is the association between age and care dependency risk 1 year after stroke and (2) can this association be explained by burden of disease? The study is based on claims data from a German statutory health insurance fund. The study population was drawn from all continuously insured members with principal diagnoses of ischaemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or transient ischaemic attack in 2007 who survived for 1 year after stroke and who were not dependent on care before their first stroke (n = 2864). Data were collected over a 1-year period. People are considered to be dependent on care if they, due to a physical, mental or psychological illness or disability, require substantial assistance in carrying out activities of daily living for a period of at least 6 months. Burden of disease was assessed by stroke subtype, history of stroke, comorbidities as well as geriatric multimorbidity. Regression models were used for data analysis. 21.6 % of patients became care dependent during the observation period. Post-stroke care dependency risk was significantly associated with age. Relative to the reference group (0-65 years), the odds ratio of care dependency was 11.30 (95 % CI: 7.82-16.34) in patients aged 86+ years and 5.10 (95 % CI: 3.88-6.71) in patients aged 76-85 years. These associations were not explained by burden of disease. On the contrary, age effects became stronger when burden of disease was included in the regression model (by between 1.1 and 28 %). Our results show that age has an effect on care dependency risk that cannot be explained by burden of disease. Thus, there must be other underlying age-dependent factors that account for the remaining age effects (e.g., social conditions). Further studies are needed to explore the causes of the strong age effects observed.

Prognostic Significance of Blood Pressure Variability on Beat-to-Beat Monitoring After Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke.

PubMed

Webb, Alastair J S; Mazzucco, Sara; Li, Linxin; Rothwell, Peter M

2018-01-01

Visit-to-visit and day-to-day blood pressure (BP) variability (BPV) predict an increased risk of cardiovascular events but only reflect 1 form of BPV. Beat-to-beat BPV can be rapidly assessed and might also be predictive. In consecutive patients within 6 weeks of transient ischemic attack or nondisabling stroke (Oxford Vascular Study), BPV (coefficient of variation) was measured beat-to-beat for 5 minutes (Finometer), day-to-day for 1 week on home monitoring (3 readings, 3× daily), and on awake ambulatory BP monitoring. BPV after 1-month standard treatment was related (Cox proportional hazards) to recurrent stroke and cardiovascular events for 2 to 5 years, adjusted for mean systolic BP. Among 520 patients, 26 had inadequate beat-to-beat recordings, and 22 patients were in atrial fibrillation. Four hundred five patients had all forms of monitoring. Beat-to-beat BPV predicted recurrent stroke and cardiovascular events independently of mean systolic BP (hazard ratio per group SD, stroke: 1.47 [1.12-1.91]; P =0.005; cardiovascular events: 1.41 [1.08-1.83]; P =0.01), including after adjustment for age and sex (stroke: 1.47 [1.12-1.92]; P =0.005) and all risk factors (1.40 [1.00-1.94]; P =0.047). Day-to-day BPV was less strongly associated with stroke (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.29 [0.97-1.71]; P =0.08) but similarly with cardiovascular events (1.41 [1.09-1.83]; P =0.009). BPV on awake ambulatory BP monitoring was nonpredictive (stroke: 0.89 [0.59-1.35]; P =0.59; cardiovascular events: 1.08 [0.77-1.52]; P =0.65). Despite a weak correlation ( r =0.119; P =0.02), beat-to-beat BPV was associated with risk of recurrent stroke independently of day-to-day BPV (1.41 [1.05-1.90]; P =0.02). Beat-to-beat BPV predicted recurrent stroke and cardiovascular events, independently of mean systolic BP and risk factors but short-term BPV on ambulatory BP monitoring did not. Beat-to-beat BPV may be a useful additional marker of cardiovascular risk. © 2017 The Authors.

Blood Pressure Control and Risk of Stroke or Systemic Embolism in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Results From the Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) Trial.

PubMed

Rao, Meena P; Halvorsen, Sigrun; Wojdyla, Daniel; Thomas, Laine; Alexander, John H; Hylek, Elaine M; Hanna, Michael; Bahit, M Cecilia; Lopes, Renato D; De Caterina, Raffaele; Erol, Cetin; Goto, Shinya; Lanas, Fernando; Lewis, Basil S; Husted, Steen; Gersh, Bernard J; Wallentin, Lars; Granger, Christopher B

2015-12-01

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and hypertension are at high risk for stroke. Previous studies have shown elevated risk of stroke in patients with AF who have a history of hypertension (regardless of blood pressure [BP] control) and in patients with elevated BP. We assessed the association of hypertension and BP control on clinical outcomes. In ARISTOTLE (n=18 201), BP was evaluated as history of hypertension requiring treatment and elevated BP (systolic ≥140 and/or diastolic ≥90 mm Hg) at study entry and any point during the trial. Hazard ratios (HRs) were derived from Cox proportional hazards models including BP as a time-dependent covariate. A total of 15 916 (87.5%) patients had a history of hypertension requiring treatment. In patients with elevated BP measurement at any point during the trial, the rate of stroke or systemic embolism was significantly higher (HR, 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-1.86), as was hemorrhagic stroke (HR 1.85; 95% CI, 1.26-2.72) and ischemic stroke (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.18-1.90). Rates of major bleeding were lower in patients with a history of hypertension (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.98) and nonsignificantly lower in patients with elevated BP at study entry (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.77-1.03). The benefit of apixaban versus warfarin on preventing stroke or systemic embolism was consistent among patients with and without a history of hypertension (P interaction=0.27), BP control at baseline (P interaction=0.43), and BP control during the trial (P interaction=0.97). High BP measurement at any point during the trial was independently associated with a substantially higher risk of stroke or systemic embolism. These results strongly support efforts to treat elevated BP as an important strategy to optimally lower risk of stroke in patients with AF. URL: https://ClinicalTrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT00412984. © 2015 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

Risk of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Strokes in Occult and Manifest Cancers.

PubMed

Andersen, Klaus Kaae; Olsen, Tom Skyhøj

2018-06-04

Manifest cancer is associated with increased risk of stroke. The risk of stroke in people with occult cancer in comparison to the risk in the background population without cancer has not been investigated. Smoking is a risk factor for both cancer and stroke, but the role of smoking for the risk of stroke in cancer has not been investigated. We identified all incident cases of cancer in Denmark 2003 to 2012 (n=264.376) from the Danish Cancer Registry. Each person with cancer was matched by age, sex, and income with 10 randomly selected persons without cancer at index date (n=2.571.260). Linking data to the Danish Stroke Registry, we studied risk of ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke the year before (occult cancer) and after cancer diagnosis was established in the Danish Stroke Registry (manifest cancer) and stratified into the 15 most common cancer types related (lung, colon, bladder, rectum, pancreas, kidney, stomach, and head and neck cancer) and unrelated (non-Hodgkin lymphoma, breast, prostate, melanoma, central nervous system, ovary and endometrial) to smoking. Risk of ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke was increased for both occult (relative risk, 1.75/2.00) and manifest cancers (relative risk, 1.30/1.41). For occult cancer, risk of ischemic stroke was increased for all of the smoking-related cancers, but among cancers unrelated to smoking, only lymphoma, central nervous system, and endometrial cancer were associated with increased risk of stroke; breast, prostate, melanoma, and ovarian cancers were not. For occult cancer, risk of hemorrhagic stroke was generally increased for smoking-related cancers while not for cancers unrelated to smoking. For manifest cancer, risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke was generally increased for cancers related to smoking while not for cancers unrelated to smoking. Cancer, occult and manifest, is associated with increased risks for stroke. The increased risk is linked mainly to cancers related to smoking. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

Influence of surgical implantation angle of left ventricular assist device outflow graft and management of aortic valve opening on the risk of stroke in heart failure patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chivukula, V. Keshav; McGah, Patrick; Prisco, Anthony; Beckman, Jennifer; Mokadam, Nanush; Mahr, Claudius; Aliseda, Alberto

2016-11-01

Flow in the aortic vasculature may impact stroke risk in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) due to severely altered hemodynamics. Patient-specific 3D models of the aortic arch and great vessels were created with an LVAD outflow graft at 45, 60 and 90° from centerline of the ascending aorta, in order to understand the effect of surgical placement on hemodynamics and thrombotic risk. Intermittent aortic valve opening (once every five cardiac cycles) was simulated and the impact of this residual native output investigated for the potential to wash out stagnant flow in the aortic root region. Unsteady CFD simulations with patient-specific boundary conditions were performed. Particle tracking for 10 cardiac cycles was used to determine platelet residence times and shear stress histories. Thrombosis risk was assessed by a combination of Eulerian and Lagrangian metrics and a newly developed thrombogenic potential metric. Results show a strong influence of LVAD outflow graft angle on hemodynamics in the ascending aorta and consequently on stroke risk, with a highly positive impact of aortic valve opening, even at low frequencies. Optimization of LVAD implantation and management strategies based on patient-specific simulations to minimize stroke risk will be presented

The future of anticoagulation management in atrial fibrillation in Europe: An assessment of today's challenges with recommendations for the future.

PubMed

Lichten, Catherine A; Castle-Clarke, Sophie; Manville, Catriona; Horvath, Veronika; Robin, Enora; Krapels, Joachim; Parks, Sarah; Sim, Megan; van Zijverden, Olga; Chataway, Joanna

2015-11-30

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia, affecting approximately 1-2 per cent of the population worldwide. Those who suffer from AF have a five times higher risk of stroke. AF prevalence increases with age and it affects roughly 18 per cent of the population over 85. Consequently, as populations age, AF is becoming an increasingly significant public health issue. Over recent years there have been developments in treatment and management options, both for treating the arrhythmia directly, and assessing and reducing the risk of AF-related stroke, but there is a need to ensure that available knowledge is applied optimally to benefit patients so that opportunities to prevent AF-related stroke are not missed. The aims of this project were to assess the current landscape and explore the direction of future developments in AF management in Europe, with a focus on the use of anticoagulants in the prevention of AF-related stroke. Through rapid evidence assessment, key informant interviews, PESTLE analysis and the development and exploration of future scenarios, we have developed sets of shorter- and longer-term recommendations for improving AF-related patient outcomes. The short-term recommendations are: i) improve AF awareness among the public and policymakers; ii) support education about AF management for healthcare professionals and patients; and iii) maintain engagement in AF-related research across the health services.

How good is the management of vascular risk after stroke, transient ischaemic attack or carotid endarterectomy?

PubMed

Johnson, Paul; Rosewell, Mary; James, Martin A

2007-01-01

Patients remain at high risk of vascular events after stroke, transient ischaemic attack or carotid endarterectomy. We studied how well this risk is addressed by the effective treatment of modifiable risk factors. A total of 198 consecutive attenders at a rapid access stroke clinic and 98 consecutive patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were studied. Treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, smoking status and the use of antithrombotic therapy were assessed at baseline and 6 months later. The findings were compared with targets from the UK National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke. Baseline and follow-up data were available on 284 patients. The rates of control of vascular risk factors improved only slightly during follow-up. Blood pressure was below target levels in only 69 (24%) at baseline and 79 (28%) at 6 months, and serum cholesterol was below target levels in only 55 (19%) at baseline and 63 (22%) at 6 months. At baseline, 55 (19%) were smokers, of whom 12 (22%) had quit at 6 months. Anticoagulant therapy was prescribed in 19 of 37 patients (51%) in atrial fibrillation at 6 months. Antiplatelet therapy was prescribed in 90% of patients in sinus rhythm. Despite the identification of vascular risk factors at the time of clinic or surgery, 6 months later these risk factors remain poorly addressed. More effective methods of managing vascular risk in these patients are needed.

Patent foramen ovale increases the risk of acute ischemic stroke in patients with acute pulmonary embolism leading to right ventricular dysfunction.

PubMed

Goliszek, Sylwia; Wiśniewska, Małgorzata; Kurnicka, Katarzyna; Lichodziejewska, Barbara; Ciurzyński, Michał; Kostrubiec, Maciej; Gołębiowski, Marek; Babiuch, Marek; Paczynska, Marzanna; Koć, Marcin; Palczewski, Piotr; Wyzgał, Anna; Pruszczyk, Piotr

2014-11-01

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an established risk factor for ischemic stroke. Since acute right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) observed in patients with PE can lead to right-to-left inter-atrial shunt via PFO, we hypothesized that PFO is a risk factor for ischemic stroke in PE with significant right ventricular dysfunction. 55 patients (31 F, 24M), median age 49 years (range 19-83 years) with confirmed PE underwent echocardiography for RVD and PFO assessment. High risk acute PE was diagnosed in 3 (5.5%) patients, while 16 (29%) hemodynamically stable with RVD patients formed a group with intermediate-risk PE. PFO was diagnosed in 19 patients (34.5%). Diffusion-weighted MRI of the brain for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) was performed in all patients 4.91 ± 4.1 days after admission. AIS was detected by MRI in 4 patients (7.3%). Only one stroke was clinically overt and resulted in hemiplegia. All 4 AIS occurred in the PFO positive group (4 of 19 patients), and none in subjects without PFO (21.0% vs 0%, p=0.02). Moreover, all AIS occurred in patients with RVD and PFO, and none in patients with PFO without RVD (50% vs 0%, p=0.038). Our data suggest that acute pulmonary embolism resulting in right ventricular dysfunction may lead to acute ischemic stroke in patients with patent foramen ovale. However, the clinical significance of such lesions remains to be determined. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Is blood pressure control for stroke prevention the correct goal? The lost opportunity of preventing hypertension.

PubMed

Howard, George; Banach, Maciej; Cushman, Mary; Goff, David C; Howard, Virginia J; Lackland, Daniel T; McVay, Jim; Meschia, James F; Muntner, Paul; Oparil, Suzanne; Rightmyer, Melanie; Taylor, Herman A

2015-06-01

Although pharmacological treatment of hypertension has important health benefits, it does not capture the benefit of maintenance of ideal health through the prevention or delay of hypertension. A total of 26 875 black and white participants aged 45+ years were assessed and followed for incident stroke events. The association was assessed between incident stroke and: (1) systolic blood pressure (SBP)categorized as normal (<120 mm Hg), prehypertension (120-139 mm Hg), stage 1 hypertension (140-159 mm Hg), and stage 2 hypertension (160 mm Hg+), and (2) number of classes of antihypertensive medications, classified as none, 1, 2, or 3 or more. During 6.3 years of follow-up, 823 stroke events occurred. Nearly half (46%) of the population were successfully treated (SBP<140 mm Hg) hypertensives. Within blood pressure strata, the risk of stroke increased with each additional class of required antihypertensive medication, with hazard ratio [HR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.16 to 1.52 for normotensive, HR, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.26 for prehypertension, and HR, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.39 for stage 1 hypertension. A successfully treated (SBP<120 mm Hg) hypertensive person on 3+ antihypertensive medication classes was at marginally higher stroke risk than a person with untreated stage 1 hypertension (HR, 2.48 versus HR=2.19; relative to those with SBP <120 on no antihypertensive medications). Maintaining the normotensive status solely through pharmacological treatment has a profound impact, as nearly half of this general population cohort were treated to guideline (SBP<140 mm Hg) but failed to return to risk levels similar to normotensive individuals. Even with successful treatment, there is a substantial potential gain by prevention or delay of hypertension. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Prediction of Recurrent Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack After Noncardiogenic Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke.

PubMed

Zhang, Changqing; Wang, Yilong; Zhao, Xingquan; Liu, Liping; Wang, ChunXue; Pu, Yuehua; Zou, Xinying; Pan, Yuesong; Wong, Ka Sing; Wang, Yongjun

2017-07-01

Posterior circulation ischemic stroke (IS) is generally considered an illness with a poor prognosis. However, there are no effective rating scales to predict recurrent stroke following it. Therefore, our aim was to identify clinical or radiological measures that could assist in predicting recurrent cerebral ischemic episodes. We prospectively enrolled 723 noncardiogenic posterior circulation IS patients with onset of symptoms <7 days. Stroke risk factors, admission symptoms and signs, topographical distribution and responsible cerebral artery of acute infarcts, and any recurrent IS or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within 1 year were assessed. Cox regression was used to identify risk factors associated with recurrent IS or TIA within the year after posterior circulation IS. A total of 40 patients (5.5%) had recurrent IS or TIA within 1 year of posterior circulation IS. Multivariate Cox regression identified chief complaint with dysphagia (hazard ratio [HR], 4.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-10.2; P =0.002), repeated TIAs within 3 months before the stroke (HR, 15.4; 95% CI, 5.55-42.5; P <0.0001), responsible artery stenosis ≥70% (HR, 7.91; 95% CI, 1.00-62.6; P =0.05), multisector infarcts (HR, 5.38; 95% CI, 1.25-23.3; P =0.02), and not on antithrombotics treatment at discharge (HR, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.09-8.58; P =0.03) as independent predictors of recurrent IS or TIA. Some posterior circulation IS patients are at higher risk for recurrent IS or TIA. Urgent assessment and preventive treatment should be offered to these patients as soon as possible. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Relative cerebral blood volume as a marker of durable tissue-at-risk viability in hyperacute ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Cortijo, Elisa; Calleja, Ana Isabel; García-Bermejo, Pablo; Mulero, Patricia; Pérez-Fernández, Santiago; Reyes, Javier; Muñoz, Ma Fe; Martínez-Galdámez, Mario; Arenillas, Juan Francisco

2014-01-01

Selection of best responders to reperfusion therapies could be aided by predicting the duration of tissue-at-risk viability, which may be dependant on collateral circulation status. We aimed to identify the best predictor of good collateral circulation among perfusion computed tomography (PCT) parameters in middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischemic stroke and to analyze how early MCA response to intravenous thrombolysis and PCT-derived markers of good collaterals interact to determine stroke outcome. We prospectively studied patients with acute MCA ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis who underwent PCT before treatment showing a target mismatch profile. Collateral status was assessed using a PCT source image-based score. PCT maps were quantitatively analyzed. Cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow, and Tmax were calculated within the hypoperfused volume and in the equivalent region of unaffected hemisphere. Occluded MCAs were monitored by transcranial Duplex to assess early recanalization. Main outcome variables were brain hypodensity volume and modified Rankin scale score at day 90. One hundred patients with MCA ischemic stroke imaged by PCT received intravenous thrombolysis, and 68 met all inclusion criteria. A relative CBV (rCBV) >0.93 emerged as the only predictor of good collaterals (odds ratio, 12.6; 95% confidence interval, 2.9-55.9; P=0.001). Early MCA recanalization was associated with better long-term outcome and lower infarct volume in patients with rCBV<0.93, but not in patients with high rCBV. None of the patients with rCBV<0.93 achieved good outcome in absence of early recanalization. High rCBV was the strongest marker of good collaterals and may characterize durable tissue-at-risk viability in hyperacute MCA ischemic stroke.

A comparative analysis of risk factors for stroke in blacks and whites: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

PubMed Central

Huxley, Rachel; Bell, Elizabeth J.; Lutsey, Pamela L.; Bushnell, Cheryl; Shahar, Eyal; Rosamond, Wayne; Gottesman, Rebecca; Folsom, Aaron

2013-01-01

Objective Previous studies have speculated that the higher stroke incidence rate in blacks compared with whites may be due, in part, to stroke risk factors exerting a more adverse effect among blacks than whites. To determine whether such racial differences exist we compared the prospective associations between novel, traditional and emerging stroke risk factors in blacks and whites. Design Baseline characteristics on risk factor levels were obtained on 15,407 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Stroke incidence was ascertained from 1987–2008. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for stroke in relation to stroke risk factor levels stratified by race. Results During follow-up 988 stroke events occurred: Blacks had higher stroke incident rates compared with whites with the greatest difference in those aged <60 years: 4.34, 3.24, 1.20 and 0.84 per 1,000 person-years, in black men, black women, white men and white women, respectively. Associations between risk factors with incident stroke were similar in blacks and whites excluding diabetes which was more strongly associated with risk of stroke in blacks than in whites: HR 2.54 (95% CI: 2.03–3.18) vs. 1.74 (1.37–2.21), respectively; p for race interaction=0.02. Conclusions At all ages, blacks are at considerably higher risk of incident stroke compared with whites, although the effect is most marked in younger age groups. This is most likely due to blacks having a greater burden of stroke risk factors rather than there being any substantial race differences in the associations between risk factors and stroke outcomes. PMID:24261746

A comparison of risk factors and severity of ischemic stroke in female and male genders in North-West Iran: A cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Talebi, Mahnaz; Ghertasi, Mohammad; Taheraghdam, Aliakbar; Andalib, Sasan; Sharifipour, Ehsan

2014-01-01

Background: Gender difference has been reported in stroke risk factors and disease history. The aim of this study was to compare risk factors and the severity of ischemic stroke based upon modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and hospital mortality between two genders. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 341 patients (44% males and 56% females with a mean age of 68.94 ± 12.74 years) with ischemic stroke, who were hospitalized in the neurology wards of two referral university hospital of North-West Iran (Imam Reza and Razi Hospitals), from the beginning to the end of 2011 were selected and assessed. Gender difference in terms of demographic findings, vascular risk factors, 7th day mRS, and hospital mortality (during admission) were evaluated. Results: In 2.6% of cases, mRS was found to be less than 2 (favorable) and in 97.4% of cases; mRS was 2-5 (with disability). No significant difference in ischemic stroke severity based on mRS was observed between two genders. There was a significant difference in the rate of hypertension (females = 72.3%, males = 59.3%, P = 0.010), diabetes (females = 28.8%, males = 18.7%, P = 0.030), smoking (females = 6.3%, males = 35.3%, P < 0.001). No significant difference was seen in other risk factors between two genders. There was no significant difference in the mortality rate, which constituted 8.9% and 4.7% in females and males respectively (P = 0.140). Conclusion: The evidence from the present study suggests that despite the existence of some difference between risk-factors in two genders, there was no difference in terms of ischemic stroke severity and mortality rate between two genders. PMID:25632333

A comparison of risk factors and severity of ischemic stroke in female and male genders in North-West Iran: A cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Talebi, Mahnaz; Ghertasi, Mohammad; Taheraghdam, Aliakbar; Andalib, Sasan; Sharifipour, Ehsan

2014-10-06

Gender difference has been reported in stroke risk factors and disease history. The aim of this study was to compare risk factors and the severity of ischemic stroke based upon modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and hospital mortality between two genders. In a cross-sectional study, 341 patients (44% males and 56% females with a mean age of 68.94 ± 12.74 years) with ischemic stroke, who were hospitalized in the neurology wards of two referral university hospital of North-West Iran (Imam Reza and Razi Hospitals), from the beginning to the end of 2011 were selected and assessed. Gender difference in terms of demographic findings, vascular risk factors, 7(th) day mRS, and hospital mortality (during admission) were evaluated. In 2.6% of cases, mRS was found to be less than 2 (favorable) and in 97.4% of cases; mRS was 2-5 (with disability). No significant difference in ischemic stroke severity based on mRS was observed between two genders. There was a significant difference in the rate of hypertension (females = 72.3%, males = 59.3%, P = 0.010), diabetes (females = 28.8%, males = 18.7%, P = 0.030), smoking (females = 6.3%, males = 35.3%, P < 0.001). No significant difference was seen in other risk factors between two genders. There was no significant difference in the mortality rate, which constituted 8.9% and 4.7% in females and males respectively (P = 0.140). The evidence from the present study suggests that despite the existence of some difference between risk-factors in two genders, there was no difference in terms of ischemic stroke severity and mortality rate between two genders.

Body mass index and cardiovascular disease in the Asia-Pacific Region: an overview of 33 cohorts involving 310 000 participants.

PubMed

Ni Mhurchu, C; Rodgers, A; Pan, W H; Gu, D F; Woodward, M

2004-08-01

Few prospective data from the Asia-Pacific region are available relating body mass index (BMI) to the risks of stroke and ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Our objective was to assess the age-, sex-, and region-specific associations of BMI with cardiovascular disease using individual participant data from prospective studies in the Asia-Pacific region. Studies were identified from literature searches, proceedings of meetings, and personal communication. All studies had at least 5000 person-years of follow-up. Hazard ratios were calculated from Cox models, stratified by sex and cohort, and adjusted for age at risk and smoking. The first 3 years of follow-up were excluded in order to reduce confounding due to disease at baseline. A total of 33 cohort studies, including 310 283 participants, contributed 2 148 354 person-years of follow-up, during which 3332 stroke and 2073 IHD events were observed. There were continuous positive associations between baseline BMI and the risks of ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, and IHD, with each 2 kg/m(2) lower BMI associated a 12% (95% CI: 9, 15%) lower risk of ischaemic stroke, 8% (95% CI: 4, 12%) lower risk in haemorrhagic stroke, and 11% (95% CI: 9, 13%) lower risk of IHD. The strengths of all associations were strongly age dependent, and there was no significant difference between Asian and Australasian cohorts. This overview provides the most reliable estimates to date of the associations between BMI and cardiovascular disease in the Asia-Pacific region, and the first direct comparisons within the region. Continuous relationships of approximately equal strength are evident in both Asian and Australasian populations. These results indicate considerable potential for cardiovascular disease reduction with population-wide lowering of BMI.

Major bleeding events and risk stratification of antithrombotic agents in hemodialysis: Results from the DOPPS

PubMed Central

Sood, Manish M.; Larkina, Maria; Thumma, Jyothi R.; Tentori, Francesca; Gillespie, Brenda W.; Fukuhara, Shunichi; Mendelssohn, David C.; Chan, Kevin; de Sequera, Patricia; Komenda, Paul; Rigatto, Claudio; Robinson, Bruce M.

2013-01-01

Benefits and risks of antithrombotic agents remain unclear in the hemodialysis population. We aimed to determine variation in antithrombotic agent use, rates of major bleeding events, and to determine factors predictive of stroke and bleeding to allow for risk stratification, enabling more rational decisions about using antithrombotic agents. The sample included 48,144 patients in 12 countries in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study Phase I–IV. Antithrombotic agents included oral anticoagulants (OAC), ASA and anti-platelet agents (APA). OAC prescription, comorbidities and vascular access were assessed at study entry; data on clinical events including hospitalization due to bleeding were collected every four months during follow-up. There was wide variation in OAC (0.3–18%), APA (3–25%) and ASA use (8–36%), and major bleeding rates (0.05–0.22 events/year) among countries. Rates of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and bleeding events requiring hospitalization were elevated in patients prescribed OAC across adjusted models. The CHADS2 score predicted the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation patients. Gastrointestinal bleeding in the past 12 months was highly predictive of major bleeding events; for patients with previous gastrointestinal bleeding, the rate of bleeding exceeded the rate of stroke by at least 2-fold across categories of CHADS2 score. Prescription of antithrombotic agents varied greatly. The CHADS2 score and a history of gastrointestinal bleeding were predictive of stroke and bleeding events, respectively, with bleeding rates substantially exceeding stroke rates in all groups including patients at high stroke risk. Appropriate risk stratification and a cautious approach should be considered before OAC use in the dialysis population. PMID:23677245

Advancing the Hypothesis that Geographic Variations in Risk Factors Contribute Relatively Little to Observed Geographic Variations in Heart Disease and Stroke Mortality

PubMed Central

Howard, George; Cushman, Mary; Prineas, Ronald J.; Howard, Virginia J.; Moy, Claudia S.; Sullivan, Lisa M.; D’Agostino, Ralph B.; McClure, Leslie A.; Pulley, Lea Vonne; Safford, Monika M.

2009-01-01

Purpose Geographic variation in risk factors may underlie geographic disparities in coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke mortality. Methods Framingham CHD Risk Score (FCRS) and Stroke Risk Score (FSRS) were calculated for 25,770 stroke-free and 22,247 CHD-free participants from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke cohort. Vital statistics provided age-adjusted CHD and stroke mortality rates. In an ecologic analysis, the age-adjusted, race-sex weighted, average state-level risk factor levels were compared to state-level mortality rates. Results There was no relationship between CHD and stroke mortality rates (r = 0.04; p = 0.78), but there was between CHD and stroke risk scores at the individual (r = 0.68; p < 0.0001) and state (r = 0.64, p < 0.0001) level. There was a stronger (p < 0.0001) association between state-level FCRS and state-level CHD mortality (r = 0.28, p = 0.18), than between FSRS and stroke mortality (r = 0.12, p = 0.56). Conclusions Weak associations between CHD and stroke mortality and strong associations between CHD and stroke risk scores suggest geographic variation in risk factors may not underlie geographic variations in stroke and CHD mortality. The relationship between risk factor scores and mortality was stronger for CHD than stroke. PMID:19285103

What's new in stroke? The top 10 studies of 2009-2011: part II.

PubMed

Hart, Robert G; Oczkowski, Wiesław J

2011-06-01

Five studies published between 2009 and 2011 are reviewed that importantly inform stroke prevention for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or with cervical carotid artery stenosis. Two large, phase III randomized trials tested novel oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with AF: the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran 150 mg twice daily was superior to adjusted-dose warfarin (RE-LY trial) and the direct factor Xa inhibitor apixaban was far superior to aspirin in patients deemed unsuitable for warfarin (AVERROES trial). For both novel anticoagulants, major bleeding rates were similar to the comparator treatment. Clopidogrel plus aspirin was more efficacious than aspirin alone for prevention of stroke in patients with AF deemed unsuitable for warfarin, but major bleeding was significantly increased with dual antiplatelet therapy (ACTIVE A trial). Two large randomized trials (CREST, ICSS) provide the best available data on the short-term risks of carotid artery stenting vs. endarterectomy. In both trials, periprocedural stroke was more frequent with stenting than with endarterectomy, but the increased risk was largely confined to patients >70 years old. For younger patients, periprocedural risks were comparable with stenting or endarterectomy, but long-term outcomes are required to assess the relative merits of the two procedures.

Randomized controlled trial of a coordinated care intervention to improve risk factor control after stroke or transient ischemic attack in the safety net: Secondary stroke prevention by Uniting Community and Chronic care model teams Early to End Disparities (SUCCEED).

PubMed

Towfighi, Amytis; Cheng, Eric M; Ayala-Rivera, Monica; McCreath, Heather; Sanossian, Nerses; Dutta, Tara; Mehta, Bijal; Bryg, Robert; Rao, Neal; Song, Shlee; Razmara, Ali; Ramirez, Magaly; Sivers-Teixeira, Theresa; Tran, Jamie; Mojarro-Huang, Elizabeth; Montoya, Ana; Corrales, Marilyn; Martinez, Beatrice; Willis, Phyllis; Macias, Mireya; Ibrahim, Nancy; Wu, Shinyi; Wacksman, Jeremy; Haber, Hilary; Richards, Adam; Barry, Frances; Hill, Valerie; Mittman, Brian; Cunningham, William; Liu, Honghu; Ganz, David A; Factor, Diane; Vickrey, Barbara G

2017-02-06

Recurrent strokes are preventable through awareness and control of risk factors such as hypertension, and through lifestyle changes such as healthier diets, greater physical activity, and smoking cessation. However, vascular risk factor control is frequently poor among stroke survivors, particularly among socio-economically disadvantaged blacks, Latinos and other people of color. The Chronic Care Model (CCM) is an effective framework for multi-component interventions aimed at improving care processes and outcomes for individuals with chronic disease. In addition, community health workers (CHWs) have played an integral role in reducing health disparities; however, their effectiveness in reducing vascular risk among stroke survivors remains unknown. Our objectives are to develop, test, and assess the economic value of a CCM-based intervention using an Advanced Practice Clinician (APC)-CHW team to improve risk factor control after stroke in an under-resourced, racially/ethnically diverse population. In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 516 adults (≥40 years) with an ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack or intracerebral hemorrhage within the prior 90 days are being enrolled at five sites within the Los Angeles County safety-net setting and randomized 1:1 to intervention vs usual care. Participants are excluded if they do not speak English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or Korean or if they are unable to consent. The intervention includes a minimum of three clinic visits in the healthcare setting, three home visits, and Chronic Disease Self-Management Program group workshops in community venues. The primary outcome is blood pressure (BP) control (systolic BP <130 mmHg) at 1 year. Secondary outcomes include: (1) mean change in systolic BP; (2) control of other vascular risk factors including lipids and hemoglobin A1c, (3) inflammation (C reactive protein [CRP]), (4) medication adherence, (5) lifestyle factors (smoking, diet, and physical activity), (6) estimated relative reduction in risk for recurrent stroke or myocardial infarction (MI), and (7) cost-effectiveness of the intervention versus usual care. If this multi-component interdisciplinary intervention is shown to be effective in improving risk factor control after stroke, it may serve as a model that can be used internationally to reduce race/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in stroke in resource-constrained settings. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01763203 .

Patent foramen ovale closure vs medical therapy for stroke prevention: meta-analysis of randomized trials and review of heterogeneity in meta-analyses.

PubMed

Udell, Jacob A; Opotowsky, Alexander R; Khairy, Paul; Silversides, Candice K; Gladstone, David J; O'Gara, Patrick T; Landzberg, Michael J

2014-10-01

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) might be a risk factor for unexplained ("cryptogenic") stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). We sought to determine the efficacy and safety of transcatheter PFO closure compared with antithrombotic therapy for secondary prevention of cerebrovascular events among patients with cryptogenic stroke. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of MedLine and Embase (from inception to March 2013) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared transcatheter PFO closure with medical therapy in subjects with cryptogenic stroke. Data were independently extracted on trial conduct quality, baseline characteristics, efficacy, and safety events from published articles and appendices. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the composite of stroke or TIA, and adverse cardiovascular events including atrial fibrillation/flutter were constructed. Three RCTs of 2303 subjects with previous stroke, TIA, or systemic arterial embolism (mean age, 45.7 years; 47.3% women; mean follow-up, 2.6 years) were included. PFO closure did not significantly reduce the risk of recurrent stroke/TIA (3.7% vs 5.2%; RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.50-1.07; P = 0.10); however, an increased risk of incident atrial fibrillation/flutter was detected (3.8% vs 1.0%; RR, 3.67; 95% CI, 1.95-6.89; P < 0.0001). No significant heterogeneity was detected for any end point among subgroups of patients stratified according to age, sex, index cardiovascular event, device type, interatrial shunt size, and presence of an atrial septal aneurysm (all P interactions ≥ 0.09). Meta-analysis of RCTs that assessed transcatheter PFO closure for secondary prevention of cerebrovascular events in subjects with cryptogenic stroke does not demonstrate benefit compared with antithrombotic therapy, and suggests potential risks. Copyright © 2014 Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and prediction of incident stroke

PubMed Central

Tsivgoulis, Georgios; Psaltopoulou, Theodora; Wadley, Virginia G.; Alexandrov, Andrei V.; Howard, George; Unverzagt, Frederick W.; Moy, Claudia; Howard, Virginia J.; Kissela, Brett; Judd, Suzanne E.

2015-01-01

Context There are limited data regarding the potential association of adherence to Mediterranean Diet (MeD) with incident stroke in non-Mediterranean populations. Objective We sought to assess the longitudinal association between greater adherence to MeD and lower risk of incident stroke both with and without adjustment for factors that are independently related to stroke burden by capitalizing on the large, sample of the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) subjects. Design, Setting and Participants Prospective, population-based, cohort of 30,239 individuals enrolled in REGARDS Study 2003–2007, excluding participants with stroke history, missing demographic data and Food Frequency Questionnaires and unavailable follow-up information. Adherence to MeD was categorized using dichotomization and trichotomization of MeD-score. Main Outcome Measures Incident stroke diagnosed by expert panel review of medical records using clinical and neuroimaging data during a mean follow-up period of 6.5 years. Results Incident stroke was identified in 565 participants (2.8%; 497 cases of ischemic and 68 cases of hemorrhagic stroke) out of 20,197 individuals fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Low (HR versus high adherence: 1.28; 95%CI:1.00–1.63) and moderate (HR versus high adherence: 1.32; 95%CI:1.05–1.66) adherence to MeD were associated with higher risk of incident ischemic stroke (IS) in initial univariate analysis. After adjusting for demographics, vascular risk factors, blood pressure levels, and antihypertensive medications use, low adherence to MeD (MeD-score: 0–3) tended to be associated with a higher risk of incident IS [HR versus high adherence (MeD-score: 6–9): 1.29; 95%CI:0.99–1.67]. A similar relationship was documented for moderate adherence to MeD (MeD score: 4–5; HR versus high adherence: 1.25; 95%CI:0.98–1.58). After dichotomization of MeD-score, low adherence to MeD (MeD-score: 0–4) was independently associated with higher incidence of IS in multivariable analyses (HR: 1.27;95%CI:1.04–1.54). We documented no association (p>0.5) of dichotomized or trichotomized MeD-score with incident hemorrhagic stroke. There was no interaction of race (p=0.38) on the association of adherence to MeD with incident IS. Conclusions Low adherence to MeD appears to be associated with a higher risk of incident IS independent of numerous potential confounders. Adherence to MeD is not related to the risk of incident hemorrhagic stroke. PMID:25628306

Pre-discharge home assessment visits in assisting patients' return to community living: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Lockwood, Kylee J; Taylor, Nicholas F; Harding, Katherine E

2015-04-01

To determine the effectiveness of pre-discharge home assessment visits by occupational therapists in assisting hospitalized patients from a range of settings to return to community living. Electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsychINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and OTseeker were searched until February 2014. Quantitative and qualitative studies were included if they evaluated pre-discharge home assessment visits by an occupational therapist. Of 1,778 potentially relevant articles, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. After data extraction, study quality was assessed using check-lists. Pre-discharge home assessment visits reduced the risk of falling (risk ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.49-0.94) and increased participation levels (standardized mean difference 0.49; 95% CI 0.01-0.98) in geriatric and mixed rehabilitation settings. The risk of readmission to hospital was also reduced (risk ratio 0.47, 95% CI 0.33-0.66), but not for patients following stroke. There was no effect on activity or quality of life. Patients and carers perceived that home assessment visits were beneficial and were satisfied with the process. There is low-to-moderate quality evidence that pre-discharge home assessment visits reduce patients' risk of falling and increase participation. The risk of readmission to hospital is also reduced, but not for patients following stroke.

Anticholinergic load negatively correlates with recovery of cognitive activities of daily living for geriatric patients after stroke in the convalescent stage.

PubMed

Kose, E; Hirai, T; Seki, T; Hidaka, S; Hamamoto, T

2018-05-16

Anticholinergic drugs are associated with risks of falls, confusion and cognitive dysfunction. However, the effect of anticholinergic drug use on rehabilitation outcomes after a stroke is poorly documented. We therefore aimed to establish whether the anticholinergic load was associated with functional recovery among geriatric patients convalescing after stroke. Consecutive geriatric stroke patients admitted and discharged from a convalescence rehabilitation ward between 2010 and 2016 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Anticholinergic load was assessed by the Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS), and functional recovery was assessed by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). The primary outcome was cognitive FIM (FIM-C) gain, but we also assessed the interaction of other putative factors identified from univariate analysis. Multivariate analyses were performed, adjusting for confounding factors. We included 418 participants (171 males, 247 females) with a median age of 78 years (interquartile range, 72-84 years). Multiple regression analysis revealed that ARS change, length of stay, and epilepsy were independently and negatively correlated with cognitive FIM gain. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the "Comprehension" and "Memory" items of the cognitive FIM gain were independently and negatively associated with anticholinergic load. A causal relationship cannot be established, but increased ARS scores during hospitalization may predict limited cognitive functional improvement in geriatric patients after stroke. Alternatively, cognitive impairment may lead to increased use of anticholinergic drugs. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Total antioxidant capacity of diet and risk of stroke: a population-based prospective cohort of women.

PubMed

Rautiainen, Susanne; Larsson, Susanna; Virtamo, Jarmo; Wolk, Alicja

2012-02-01

Consumption of antioxidant-rich foods may reduce the risk of stroke by inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) takes into account all antioxidants and the synergistic effects between them. We examined the association between dietary TAC and stroke incidence in cardiovascular disease (CVD)-free women and in women with CVD history at baseline. The study included women (31,035 CVD-free and 5680 with CVD history at baseline), aged 49 to 83 years, from the Swedish Mammography Cohort. Diet was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Dietary TAC was calculated using oxygen radical absorbance capacity values. Stroke cases were ascertained by linkage with the Swedish Hospital Discharge Registry. During follow-up (September 1997 to December 2009), we identified 1322 stroke cases (988 cerebral infarctions, 226 hemorrhagic strokes, and 108 unspecified strokes) among CVD-free women and 1007 stroke cases (796 cerebral infarctions, 100 hemorrhagic strokes, and 111 unspecified strokes) among women with a CVD history. The multivariable hazard ratio of total stroke comparing the highest with the lowest quintile of dietary TAC was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.70-0.99; P for trend=0.04) in CVD-free women. Among women with a CVD history, the hazard ratios for the highest versus lowest quartile of TAC were 0.90 (95% CI, 0.75-1.07; P for trend=0.30) for total stroke and 0.55 (95% CI, 0.32-0.95; P for trend=0.03) for hemorrhagic stroke. These findings suggest that dietary TAC is inversely associated with total stroke among CVD-free women and hemorrhagic stroke among women with CVD history.

An assessment of the cost-effectiveness of magnetic resonance, including diffusion-weighted imaging, in patients with transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke: a systematic review, meta-analysis and economic evaluation.

PubMed

Wardlaw, Joanna; Brazzelli, Miriam; Miranda, Hector; Chappell, Francesca; McNamee, Paul; Scotland, Graham; Quayyum, Zahid; Martin, Duncan; Shuler, Kirsten; Sandercock, Peter; Dennis, Martin

2014-04-01

Patients with transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke need rapid treatment of risk factors to prevent recurrent stroke. ABCD2 score or magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted brain imaging (MR DWI) may help assessment and treatment. Is MR with DWI cost-effective in stroke prevention compared with computed tomography (CT) brain scanning in all patients, in specific subgroups or as 'one-stop' brain-carotid imaging? What is the current UK availability of services for stroke prevention? Published literature; stroke registries, audit and randomised clinical trials; national databases; survey of UK clinical and imaging services for stroke; expert opinion. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of published/unpublished data. Decision-analytic model of stroke prevention including on a 20-year time horizon including nine representative imaging scenarios. The pooled recurrent stroke rate after TIA (53 studies, 30,558 patients) is 5.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9% to 5.9%] by 7 days, and 6.7% (5.2% to 8.7%) at 90 days. ABCD2 score does not identify patients with key stroke causes or identify mimics: 66% of specialist-diagnosed true TIAs and 35-41% of mimics had an ABCD2 score of ≥ 4; 20% of true TIAs with ABCD2 score of < 4 had key risk factors. MR DWI (45 studies, 9078 patients) showed an acute ischaemic lesion in 34.3% (95% CI 30.5% to 38.4%) of TIA, 69% of minor stroke patients, i.e. two-thirds of TIA patients are DWI negative. TIA mimics (16 studies, 14,542 patients) make up 40-45% of patients attending clinics. UK survey (45% response) showed most secondary prevention started prior to clinic, 85% of primary brain imaging was same-day CT; 51-54% of patients had MR, mostly additional to CT, on average 1 week later; 55% omitted blood-sensitive MR sequences. Compared with 'CT scan all patients' MR was more expensive and no more cost-effective, except for patients presenting at > 1 week after symptoms to diagnose haemorrhage; strategies that triaged patients with low ABCD2 scores for slow investigation or treated DWI-negative patients as non-TIA/minor stroke prevented fewer strokes and increased costs. 'One-stop' CT/MR angiographic-plus-brain imaging was not cost-effective. Data on sensitivity/specificity of MR in TIA/minor stroke, stroke costs, prognosis of TIA mimics and accuracy of ABCD2 score by non-specialists are sparse or absent; all analysis had substantial heterogeneity. Magnetic resonance with DWI is not cost-effective for secondary stroke prevention. MR was most helpful in patients presenting at > 1 week after symptoms if blood-sensitive sequences were used. ABCD2 score is unlikely to facilitate patient triage by non-stroke specialists. Rapid specialist assessment, CT brain scanning and identification of serious underlying stroke causes is the most cost-effective stroke prevention strategy. The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Helicobacter pylori infection is identified as a cardiovascular risk factor in Central Africans.

PubMed

Longo-Mbenza, Benjamin; Nsenga, Jacqueline Nkondi; Mokondjimobe, Etienne; Gombet, Thierry; Assori, Itoua Ngaporo; Ibara, Jean Rosaire; Ellenga-Mbolla, Bertrand; Vangu, Dieudonné Ngoma; Fuele, Simon Mbungu

2012-01-01

Helicobacter pylori is now incriminated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. To examine the importance of H. pylori infection as a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. Two hundred five patients (128 with H. pylori infection [HP-seropositive] and 77 without) had a baseline assessment for other potential CVD risk factors and were followed prospectively for 10 years (1999-2008). They were assessed on a monthly basis for the outcomes of carotid plaque, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and stroke. In the HP-seropositive group, male sex and quartile 4 for IgG anti-H. pylori antibodies (anti-HP Ab) were correlated with traditional CVD risk factors, stroke, myocardial infarction, and angina pectoris. At the baseline assessment, the levels of carotid intima-media thickness, blood fibrinogen, total cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, and uric acid were higher in H. pylori-infected patients than in the uninfected group. Serum HDL-cholesterol was significantly lower in the HP-seropositive group. Men had higher levels of IgG anti-HP Ab, waist circumference, blood pressure, uric acid, and total cholesterol than women. Within the HP-seropositive group, individuals in quartile 4 for IgG anti-HP Ab had higher rates of elevated fibrinogen, diabetes mellitus, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, arterial hypertension, and high total cholesterol than those in quartile 1. After adjusting for traditional CVD risk factors, H. pylori infection was the only independent predictor of incident carotid plaque (multivariate odds ratio [OR] = 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-7.2; P < 0.0001) and incident acute stroke (multivariate OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.4-8.2; P < 0.0001). Within the HP-seropositive group and after adjusting for traditional CVD risk factors, male sex was the only independent predictor of incident angina pectoris (multivariate OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.6-16; P < 0.0001), incident acute stroke (multivariate OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.4-28; P < 0.0001), and acute myocardial infarction (multivariate OR = 7.2, 95% CI: 3.1-18; P < 0.0001). Our study provides evidence for an association among known CVD risk factors, carotid plaque, stroke, and H. pylori infection. Among infected individuals, there is a significant association among severity of HP-seropositivity, male sex, and CVD. The eradication of H. pylori infection may therefore reduce the emerging burden of CVD in Africa.

Carotid intima-media thickness progression to predict cardiovascular events in the general population (the PROG-IMT collaborative project): a meta-analysis of individual participant data.

PubMed

Lorenz, Matthias W; Polak, Joseph F; Kavousi, Maryam; Mathiesen, Ellisiv B; Völzke, Henry; Tuomainen, Tomi-Pekka; Sander, Dirk; Plichart, Matthieu; Catapano, Alberico L; Robertson, Christine M; Kiechl, Stefan; Rundek, Tatjana; Desvarieux, Moïse; Lind, Lars; Schmid, Caroline; DasMahapatra, Pronabesh; Gao, Lu; Ziegelbauer, Kathrin; Bots, Michiel L; Thompson, Simon G

2012-06-02

Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is related to the risk of cardiovascular events in the general population. An association between changes in cIMT and cardiovascular risk is frequently assumed but has rarely been reported. Our aim was to test this association. We identified general population studies that assessed cIMT at least twice and followed up participants for myocardial infarction, stroke, or death. The study teams collaborated in an individual participant data meta-analysis. Excluding individuals with previous myocardial infarction or stroke, we assessed the association between cIMT progression and the risk of cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, vascular death, or a combination of these) for each study with Cox regression. The log hazard ratios (HRs) per SD difference were pooled by random effects meta-analysis. Of 21 eligible studies, 16 with 36,984 participants were included. During a mean follow-up of 7·0 years, 1519 myocardial infarctions, 1339 strokes, and 2028 combined endpoints (myocardial infarction, stroke, vascular death) occurred. Yearly cIMT progression was derived from two ultrasound visits 2-7 years (median 4 years) apart. For mean common carotid artery intima-media thickness progression, the overall HR of the combined endpoint was 0·97 (95% CI 0·94-1·00) when adjusted for age, sex, and mean common carotid artery intima-media thickness, and 0·98 (0·95-1·01) when also adjusted for vascular risk factors. Although we detected no associations with cIMT progression in sensitivity analyses, the mean cIMT of the two ultrasound scans was positively and robustly associated with cardiovascular risk (HR for the combined endpoint 1·16, 95% CI 1·10-1·22, adjusted for age, sex, mean common carotid artery intima-media thickness progression, and vascular risk factors). In three studies including 3439 participants who had four ultrasound scans, cIMT progression did not correlate between occassions (reproducibility correlations between r=-0·06 and r=-0·02). The association between cIMT progression assessed from two ultrasound scans and cardiovascular risk in the general population remains unproven. No conclusion can be derived for the use of cIMT progression as a surrogate in clinical trials. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dietary patterns are associated with incident stroke and contribute to excess risk of stroke in black Americans.

PubMed

Judd, Suzanne E; Gutiérrez, Orlando M; Newby, P K; Howard, George; Howard, Virginia J; Locher, Julie L; Kissela, Brett M; Shikany, James M

2013-12-01

Black Americans and residents of the Southeastern United States are at increased risk of stroke. Diet is one of many potential factors proposed that might explain these racial and regional disparities. Between 2003 and 2007, the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort study enrolled 30 239 black and white Americans aged≥45 years. Dietary patterns were derived using factor analysis and foods from food frequency data. Incident strokes were adjudicated using medical records by a team of physicians. Cox-proportional hazards models were used to examine risk of stroke. During 5.7 years, 490 incident strokes were observed. In a multivariable-adjusted analysis, greater adherence to the plant-based pattern was associated with lower stroke risk (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.91; Ptrend=0.005). This association was attenuated after addition of income, education, total energy intake, smoking, and sedentary behavior. Participants with a higher adherence to the Southern pattern experienced a 39% increased risk of stroke (hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.05, 1.84), with a significant (P=0.009) trend across quartiles. Including Southern pattern in the model mediated the black-white risk of stroke by 63%. These data suggest that adherence to a Southern style diet may increase the risk of stroke, whereas adherence to a more plant-based diet may reduce stroke risk. Given the consistency of finding a dietary effect on stroke risk across studies, discussing nutrition patterns during risk screening may be an important step in reducing stroke.

Therapeutic Decisions in Atrial Fibrillation for Stroke Prevention: The Role of Aversion to Ambiguity and Physicians' Risk Preferences.

PubMed

Sposato, Luciano A; Stirling, Devin; Saposnik, Gustavo

2018-04-09

Knowledge-to-action gaps influence therapeutic decisions in atrial fibrillation (AF). Physician-related factors are common, but the least studied. We evaluated the prevalence and determinants of physician-related factors and knowledge-to-action gaps among physicians involved in the management of AF patients. In this cross-sectional study, participants from 6 South American countries recruited during an educational program answered questions regarding 16 case scenarios of patients with AF and completed experiments assessing 3 outcome measures: therapeutic inertia, herding, and errors in risk stratification knowledge translated into action (ERSKTA) based on commonly used stratification tools (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years (double), Diabetes mellitus, previous Stroke/transient ischemic attack/thromboembolism (double), Vascular disease, Age 65-74 years, and female gender (score of 0 for males and 1 for female) (CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc) and Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes mellitus, and previous Stroke/transient ischemic attack (double) (CHADS 2 )). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with the outcomes. Overall, 149 physicians were invited to participate, of which 88 (59.1%) completed the online assessment tool. Cardiology was the most frequent specialty (69.3%). Therapeutic inertia was present in 53 participants (60.2%), herding in 66 (75.0%), and ERSKTA in 46 (52.3%). Therapeutic inertia was inversely associated with willingness to take financial risks (odds ratio [OR] .72, 95% confidence interval [CI] .59-.89 per point in the financial risk propensity score), herding was associated with aversion to ambiguity in the medical domain (OR 5.35, 95% CI 1.40-20.46), and ERSKTA was associated with the willingness to take risks (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.15-2.50, per point in score). Among physicians involved in stroke prevention in AF, individual risk preferences and aversion to ambiguity lead to therapeutic inertia, herding, and errors in risk stratification and subsequent use of oral anticoagulants. Educational interventions, including formal training in risk management and decision-making are needed. Copyright © 2018 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A community-based, case-control study of childhood stroke risk associated with congenital heart disease

PubMed Central

Fox, Christine K.; Sidney, Stephen; Fullerton, Heather J.

2014-01-01

Background and Purpose A better understanding of the stroke risk factors in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) could inform stroke prevention strategies. We analyzed pediatric stroke associated with CHD in a large community-based, case-control study. Methods From 2.5 million children (< 20 years) enrolled in a Northern California integrated healthcare plan, we identified ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes and randomly selected age and facility-matched stroke-free controls (3 per case). We determined exposure to CHD (diagnosed prior to stroke) and used conditional logistic regression to analyze stroke risk. Results CHD was identified in 15/412 cases (4%) versus 7/1,236 controls (0.6%). Children (28 days – 20 years) with CHD had 19-fold (Odds Ratio [OR] 19; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 4.2, 83) increased stroke risk compared to controls. History of CHD surgery was associated with >30-fold increased risk of stroke (OR 31; CI 4, 241 compared to controls). After excluding peri-operative strokes, a history of CHD surgery still increased childhood stroke risk (OR 13; CI 1.5, 114). The majority of children with stroke and CHD were outpatient at the time of stroke, and almost half the cases who underwent cardiac surgery had their stroke >5 years after the most recent procedure. An estimated 7% of ischemic and 2% of hemorrhagic childhood strokes in the population were attributable to CHD. Conclusions CHD is an important childhood stroke risk factor. Children who undergo CHD surgery remain at elevated risk outside of the peri-operative period, and would benefit from optimized long-term stroke prevention strategies. PMID:25516197

Polygenic Risk for Depression Increases Risk of Ischemic Stroke: From the Stroke Genetics Network Study.

PubMed

Wassertheil-Smoller, Sylvia; Qi, Qibin; Dave, Tushar; Mitchell, Braxton D; Jackson, Rebecca D; Liu, Simin; Park, Ki; Salinas, Joel; Dunn, Erin C; Leira, Enrique C; Xu, Huichun; Ryan, Kathleen; Smoller, Jordan W

2018-03-01

Although depression is a risk factor for stroke in large prospective studies, it is unknown whether these conditions have a shared genetic basis. We applied a polygenic risk score (PRS) for major depressive disorder derived from European ancestry analyses by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium to a genome-wide association study of ischemic stroke in the Stroke Genetics Network of National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Included in separate analyses were 12 577 stroke cases and 25 643 controls of European ancestry and 1353 cases and 2383 controls of African ancestry. We examined the association between depression PRS and ischemic stroke overall and with pathogenic subtypes using logistic regression analyses. The depression PRS was associated with higher risk of ischemic stroke overall in both European ( P =0.025) and African ancestry ( P =0.011) samples from the Stroke Genetics Network. Ischemic stroke risk increased by 3.0% (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.05) for every 1 SD increase in PRS for those of European ancestry and by 8% (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.13) for those of African ancestry. Among stroke subtypes, elevated risk of small artery occlusion was observed in both European and African ancestry samples. Depression PRS was also associated with higher risk of cardioembolic stroke in European ancestry and large artery atherosclerosis in African ancestry persons. Higher polygenic risk for major depressive disorder is associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke overall and with small artery occlusion. Additional associations with ischemic stroke subtypes differed by ancestry. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

Insulin Resistance and Prognosis of Nondiabetic Patients With Ischemic Stroke: The ACROSS-China Study (Abnormal Glucose Regulation in Patients With Acute Stroke Across China).

PubMed

Jing, Jing; Pan, Yuesong; Zhao, Xingquan; Zheng, Huaguang; Jia, Qian; Mi, Donghua; Chen, Weiqi; Li, Hao; Liu, Liping; Wang, Chunxue; He, Yan; Wang, David; Wang, Yilong; Wang, Yongjun

2017-04-01

Insulin resistance was common in patients with stroke. This study investigated the association between insulin resistance and outcomes in nondiabetic patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke. Patients with ischemic stroke without history of diabetes mellitus in the ACROSS-China registry (Abnormal Glucose Regulation in Patients With Acute Stroke Across China) were included. Insulin resistance was defined as a homeostatis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index in the top quartile (Q4). HOMA-IR was calculated as fasting insulin (μU/mL)×fasting glucose (mmol/L)/22.5. Multivariable logistic regression or Cox regression was performed to estimate the association between HOMA-IR and 1-year prognosis (mortality, stroke recurrence, poor functional outcome [modified Rankin scale score 3-6], and dependence [modified Rankin scale score 3-5]). Among the 1245 patients with acute ischemic stroke enrolled in this study, the median HOMA-IR was 1.9 (interquartile range, 1.1-3.1). Patients with insulin resistance were associated with a higher mortality risk than those without (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.53; P =0.01), stroke recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.57, 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.19; P =0.008), and poor outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.95; P =0.03) but not dependence after adjustment for potential confounders. Higher HOMA-IR quartile categories were associated with a higher risk of 1-year death, stroke recurrence, and poor outcome ( P for trend =0.005, 0.005, and 0.001, respectively). Insulin resistance was associated with an increased risk of death, stroke recurrence, and poor outcome but not dependence in nondiabetic patients with acute ischemic stroke. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Rivaroxaban for stroke prevention in East Asian patients from the ROCKET AF trial.

PubMed

Wong, Ka Sing Lawrence; Hu, Dai Yi; Oomman, Abraham; Tan, Ru-San; Patel, Manesh R; Singer, Daniel E; Breithardt, Günter; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Becker, Richard C; Califf, Robert; Fox, Keith A A; Berkowitz, Scott D; Hacke, Werner; Hankey, Graeme J

2014-06-01

In Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor Compared With Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation (ROCKET AF) trial, rivaroxaban was noninferior to dose-adjusted warfarin in preventing stroke or systemic embolism among patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation at moderate to high stroke risk. Because of differences in patient demographics, epidemiology, and stroke risk management in East Asia, outcomes and relative effects of rivaroxaban versus warfarin were assessed to determine consistency among East Asians versus other ROCKET AF participants. Baseline demographics and interaction of treatment effects of rivaroxaban and warfarin among patients within East Asia and outside were assessed. A total of 932 (6.5%) ROCKET AF participants resided in East Asia. At baseline, East Asians had lower weight, creatinine clearance, and prior vitamin K antagonist use; higher prevalence of prior stroke; and less congestive heart failure and prior myocardial infarction than other participants. Despite higher absolute event rates for efficacy and safety outcomes in East Asians, the relative efficacy of rivaroxaban (20 mg once daily; 15 mg once daily for creatinine clearance of 30-49 mL/min) versus warfarin with respect to the primary efficacy end point (stroke/systemic embolism) was consistent among East Asians and non-East Asians (interaction P=0.666). Relative event rates for the major or nonmajor clinically relevant bleeding in patients treated with rivaroxaban and warfarin were consistent among East Asians and non-East Asians (interaction P=0.867). Observed relative efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban versus warfarin were similar among patients within and outside East Asia. Rivaroxaban, 20 mg once daily, is an alternative to warfarin for stroke prevention in East Asians with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

Baseline feature of a randomized trial assessing the effects of disease management programs for the prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Fukuoka, Yasuko; Hosomi, Naohisa; Hyakuta, Takeshi; Omori, Toyonori; Ito, Yasuhiro; Uemura, Jyunichi; Kimura, Kazumi; Matsumoto, Masayasu; Moriyama, Michiko

2015-03-01

Comprehensive and long-term patient education programs designed to improve self-management can help patients better manage their medical condition. Using disease management programs (DMPs) that were created for each of the risk factor according to clinical practice guidelines, we evaluate their influence on the prevention of stroke recurrence. This is a randomized study conducted with ischemic stroke patients within 1 year from their onset. Subjects in the intervention group received a 6-month DMPs that included self-management education provided by a nurse along with support in collaboration with the primary care physician. Those in the usual care group received ordinary outpatient care. The primary end points are stroke recurrence and stroke death. Patients were enrolled for 2 years with plans for a 2-year follow-up after the 6-month education period (total of 30 months). A total of 321 eligible subjects (average age, 67.3 years; females, 96 [29.9%]), including 21 subjects (6.5%) with transient ischemic attack, were enrolled in this study. Regarding risk factors for stroke, 260 subjects (81.0%) had hypertension, 249 subjects (77.6%) had dyslipidemia, 102 subjects (31.8%) had diabetes mellitus, 47 subjects (14.6%) had atrial fibrillation, and 98 subjects (30.5%) had chronic kidney disease. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to subject characteristics. This article describes the rationale, design, and baseline features of a randomized controlled trial that aimed to assess the effects of DMPs for the secondary prevention of stroke. Subject follow-up is in progress and will end in 2015. Copyright © 2015 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Perception of recurrent stroke risk among black, white and Hispanic ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack survivors: the SWIFT study.

PubMed

Boden-Albala, Bernadette; Carman, Heather; Moran, Megan; Doyle, Margaret; Paik, Myunghee C

2011-01-01

Risk modification through behavior change is critical for primary and secondary stroke prevention. Theories of health behavior identify perceived risk as an important component to facilitate behavior change; however, little is known about perceived risk of vascular events among stroke survivors. The SWIFT (Stroke Warning Information and Faster Treatment) study includes a prospective population-based ethnically diverse cohort of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack survivors. We investigate the baseline relationship between demographics, health beliefs, and knowledge on risk perception. Regression models examined predictors of inaccurate perception. Only 20% accurately estimated risk, 10% of the participants underestimated risk, and 70% of the 817 study participants significantly overestimated their risk for a recurrent stroke. The mean perceived likelihood of recurrent ischemic stroke in the next 10 years was 51 ± 7%. We found no significant differences by race-ethnicity with regard to accurate estimation of risk. Inaccurate estimation of risk was associated with attitudes and beliefs [worry (p < 0.04), fatalism (p < 0.07)] and memory problems (p < 0.01), but not history or knowledge of vascular risk factors. This paper provides a unique perspective on how factors such as belief systems influence risk perception in a diverse population at high stroke risk. There is a need for future research on how risk perception can inform primary and secondary stroke prevention. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Child-Mediated Stroke Communication: Findings from Hip Hop Stroke

PubMed Central

Williams, Olajide; DeSorbo, Alexandra; Noble, James; Gerin, William

2011-01-01

Background and Purpose Low thrombolysis rates for acute ischemic stroke is linked to delays in seeking immediate treatment due to low public stroke awareness. We aimed to assess whether “Child-Mediated Stroke Communication” (CMSC) could improve stroke literacy parents of children enrolled in a school-based stroke literacy program called Hip Hop Stroke (HHS). Methods Parents of children aged 9 to 12 years from two public schools in Harlem, NYC, were recruited to participate in stroke literacy questionnaires before and after their child’s participation in HHS, a novel CMSC intervention delivered in school auditoriums. Parental recall of stroke information communicated through their child was assessed 1-week following the intervention. Results Fifth and Sixth grade students (n =182) were enrolled into HHS. 102 parents were approached in person to participate; 75 opted to participate and 71 completed both pretest and post-test (74% response rate and 95% retention rate). Parental stroke literacy improved after the program: before the program, 3 parents of 75 (3.9%) were able to identify the five cardinal stroke symptoms, distracting symptom (chest pains), and had an urgent action plan (calling 911), compared to 21 of 71 parents (29.6%) post-intervention (p<0.001). The FAST mnemonic was known by 2 (2.7%) of participants before the program vs. 29 (41%) after program completion (p<0.001). Conclusions Knowledge of stroke signs and symptoms remains low among residents of this high-risk population. The use of Child-Mediated Stroke Communication suggests that schoolchildren aged 9-12 may be effective conduits of critical stroke knowledge to their Parents. PMID:22033995

Community awareness of stroke in Accra, Ghana

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Community awareness of stroke, especially the risk factors and warning signs is important in the control of the disease. In sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about community awareness of stroke though the brunt of stroke is currently borne in this region. The aim of the study was to evaluate stroke awareness in Accra (capital city of Ghana) particularly, the risk factors and warning signs. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving systematic sampling of 63 households in each of the 11 sub metropolitan areas of Accra. A structured questionnaire was used to collect stroke awareness data from respondents randomly sampled in the selected households. Logistic regression analyses were done to identify predictors of the main outcome variables including recognition of stroke risk factors, stroke warning signs and the organ affected by stroke. Results Only 40% (n = 277) of the 693 respondents correctly identified the brain as the organ affected in stroke. Similarly, less than half of the respondents could recognize any of the established stroke risk factors as well as any of the established stroke warning signs. Over 70% (n > 485) of the respondents either believed that stroke is a preventable disease, or lifestyle alterations can be made to reduce the risk of stroke, or stroke requires emergency treatment. In multivariate analysis, predictors of stroke awareness were: age <50 years (OR = 0.56, CI = 0.35-0.92, p = 0.021), presence of a stroke risk factor (OR = 2.37, CI = 1.52-3.71, p < 0.001) and Christian Religion (OR = 14.86, CI = 1.37-161.01, p = 0.03). Conclusion Though stroke is perceived as a serious and preventable disease in Accra, community awareness of the risk factors and warning signs is sub-optimal. This indicates that community-based education programs to increase public awareness of stroke could contribute to decreasing the risk of stroke and to increasing the speed of hospital presentation after stroke onset. PMID:24559414

Association between age and risk of stroke or death from carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting: a meta-analysis of pooled patient data from four randomised trials.

PubMed

Howard, George; Roubin, Gary S; Jansen, Olav; Hendrikse, Jeroen; Halliday, Alison; Fraedrich, Gustav; Eckstein, Hans-Henning; Calvet, David; Bulbulia, Richard; Bonati, Leo H; Becquemin, Jean-Pierre; Algra, Ale; Brown, Martin M; Ringleb, Peter A; Brott, Thomas G; Mas, Jean-Louis

2016-03-26

Age was reported to be an effect-modifier in four randomised controlled trials comparing carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA), with better CEA outcomes than CAS outcomes noted in the more elderly patients. We aimed to describe the association of age with treatment differences in symptomatic patients and provide age-specific estimates of the risk of stroke and death within narrow (5 year) age groups. In this meta-analysis, we analysed individual patient-level data from four randomised controlled trials within the Carotid Stenosis Trialists' Collaboration (CSTC) involving patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. We included only trials that randomly assigned patients to CAS or CEA and only patients with symptomatic stenosis. We assessed rates of stroke or death in 5-year age groups in the periprocedural period (between randomisation and 120 days) and ipsilateral stroke during long-term follow-up for patients assigned to CAS or CEA. We also assessed differences between CAS and CEA. All analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis. Collectively, 4754 patients were randomly assigned to either CEA or CAS treatment in the four studies. 433 events occurred over a median follow-up of 2·7 years. For patients assigned to CAS, the periprocedural hazard ratio (HR) for stroke and death in patients aged 65-69 years compared with patients younger than 60 years was 2·16 (95% CI 1·13-4·13), with HRs of roughly 4·0 for patients aged 70 years or older. We noted no evidence of an increased periprocedural risk by age group in the CEA group (p=0·34). These changes underpinned a CAS-versus CEA periprocedural HR of 1·61 (95% CI 0·90-2·88) for patients aged 65-69 years and an HR of 2·09 (1·32-3·32) for patients aged 70-74 years. Age was not associated with the postprocedural stroke risk either within treatment group (p≥0·09 for CAS and 0·83 for CEA), or between treatment groups (p=0·84). In these RCTs, CEA was clearly superior to CAS in patients aged 70-74 years and older. The difference in older patients was almost wholly attributable to increasing periprocedural stroke risk in patients treated with CAS. Age had little effect on CEA periprocedural risk or on postprocedural risk after either procedure. None. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Predictivity of Early Depressive Symptoms for Post-Stroke Depression.

PubMed

Lewin-Richter, A; Volz, M; Jöbges, M; Werheid, K

2015-08-01

Depression is a frequent complication after stroke. However, little is known about the predictive value of early self-reported depressive symptoms (DS) for later development of post-stroke depression (PSD) 6 months after discharge. Using a prospective longitudinal design, we investigated the prevalence of DS and examined their predictive value for depressive disorders 6 months after stroke while statistically controlling major established PSD risk factors. During inpatient rehabilitation, 96 stroke patients were screened for DS. After 6 months, 71 patients were attainable for a follow-up. DS was assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). At follow-up a telephone interview that included the Structured Clinical Interview for Psychiatric Disorders (SCID), which is based on DSM-IV criteria, and the GDS-15 was conducted. Patients with major depression (MD) at the follow-up were considered to have PSD. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the influence of early DS on PSD after 6 months while controlling for age, premorbid depression, and functional and cognitive impairments. The percentage of patients who scored above the GDS-15 cut-off for clinically relevant DS increased significantly, from 37% to 44%, after 6 months. According to the SCID, 27% of stroke patients fulfilled the criteria for MD, and another 16% fulfilled those for minor depression. Logistic regression showed that DS at baseline significantly predicted PSD at follow-up (odds ratio: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.15-1.8). Self-reported DS during inpatient rehabilitation are predictive for PSD 6 months after discharge. Assessment of early DS contributes to identifying stroke patients at risk for PSD, thereby facilitating prevention and treatment.

Association of ventricular arrhythmia and in-hospital mortality in stroke patients in Florida: A nonconcurrent prospective study.

PubMed

Dahlin, Arielle A; Parsons, Chase C; Barengo, Noël C; Ruiz, Juan Gabriel; Ward-Peterson, Melissa; Zevallos, Juan Carlos

2017-07-01

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Current evidence identified electrocardiographic abnormalities and cardiac arrhythmias in 50% of patients with an acute stroke. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the presence of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in adult patients hospitalized in Florida with acute stroke increased the risk of in-hospital mortality.Secondary data analysis of 215,150 patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke hospitalized in the state of Florida collected by the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration from 2008 to 2012. The main outcome for this study was in-hospital mortality. The main exposure of this study was defined as the presence of VA. VA included the ICD-9 CM codes: paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia (427.1), ventricular fibrillation (427.41), ventricular flutter (427.42), ventricular fibrillation and flutter (427.4), and other - includes premature ventricular beats, contractions, or systoles (427.69). Differences in demographic and clinical characteristics and hospital outcomes were assessed between patients who developed versus did not develop VA during hospitalization (χ and t tests). Binary logistic regression was used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between VA and in-hospital mortality.VA was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality after adjusting for all covariates (odds ratio [OR]: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.6-1.2). There was an increased in-hospital mortality in women compared to men (OR: 1.1; 95% CI: 1.1-1.14), age greater than 85 years (OR: 3.9, 95% CI: 3.5-4.3), African Americans compared to Whites (OR: 1.1; 95% CI: 1.04-1.2), diagnosis of congestive heart failure (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 2.0-2.3), and atrial arrhythmias (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 2.0-2.2). Patients with hemorrhagic stroke had increased odds of in-hospital mortality (OR: 9.0; 95% CI: 8.6-9.4) compared to ischemic stroke.Identifying VAs in stroke patients may help in better target at risk populations for closer cardiac monitoring during hospitalization. The impact of implementing methods of quick assessment could potentially reduce VA associated sudden cardiac death.

Neighborhood income and stroke care and outcomes

PubMed Central

Fang, Jiming; Chan, Crystal; Alter, David A.; Bronskill, Susan E.; Hill, Michael D.; Manuel, Douglas G.; Tu, Jack V.; Anderson, Geoffrey M.

2012-01-01

Objective: To evaluate factors that may contribute to the increased stroke case fatality rates observed in individuals from low-income areas. Methods: We conducted a cohort study on a population-based sample of all patients with stroke or TIA seen at 153 acute care hospitals in the province of Ontario, Canada, between April 1, 2002, and March 31, 2003, and April 1, 2004, and March 31, 2005. Socioeconomic status measured as income quintiles was imputed from median neighborhood income. In the study sample of 7,816 patients we determined 1-year mortality by grouped income quintile and used multivariable analyses to assess whether differences in survival were explained by cardiovascular risk factors, stroke severity, stroke management, or other prognostic factors. Results: There was no significant gradient across income groups for stroke severity or stroke management. However, 1-year mortality rates were higher in those from the lowest income group compared to those from the highest income group, even after adjustment for age, sex, stroke type and severity, comorbid conditions, hospital and physician characteristics, and processes of care (adjusted hazard ratio for low- vs high-income groups, 1.18; 95 confidence interval 1.03 to 1.29). Conclusions: In Ontario, 1-year survival rates after an index stroke are higher for those from the richest compared to the least wealthy areas, and this is only partly explained by age, sex, comorbid conditions, and other baseline risk factors. PMID:22895592

Principles of precision medicine in stroke.

PubMed

Hinman, Jason D; Rost, Natalia S; Leung, Thomas W; Montaner, Joan; Muir, Keith W; Brown, Scott; Arenillas, Juan F; Feldmann, Edward; Liebeskind, David S

2017-01-01

The era of precision medicine has arrived and conveys tremendous potential, particularly for stroke neurology. The diagnosis of stroke, its underlying aetiology, theranostic strategies, recurrence risk and path to recovery are populated by a series of highly individualised questions. Moreover, the phenotypic complexity of a clinical diagnosis of stroke makes a simple genetic risk assessment only partially informative on an individual basis. The guiding principles of precision medicine in stroke underscore the need to identify, value, organise and analyse the multitude of variables obtained from each individual to generate a precise approach to optimise cerebrovascular health. Existing data may be leveraged with novel technologies, informatics and practical clinical paradigms to apply these principles in stroke and realise the promise of precision medicine. Importantly, precision medicine in stroke will only be realised once efforts to collect, value and synthesise the wealth of data collected in clinical trials and routine care starts. Stroke theranostics, the ultimate vision of synchronising tailored therapeutic strategies based on specific diagnostic data, demand cerebrovascular expertise on big data approaches to clinically relevant paradigms. This review considers such challenges and delineates the principles on a roadmap for rational application of precision medicine to stroke and cerebrovascular health. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Application of personalized medicine to chronic disease: a feasibility assessment

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Personalized Medicine has the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce the cost of care; however its adoption has been slow in Canada. Bridgepoint Health is a complex continuous care provider striving to reduce the burden of polypharmacy in chronic patients. The main goal of the study was to explore the feasibility of utilizing personalized medicine in the treatment of chronic complex patients as a preliminary institutional health technology assessment. We analyzed stroke treatment optimization as a clinical indication that could serve as a “proof of concept” for the widespread implementation of pharmacogenetics. The objectives of the study were three-fold: 1. Review current practice in medication administration for stroke treatment at Bridgepoint Health 2. Critically analyze evidence that pharmacogenetic testing could (or could not) enhance drug selection and treatment efficacy for stroke patients; 3. Assess the cost-benefit potential of a pharmacogenetic intervention for stroke. Review current practice in medication administration for stroke treatment at Bridgepoint Health Critically analyze evidence that pharmacogenetic testing could (or could not) enhance drug selection and treatment efficacy for stroke patients; Assess the cost-benefit potential of a pharmacogenetic intervention for stroke. We conducted a review of stroke treatment practices at Bridgepoint Health, scanned the literature for drug-gene and drug-outcome interactions, and evaluated the potential consequences of pharmacogenetic testing using the ACCE model. There is a substantial body of evidence suggesting that pharmacogenetic stratification of stroke treatment can improve patient outcomes in the long-term, and provide substantial efficiencies for the healthcare system in the short-term. Specifically, pharmacogenetic stratification of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies for stroke patients may have a major impact on the risk of disease recurrence, and thus should be explored further for clinical application. Bridgepoint Health, and other healthcare institutions taking this path, should consider launching pilot projects to assess the practical impact of pharmacogenetics to optimize treatment for chronic continuous care. PMID:24351097

Asymptomatic embolisation for prediction of stroke in the Asymptomatic Carotid Emboli Study (ACES): a prospective observational study

PubMed Central

Markus, Hugh S; King, Alice; Shipley, Martin; Topakian, Raffi; Cullinane, Marisa; Reihill, Sheila; Bornstein, Natan M; Schaafsma, Arjen

2010-01-01

Summary Background Whether surgery is beneficial for patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis is controversial. Better methods of identifying patients who are likely to develop stroke would improve the risk–benefit ratio for carotid endarterectomy. We aimed to investigate whether detection of asymptomatic embolic signals by use of transcranial doppler (TCD) could predict stroke risk in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Methods The Asymptomatic Carotid Emboli Study (ACES) was a prospective observational study in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis of at least 70% from 26 centres worldwide. To detect the presence of embolic signals, patients had two 1 h TCD recordings from the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery at baseline and one 1 h recording at 6, 12, and 18 months. Patients were followed up for 2 years. The primary endpoint was ipsilateral stroke and transient ischaemic attack. All recordings were analysed centrally by investigators masked to patient identity. Findings 482 patients were recruited, of whom 467 had evaluable recordings. Embolic signals were present in 77 of 467 patients at baseline. The hazard ratio for the risk of ipsilateral stroke and transient ischaemic attack from baseline to 2 years in patients with embolic signals compared with those without was 2·54 (95% CI 1·20–5·36; p=0·015). For ipsilateral stroke alone, the hazard ratio was 5·57 (1·61–19·32; p=0·007). The absolute annual risk of ipsilateral stroke or transient ischaemic attack between baseline and 2 years was 7·13% in patients with embolic signals and 3·04% in those without, and for ipsilateral stroke was 3·62% in patients with embolic signals and 0·70% in those without. The hazard ratio for the risk of ipsilateral stroke and transient ischaemic attack for patients who had embolic signals on the recording preceding the next 6-month follow-up compared with those who did not was 2·63 (95% CI 1·01–6·88; p=0·049), and for ipsilateral stroke alone the hazard ratio was 6·37 (1·59–25·57; p=0·009). Controlling for antiplatelet therapy, degree of stenosis, and other risk factors did not alter the results. Interpretation Detection of asymptomatic embolisation on TCD can be used to identify patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis who are at a higher risk of stroke and transient ischaemic attack, and also those with a low absolute stroke risk. Assessment of the presence of embolic signals on TCD might be useful in the selection of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis who are likely to benefit from endarterectomy. Funding British Heart Foundation. PMID:20554250

Malnutrition risk predicts recovery of full oral intake among older adult stroke patients undergoing enteral nutrition: Secondary analysis of a multicentre survey (the APPLE study).

PubMed

Nishioka, Shinta; Okamoto, Takatsugu; Takayama, Masako; Urushihara, Maki; Watanabe, Misuzu; Kiriya, Yumiko; Shintani, Keiko; Nakagomi, Hiromi; Kageyama, Noriko

2017-08-01

Whether malnutrition risk correlates with recovery of swallowing function of convalescent stroke patients is unknown. This study was conducted to clarify whether malnutrition risks predict achievement of full oral intake in convalescent stroke patients undergoing enteral nutrition. We conducted a secondary analysis of 466 convalescent stroke patients, aged 65 years or over, who were undergoing enteral nutrition. Patients were extracted from the "Algorithm for Post-stroke Patients to improve oral intake Level; APPLE" study database compiled at the Kaifukuki (convalescent) rehabilitation wards. Malnutrition risk was determined by the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index as follows: severe (<82), moderate (82 to <92), mild (92 to <98), and no malnutrition risks (≥98). Swallowing function was assessed by Fujishima's swallowing grade (FSG) on admission and discharge. The primary outcome was achievement of full oral intake, indicated by FSG ≥ 7. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictive factors, including malnutrition risk, for achieving full oral intake. Estimated hazard risk was computed by Cox's hazard model. Of the 466 individuals, 264 were ultimately included in this study. Participants with severe malnutrition risk showed a significantly lower proportion of achievement of full oral intake than lower severity groups (P = 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, binary logistic regression analysis showed that patients with severe malnutrition risk were less likely to achieve full oral intake (adjusted odds ratio: 0.232, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.047-1.141). Cox's proportional hazard model revealed that severe malnutrition risk was an independent predictor of full oral intake (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.374, 95% CI: 0.166-0.842). Compared to patients who did not achieve full oral intake, patients who achieved full oral intake had significantly higher energy intake, but there was no difference in protein intake and weight change. Severe malnutrition risk independently predicts the achievement of full oral intake in convalescent stroke patients undergoing enteral nutrition. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

A comparative analysis of risk factors and stroke risk for Asian and non-Asian men: the Asia Pacific cohort studies collaboration.

PubMed

Hyun, Karice K; Huxley, Rachel R; Arima, Hisatomi; Woo, Jean; Lam, Tai Hing; Ueshima, Hirotsugu; Fang, Xianghua; Peters, Sanne A E; Jee, Sun Ha; Giles, Graham G; Barzi, Federica; Woodward, Mark

2013-12-01

The risk of stroke is high in men among both Asian and non-Asian populations, despite differences in risk factor profiles; whether risk factors act similarly in these populations is unknown. To study the associations between five major risk factors and stroke risk, comparing Asian with non-Asian men. We obtained data from the Asia Pacific Cohort Studies Collaboration, a pooled analysis of individual participant data from 44 studies involving 386 411 men with 9·4 years follow-up. Using cohorts from Asia and Australia/New Zealand Cox models were fitted to estimate risk factor associations for ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke. We identified significant, positive associations between all five risk factors and risk of ischemic stroke. The associations between body mass index, smoking, and diabetes with ischemic stroke were comparable for men from Asia and Australia/New Zealand. The association between systolic blood pressure and ischemic stroke was stronger for Asian than Australia/New Zealand cohorts, whereas the reverse was true for total cholesterol. For haemorrhagic stroke, only systolic blood pressure and smoking were associated with increased risk, although the relationship with systolic blood pressure was significantly stronger for men from Asia than Australia/New Zealand (P interaction  = 0·03), whereas the reverse was true for smoking (P interaction  = 0·001). There was an inverse trend of total cholesterol with haemorrhagic stroke, significant only for Asian men. Men from the Asia-Pacific region share common risk factors for stroke. Strategies aimed at lowering population levels of systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, body mass index, smoking, and diabetes are likely to be beneficial in reducing stroke risk, particularly for ischemic stroke, across the region. © 2013 The Authors. International Journal of Stroke © 2013 World Stroke Organization.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of intensive-dose and standard-dose statin treatment for stroke prevention: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Wang, Juan; Chen, Dan; Li, Da-Bing; Yu, Xin; Shi, Guo-Bing

2016-09-01

Previous study indicated that high-dose statin treatment might increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke and adverse reactions. We aim to compare the efficacy and safety of intensive-dose and standard-dose statin treatment for preventing stroke in high-risk patients. A thorough search was performed of multiple databases for publications from 1990 to June 2015. We selected the randomized clinical trials comparing standard-dose statin with placebo and intensive-dose statin with standard-dose statin or placebo for the prevention of stroke events in patients. Duplicate independent data extraction and bias assessments were performed. Data were pooled using a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model if significant heterogeneity was present. For the all stroke incidences, intensive-dose statin treatment compared with placebo treatment and standard-dose statin treatment compared with placebo treatment showed a significant 21% reduction in relative risk (RR) (RR 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.71, 0.87], P < 0.00001) and an 18% reduction in RR (RR 0.82, 95% CI [0.73, 0.93], P = 0.002) in the subgroup without renal transplant recipients and patients undergoing regular hemodialysis separately. For the fatal stroke incidences, intensive-dose statin treatment compared with standard dose or placebo was effective reducing fatal stroke (RR 0.61, 95% CI [0.39, 0.96], P = 0.03) and the RR was 1.01 (95% CI [0.85, 1.20], P = 0.90) in standard-dose statin treatment compared with placebo. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that intensive-dose statin treatment might be more favorable for reducing the incidences of all strokes than standard-dose statin treatment, especially for patients older than 65 years in reducing the incidences of all stroke incidences.

Clinical significance of cerebral microbleeds on MRI: A comprehensive meta-analysis of risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, mortality, and dementia in cohort studies (v1).

PubMed

Charidimou, Andreas; Shams, Sara; Romero, Jose R; Ding, Jie; Veltkamp, Roland; Horstmann, Solveig; Eiriksdottir, Gudny; van Buchem, Mark A; Gudnason, Vilmundur; Himali, Jayandra J; Gurol, M Edip; Viswanathan, Anand; Imaizumi, Toshio; Vernooij, Meike W; Seshadri, Sudha; Greenberg, Steven M; Benavente, Oscar R; Launer, Lenore J; Shoamanesh, Ashkan

2018-01-01

Background Cerebral microbleeds can confer a high risk of intracerebral hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, death and dementia, but estimated risks remain imprecise and often conflicting. We investigated the association between cerebral microbleeds presence and these outcomes in a large meta-analysis of all published cohorts including: ischemic stroke/TIA, memory clinic, "high risk" elderly populations, and healthy individuals in population-based studies. Methods Cohorts (with > 100 participants) that assessed cerebral microbleeds presence on MRI, with subsequent follow-up (≥3 months) were identified. The association between cerebral microbleeds and each of the outcomes (ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, death, and dementia) was quantified using random effects models of (a) unadjusted crude odds ratios and (b) covariate-adjusted hazard rations. Results We identified 31 cohorts ( n = 20,368): 19 ischemic stroke/TIA ( n = 7672), 4 memory clinic ( n = 1957), 3 high risk elderly ( n = 1458) and 5 population-based cohorts ( n = 11,722). Cerebral microbleeds were associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.58-2.89 and adj-HR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.71-2.57), but the relative increase in future intracerebral hemorrhage risk was greater (OR: 4.65; 95% CI: 2.68-8.08 and adj-HR: 3.93; 95% CI: 2.71-5.69). Cerebral microbleeds were an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (adj-HR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.24-1.48). In three population-based studies, cerebral microbleeds were independently associated with incident dementia (adj-HR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.00-1.82). Results were overall consistent in analyses stratified by different populations, but with different degrees of heterogeneity. Conclusions Our meta-analysis shows that cerebral microbleeds predict an increased risk of stroke, death, and dementia and provides up-to-date effect sizes across different clinical settings. These pooled estimates can inform clinical decisions and trials, further supporting cerebral microbleeds role as biomarkers of underlying subclinical brain pathology in research and clinical settings.

Recurrence risk after noncardioembolic mild ischemic stroke in a Japanese population.

PubMed

Kono, Yuji; Yamada, Sumio; Kamisaka, Kenta; Araki, Amane; Fujioka, Yusuke; Yasui, Keizo; Hasegawa, Yasuhiro; Koike, Yasuo

2011-01-01

This study aimed to identify the recurrence rate and risk factors or clinical variables predictive of vascular events after mild ischemic stroke (IS). From December 2006 to September 2007, patients with acute IS with a modified Rankin Scale of 0∼1 were consecutively enrolled in this study. Variables including sex, family history of vascular disease, age, height, weight, stroke subtype, blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting glucose, HbA1c, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise habits, waist circumference, ankle-brachial pressure index, salt intake and physical activity were assessed. The primary outcome was stroke recurrence or other vascular events such as myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and peripheral artery disease. Survival curves were calculated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and hazard ratios for recurrence were determined by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models. A total of 102 mild IS patients (78 men and 24 women, mean age 64 years) were successfully followed for 3 years. Of those 102 patients, 25 (24.5%) had stroke recurrence, and 4 (3.9%) had a coronary event. Among the variables studied, abnormal ankle-brachial pressure index, metabolic syndrome, stroke subtypes, salt intake and poor lifestyle management were significant independent predictors of stroke recurrence or cardiovascular events. In mild IS patients within 3 years after onset, not only pathophysiological factors but also lifestyle factors can aid in the identification of patients at high risk for recurrence. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Effects of statins on stroke prevention in patients with and without coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Briel, Matthias; Studer, Marco; Glass, Tracy R; Bucher, Heiner C

2004-10-15

To assess if lipid-lowering interventions (statins, fibrates, resins, n-3 fatty acids, diet) prevent nonfatal and fatal strokes in patients with and without coronary heart disease. We systematically searched the literature up to August 2002 to retrieve all randomized controlled trials of lipid-lowering interventions that reported nonfatal and fatal stroke and mortality data. The search yielded 65 trials with 200,607 patients for a meta-analysis to determine whether treatment effects differed between types of lipid-lowering interventions and between patient samples with and without coronary heart disease. The risk ratio for nonfatal and fatal stroke for statins as compared with control interventions was 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76 to 0.90). The corresponding risk ratios for statins as compared with control were 0.75 (95% CI: 0.65 to 0.87) for patients with coronary heart disease and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.62 to 0.95) for those without coronary heart disease. The confidence intervals of risk ratios for nonfatal and fatal stroke associated with fibrates, resins, n-3 fatty acids, and diet all included 1, as did the confidence intervals for these interventions in patients with and without coronary heart disease. Weighted meta-regression analysis suggested a stronger association of stroke reduction with statin treatment than with the extent of cholesterol reduction. This meta-analysis suggests that statins reduce the incidence of stroke in patients with and without coronary heart disease.

Stroke in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study in 54 Patients.

PubMed

Winterholler, Martin; Holländer, Christian; Kerling, Frank; Weber, Irina; Dittrich, Sven; Türk, Matthias; Schröder, Rolf

2016-08-01

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most frequent skeletal muscle myopathy. Nearly all patients develop cardiomyopathy in their second decade of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency, cause, and outcome of stroke in a German cohort of patients with DMD. Retrospective analysis of medical records of 54 DMD patients, who lived in a regional facility for handicapped people (Wichernhaus Altdorf, Germany) between 1963 and 2013. Fifty-four DMD patients were followed up for 7.4 years on average. Mean age at admission and discharge from the long-term care facility or death were 11.4 and 18.8 years, respectively. Covering a total observation period of 400 patient-years, we identified 4 DMD patients with juvenile arterial ischemic strokes. Off-label systemic thrombolysis in 2 patients resulted in a nearly complete regression of stroke-related symptoms, but 1 patient died of septic pneumonia and cardiac failure 24 days after thrombolysis therapy. In the other 2 patients, who had their ischemic strokes in 1994 and 1998, severe infarction-related symptoms persisted, and 1 patient died 13 days later. DMD-associated cardiomyopathy without evidence of atrial fibrillation was the only risk factor for ischemic stroke in all patients. This study indicates an increased risk for ischemic strokes in DMD patients. Regular cardiological assessment of all DMD patients is mandatory to evaluate the individual risk profile for cardioembolic events and to adapt therapeutic strategies. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Plaque Tissue Morphology-Based Stroke Risk Stratification Using Carotid Ultrasound: A Polling-Based PCA Learning Paradigm.

PubMed

Saba, Luca; Jain, Pankaj K; Suri, Harman S; Ikeda, Nobutaka; Araki, Tadashi; Singh, Bikesh K; Nicolaides, Andrew; Shafique, Shoaib; Gupta, Ajay; Laird, John R; Suri, Jasjit S

2017-06-01

Severe atherosclerosis disease in carotid arteries causes stenosis which in turn leads to stroke. Machine learning systems have been previously developed for plaque wall risk assessment using morphology-based characterization. The fundamental assumption in such systems is the extraction of the grayscale features of the plaque region. Even though these systems have the ability to perform risk stratification, they lack the ability to achieve higher performance due their inability to select and retain dominant features. This paper introduces a polling-based principal component analysis (PCA) strategy embedded in the machine learning framework to select and retain dominant features, resulting in superior performance. This leads to more stability and reliability. The automated system uses offline image data along with the ground truth labels to generate the parameters, which are then used to transform the online grayscale features to predict the risk of stroke. A set of sixteen grayscale plaque features is computed. Utilizing the cross-validation protocol (K = 10), and the PCA cutoff of 0.995, the machine learning system is able to achieve an accuracy of 98.55 and 98.83%corresponding to the carotidfar wall and near wall plaques, respectively. The corresponding reliability of the system was 94.56 and 95.63%, respectively. The automated system was validated against the manual risk assessment system and the precision of merit for same cross-validation settings and PCA cutoffs are 98.28 and 93.92%for the far and the near wall, respectively.PCA-embedded morphology-based plaque characterization shows a powerful strategy for risk assessment and can be adapted in clinical settings.

Dietary patterns are associated with incident stroke and contribute to excess risk of stroke in Black Americans

PubMed Central

Judd, Suzanne E; Gutiérrez, Orlando M.; Newby, PK; Howard, George; Howard, Virginia J; Locher, Julie L; Kissela, Brett M; Shikany, James M

2014-01-01

Background and Purpose Black Americans and residents of the Southeastern United States, are at increased risk of stroke. Diet is one of many potential factors proposed that might explain these racial and regional disparities. Methods Between 2003–2007, the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort study enrolled 30,239 black and white Americans aged 45 years or older. Dietary patterns were derived using factor analysis and foods from food frequency data. Incident strokes were adjudicated using medical records by a team of physicians. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine risk of stroke. Results Over 5.7 years, 490 incident strokes were observed. In a multivariable-adjusted analysis, greater adherence to the Plant-based pattern was associated with lower stroke risk (HR=0.71; 95% CI=0.56–0.91; ptrend=0.005). This association was attenuated after addition of income, education, total energy intake, smoking, and sedentary behavior. Participants with a higher adherence to the Southern pattern experienced a 39% increased risk of stroke (HR=1.39; 95% CI=1.05, 1.84), with a significant (p = 0.009) trend across quartiles. Including Southern pattern in the model mediated the black-white risk of stroke by 63%. Conclusions These data suggest that adherence to a Southern style diet may increase the risk of stroke while adherence to a more plant-based diet may reduce stroke risk. Given the consistency of finding a dietary impact on stroke risk across studies, discussing nutrition patterns during risk screening may be an important step in reducing stroke. PMID:24159061

Alteration of mean platelet volume in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke: cause or consequence?

PubMed

Ayas, Zeynep Özözen; Can, Ufuk

2018-01-30

Platelets have a crucial role on vascular disease which are involved in pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Platelet size is measured as mean platelet volume (MPV) and is a marker of platelet activity. Platelets contain more dense granules as the size increases and produce more serotonin and tromboglobulin (b-TG) than small platelets. In this study, the alteration of MPV values were investigated in patients with acute stroke, who had MPV values before stroke, during acute ischemic stroke and 7 days after the stroke. The relationship between this alteration and risk factors, etiology and localization of ischemic stroke were also investigated. Sixty-seven patients with clinically and radiologically established diagnoses of ischemic stroke were enrolled into the study and stroke etiology was classified by modified Trial of Org 10 172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification and, modified Bamford classification was used for localization and stroke risk factors were also evaluated. The platelet counts and MPV values from patient files in patients who had values before stroke (at examination for another diseases), within 24 hours of symptom onset and after 7 further days were analysed. MPV values increased after stroke (10.59±2.26) compared with acute stroke values (9.84±1.64) and the values before stroke (9.59±1.72) (p<0.0001); this alteration of MPV values occured 7 days after stroke (p<0.016). There was a positive correlation between age and MPV values during acute stroke (r=0.270; p<0.05). Patients with atrial fibrillation had higher alteration in the time of MPV compared with patients without atrial fibrillation (p>0.006). We assessed for gender, men (n=38) had a higher alteration in the time of MPV compared with women (n=29) (p=0.013). Although there was no alteration of platelet counts, MPV values were increased 7 days after stroke in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Peer education for secondary stroke prevention in inner-city minorities: design and methods of the prevent recurrence of all inner-city strokes through education randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Goldfinger, Judith Z; Kronish, Ian M; Fei, Kezhen; Graciani, Albert; Rosenfeld, Peri; Lorig, Kate; Horowitz, Carol R

2012-09-01

The highest risk for stroke is among survivors of strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIA). However, use of proven-effective cardiovascular medications to control stroke risk is suboptimal, particularly among the Black and Latino populations disproportionately impacted by stroke. A partnership of Harlem and Bronx community representatives, stroke survivors, researchers, clinicians, outreach workers and patient educators used community-based participatory research to conceive and develop the Prevent Recurrence of All Inner-city Strokes through Education (PRAISE) trial. Using data from focus groups with stroke survivors, they tailored a peer-led, community-based chronic disease self-management program to address stroke risk factors. PRAISE will test, in a randomized controlled trial, whether this stroke education intervention improves blood pressure control and a composite outcome of blood pressure control, lipid control, and use of antithrombotic medications. Of the 582 survivors of stroke and TIA enrolled thus far, 81% are Black or Latino and 56% have an annual income less than $15,000. Many (33%) do not have blood pressures in the target range, and most (66%) do not have control of all three major stroke risk factors. Rates of stroke recurrence risk factors remain suboptimal in the high risk, urban, predominantly minority communities studied. With a community-partnered approach, PRAISE has recruited a large number of stroke and TIA survivors to date, and may prove successful in engaging those at highest risk for stroke and reducing disparities in stroke outcomes in inner-city communities. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cerebrovascular Disease in Rheumatic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Wiseman, Stewart J; Ralston, Stuart H; Wardlaw, Joanna M

2016-04-01

Some rheumatic diseases are associated with stroke. Less is known about associations with stroke subtypes or stroke risk by age. We quantified the association between stroke, its subtypes, and rheumatic diseases and identified when stroke risk is greatest. Searches of EMBASE (from 1980) and MEDLINE (from inception) to end 2014 and manual search of reference lists for studies of stroke and stroke subtypes in rheumatic diseases as well as studies measuring cerebrovascular disease from magnetic resonance imaging. Prior published meta-analyses and new pooled analyses of any stroke in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, and psoriasis show an excess risk of stroke over the general population with odds ratio (OR) ranging from 1.51 (95% confidence interval: 1.39-1.62) to 2.13 (1.53-2.98). New meta-analyses of stroke subtypes in rheumatoid arthritis [ischemic: OR, 1.64 (1.32-2.05); hemorrhagic: OR, 1.68 (1.11-2.53)] and systemic lupus erythematosus [ischemic: OR, 2.11 (1.66-2.67); hemorrhagic: OR, 1.82 (1.07-3.09)] show an excess risk of stroke over the general population. Stroke risk across rheumatic diseases is highest in those aged <50 years [OR, 1.79 (1.46-2.20)] and reduces relatively with ageing [>65 years: OR, 1.14 (0.94-1.38); difference P<0.007]. Inflammatory arthropathies conveyed higher stroke risk than noninflammatory diseases (OR, 1.3, 1.2-1.3). It was not possible to adjust ORs for risk factors or treatments. Risk of any stroke is higher in most rheumatic diseases than in the general population, particularly <50 years. Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus increase ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risk by 60% to 100% relative to the general population. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Epidemiological evidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease in Japan.

PubMed

Saito, Isao

2012-01-01

Although epidemiological studies in the US and Europe have confirmed that type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, evidence is limited in Japan. Earlier studies in Japan showed that hypertension has a major effect on atherosclerosis in relatively lean subjects, with type 2 DM contributing more to CVD events, because of a decline in blood pressure levels in both sexes and an increase in body mass index in men. Recent cohort studies in Japan using baseline assessments carried out during the 1990s have confirmed that type 2 DM is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and all types of stroke, except hemorrhagic stroke. In addition, the metabolic syndrome, a constellation of metabolic risk factors, was shown to predict CVD events in Japanese people, independent of the presence or absence of obesity. The strong association of type 2 DM with CHD (hazard ratio: 1.5-4) and ischemic stroke (hazard ratio: 2-4) events was confirmed in Japanese adults. Individuals with impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose were also shown to have an increased risk of a CHD event, but not a stroke.

Risk of falling in a stroke unit after acute stroke: The Fall Study of Gothenburg (FallsGOT).

PubMed

Persson, Carina U; Kjellberg, Sigvar; Lernfelt, Bodil; Westerlind, Ellen; Cruce, Malin; Hansson, Per-Olof

2018-03-01

This study aimed to investigate incidence of falls and different baseline variables and their association with falling during hospitalization in a stroke unit among patients with acute stroke. Prospective observational study. A stroke unit at a university hospital. A consecutive sample of stroke patients, out of which 504 were included, while 101 declined participation. The patients were assessed a mean of 1.7 days after admission and 3.8 days after stroke onset. The primary end-point was any fall, from admission to the stroke unit to discharge. Factors associated with falling were analysed using univariable and multivariable Cox hazard regression analyses. Independent variables were related to function, activity and participation, as well as personal and environmental factors. In total, 65 patients (13%) fell at least once. Factors statistically significantly associated with falling in the multivariable analysis were male sex (hazard ratio (HR): 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13-3.14, P = 0.015), use of a walking aid (HR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.24-3.60, P = 0.006) and postural control as assessed with the modified version of the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (SwePASS). No association was found with age, cognition or stroke severity, the HR for low SwePASS scores (⩽24) was 9.33 (95% CI: 2.19-39.78, P = 0.003) and for medium SwePASS scores (25-30) was 6.34 (95% CI: 1.46-27.51, P = 0.014), compared with high SwePASS scores (⩾31). Postural control, male sex and use of a walking aid are associated with falling during hospitalization after acute stroke.

Risk of acute stroke after hospitalization for sepsis: A case-crossover study

PubMed Central

Boehme, Amelia K.; Ranawat, Purnima; Luna, Jorge; Kamel, Hooman; Elkind, Mitchell S. V.

2017-01-01

Background and Purpose Infections have been found to increase the risk of stroke over the short-term. We hypothesized that stroke risk would be highest shortly after a sepsis hospitalization, but that the risk would decrease, yet remain up to 1-year after sepsis. Methods This case-crossover analysis utilized data obtained from the California State Inpatient Database of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). All stroke admissions were included. Exposure was defined as hospitalization for sepsis or septicemia 180, 90, 30 or 15 days before stroke (risk period) or similar time intervals exactly 1 or 2 years before stroke (control period). Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (OR, 95% CI) for the association between sepsis/septicemia and ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Results Ischemic (n=37,377) and hemorrhagic (n=12,817) strokes that occurred in 2009 were extracted where 3188 (8.5%) ischemic and 1101 (8.6%) hemorrhagic stroke patients had sepsis. Sepsis within 15 days prior to the stroke placed patients at the highest risk of ischemic (OR 28.36, 95% CI 20.02 –40.10) and hemorrhagic stroke (OR 12.10, 95% CI 7.54–19.42); however while the risk decreased, it remained elevated 181- 365 days after sepsis for ischemic (OR 2.59, 95%CI 2.20–3.06) and hemorrhagic (O 3.92, 95%CI 3.29–4.69) strokes. There was an interaction with age (p=0.0006); risk of developing an ischemic stroke within 180 days of hospitalization for sepsis increased 18% with each 10-year decrease in age. Conclusion Risk of stroke is high after sepsis, and this risk persists for up to a year. Younger sepsis patients have a particularly increased risk of stroke after sepsis. PMID:28196938

Perception of Recurrent Stroke Risk among Black, White and Hispanic Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack Survivors: The SWIFT Study

PubMed Central

Boden-Albala, Bernadette; Carman, Heather; Moran, Megan; Doyle, Margaret; Paik, Myunghee C.

2011-01-01

Objectives Risk modification through behavior change is critical for primary and secondary stroke prevention. Theories of health behavior identify perceived risk as an important component to facilitate behavior change; however, little is known about perceived risk of vascular events among stroke survivors. Methods The SWIFT (Stroke Warning Information and Faster Treatment) study includes a prospective population-based ethnically diverse cohort of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack survivors. We investigate the baseline relationship between demographics, health beliefs, and knowledge on risk perception. Regression models examined predictors of inaccurate perception. Results Only 20% accurately estimated risk, 10% of the participants underestimated risk, and 70% of the 817 study participants significantly overestimated their risk for a recurrent stroke. The mean perceived likelihood of recurrent ischemic stroke in the next 10 years was 51 ± 7%. We found no significant differences by race-ethnicity with regard to accurate estimation of risk. Inaccurate estimation of risk was associated with attitudes and beliefs [worry (p < 0.04), fatalism (p < 0.07)] and memory problems (p < 0.01), but not history or knowledge of vascular risk factors. Conclusion This paper provides a unique perspective on how factors such as belief systems influence risk perception in a diverse population at high stroke risk. There is a need for future research on how risk perception can inform primary and secondary stroke prevention. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel PMID:21894045

A prognostic role for Low tri-iodothyronine syndrome in acute stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Lamba, Nayan; Liu, Chunming; Zaidi, Hasan; Broekman, M L D; Simjian, Thomas; Shi, Chen; Doucette, Joanne; Ren, Steven; Smith, Timothy R; Mekary, Rania A; Bunevicius, Adomas

2018-06-01

Low triiodothyronine (T3) syndrome could be a powerful prognostic factor for acute stroke; yet, a prognostic role for low T3 has not been given enough importance in stroke management. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether low T3 among acute stroke patients could be used as a prognostic biomarker for stroke severity, functional outcome, and mortality. Studies that investigated low T3 prognostic roles in acute stroke patients were sought from PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases through 11/23/2016. Pooled estimates of baseline stroke severity, mortality, and functional outcomes were assessed from fixed-effect (FE) and random-effects (RE) models. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies (1,203 patients) provided data for low-T3 and normal-T3 patients and were meta-analyzed. Using the FE model, pooled results revealed low-T3 patients exhibited a significantly higher stroke severity, as assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission (mean difference = 3.18; 95%CI = 2.74, 3.63; I 2  = 61.9%), had 57% higher risk of developing poor functional outcome (RR = 1.57; 95%CI = 1.33,1.8), and had 83% higher odds of mortality (Peto-OR = 1.83; 95%CI = 1.21, 1.99) compared to normal-T3 patients. In a univariate meta-regression analysis, the low-T3 and stroke severity association was reduced in studies with higher smokers% (slope = -0.11; P = 0.02), higher hypertension% (slope = -0.11; P = 0.047), older age (slope = -0.54; P = 0.02), or longer follow-up (slope = -0/17, P < 0.01). RE models yielded similar results. No significant publication bias was observed for either outcome using Begg's and Egger's tests. Low-T3 syndrome in acute stroke patients is an effective prognostic factor for predicting greater baseline stroke severity, poorer functional outcome, and higher overall mortality risk. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Problematising risk in stroke rehabilitation.

PubMed

Egan, Mary Y; Kessler, Dorothy; Ceci, Christine; Laliberté-Rudman, Debbie; McGrath, Colleen; Sikora, Lindsey; Gardner, Paula

2016-11-01

Following stroke, re-engagement in personally valued activities requires some experience of risk. Risk, therefore, must be seen as having positive as well as negative aspects in rehabilitation. Our aim was to identify the dominant understanding of risk in stroke rehabilitation and the assumptions underpinning these understandings, determine how these understandings affect research and practise, and if necessary, propose alternate ways to conceptualise risk in research and practise. Alvesson and Sandberg's method of problematisation was used. We began with a historical overview of stroke rehabilitation, and proceeded through five steps undertaken in an iterative fashion: literature search and selection; data extraction; syntheses across texts; identification of assumptions informing the literature and; generation of alternatives. Discussion of risk in stroke rehabilitation is largely implicit. However, two prominent conceptualisations of risk underpin both knowledge development and clinical practise: the risk to the individual stroke survivor of remaining dependent in activities of daily living and the risk that the health care system will be overwhelmed by the costs of providing stroke rehabilitation. Conceptualisation of risk in stroke rehabilitation, while implicit, drives both research and practise in ways that reinforce a focus on impairment and a generic, decontextualised approach to rehabilitation. Implications for rehabilitation Much of stroke rehabilitation practise and research seems to centre implicitly on two risks: risk to the patient of remaining dependent in ADL and risk to the health care system of bankruptcy due to the provision of stroke rehabilitation. The implicit focus on ADL dependence limits the ability of clinicians and researchers to address other goals supportive of a good life following stroke. The implicit focus on financial risk to the health care system may limit access to rehabilitation for people who have experienced either milder or more severe stroke. Viewing individuals affected by stroke as possessing a range of independence and diverse personally valued activities that exist within a network of relations offers wider possibilities for action in rehabilitation.

Antidepressant Medication Use and its Association with Cardiovascular Disease and All-Cause Mortality in the Reasons for Geographic and Ethnic Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study

PubMed Central

Hansen, Richard A.; Khodneva, Yulia; Glasser, Stephen P.; Qian, Jingjing; Redmond, Nicole; Safford, Monika M.

2018-01-01

Background Mixed evidence suggests second-generation antidepressants may increase risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Objective Assess whether antidepressant use is associated with acute coronary heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease death, and all-cause mortality. Methods Secondary analyses of the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) longitudinal cohort study were conducted. Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, bupropion, nefazodone, and trazodone was measured during the baseline (2003-2007) in-home visit. Outcomes of coronary heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease death, and all-cause mortality were assessed every 6 months and adjudicated by medical record review. Cox proportional hazards time-to-event analysis followed patients until their first event on or before December 31, 2011, iteratively adjusting for covariates. Results Among 29,616 participants, 3,458 (11.7%) used an antidepressant of interest. Intermediate models adjusting for everything but physical and mental health found an increased risk of acute coronary heart disease (Hazard Ratio=1.21; 95% CI 1.04-1.41), stroke (Hazard Ratio=1.28; 95% CI 1.02-1.60), cardiovascular disease death (Hazard Ratio =1.29; 95% CI 1.09-1.53), and all-cause mortality (Hazard Ratio=1.27; 95% CI 1.15-1.41) for antidepressant users. Risk estimates trended in this direction for all outcomes in the fully adjusted model, but only remained statistically associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (Hazard Ratio=1.12; 95% CI 1.01-1.24). This risk was attenuated in sensitivity analyses censoring follow-up time at 2-years (Hazard Ratio=1.37; 95% CI 1.11-1.68). Conclusions In fully adjusted models antidepressant use was associated with a small increase in all-cause mortality. PMID:26783360

Apixaban 5 and 2.5 mg twice-daily versus warfarin for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients: Comparative effectiveness and safety evaluated using a propensity-score-matched approach.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoyan; Keshishian, Allison; Hamilton, Melissa; Horblyuk, Ruslan; Gupta, Kiran; Luo, Xuemei; Mardekian, Jack; Friend, Keith; Nadkarni, Anagha; Pan, Xianying; Lip, Gregory Y H; Deitelzweig, Steve

2018-01-01

Prior real-world studies have shown that apixaban is associated with a reduced risk of stroke/systemic embolism (stroke/SE) and major bleeding versus warfarin. However, few studies evaluated the effectiveness and safety of apixaban according to its dosage, and most studies contained limited numbers of patients prescribed 2.5 mg twice-daily (BID) apixaban. Using pooled data from 4 American claims database sources, baseline characteristics and outcomes for patients prescribed 5 mg BID and 2.5 mg BID apixaban versus warfarin were compared. After 1:1 propensity-score matching, 31,827 5 mg BID apixaban-matched warfarin patients and 6600 2.5 mg BID apixaban-matched warfarin patients were identified. Patients prescribed 2.5 mg BID apixaban were older, had clinically more severe comorbidities, and were more likely to have a history of stroke and bleeding compared with 5 mg BID apixaban patients. Compared with warfarin, 5 mg BID apixaban was associated with a lower risk of stroke/SE (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60-0.81) and major bleeding (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.53-0.66). Compared with warfarin, 2.5 mg BID apixaban was also associated with a lower risk of stroke/SE (HR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49-0.81) and major bleeding (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.49-0.71). In this real-world study, both apixaban doses were assessed in 2 patient groups differing in age and clinical characteristics. Each apixaban dose was associated with a lower risk of stroke/SE and major bleeding compared with warfarin in the distinct population for which it is being prescribed in United States clinical practice. Clinicaltrials.Gov Identifier: NCT03087487.

Prestroke CHA2DS2-VASc Score and Severity of Acute Stroke in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Findings from RAF Study.

PubMed

Acciarresi, Monica; Paciaroni, Maurizio; Agnelli, Giancarlo; Falocci, Nicola; Caso, Valeria; Becattini, Cecilia; Marcheselli, Simona; Rueckert, Christina; Pezzini, Alessandro; Morotti, Andrea; Costa, Paolo; Padovani, Alessandro; Csiba, Laszló; Szabó, Lilla; Sohn, Sung-Il; Tassinari, Tiziana; Abdul-Rahim, Azmil H; Michel, Patrik; Cordier, Maria; Vanacker, Peter; Remillard, Suzette; Alberti, Andrea; Venti, Michele; D'Amore, Cataldo; Scoditti, Umberto; Denti, Licia; Orlandi, Giovanni; Chiti, Alberto; Gialdini, Gino; Bovi, Paolo; Carletti, Monica; Rigatelli, Alberto; Putaala, Jukka; Tatlisumak, Turgut; Masotti, Luca; Lorenzini, Gianni; Tassi, Rossana; Guideri, Francesca; Martini, Giuseppe; Tsivgoulis, Georgios; Vadikolias, Kostantinos; Liantinioti, Chrissoula; Corea, Francesco; Del Sette, Massimo; Ageno, Walter; De Lodovici, Maria Luisa; Bono, Giorgio; Baldi, Antonio; D'Anna, Sebastiano; Sacco, Simona; Carolei, Antonio; Tiseo, Cindy; Imberti, Davide; Zabzuni, Dorjan; Doronin, Boris; Volodina, Vera; Consoli, Domenico; Galati, Franco; Pieroni, Alessio; Toni, Danilo; Monaco, Serena; Baronello, Mario Maimone; Barlinn, Kristian; Pallesen, Lars-Peder; Kepplinger, Jessica; Bodechtel, Ulf; Gerber, Johannes; Deleu, Dirk; Melikyan, Gayane; Ibrahim, Faisal; Akhtar, Naveed; Mosconi, Maria Giulia; Lees, Kennedy R

2017-06-01

The aim of this study was to investigate for a possible association between both prestroke CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score and the severity of stroke at presentation, as well as disability and mortality at 90 days, in patients with acute stroke and atrial fibrillation (AF). This prospective study enrolled consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke, AF, and assessment of prestroke CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score. Severity of stroke was assessed on admission using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (severe stroke: NIHSS ≥10). Disability and mortality at 90 days were assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS <3 or ≥3). Multiple logistic regression was used to correlate prestroke CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and severity of stroke, as well as disability and mortality at 90 days. Of the 1020 patients included in the analysis, 606 patients had an admission NIHSS score lower and 414 patients higher than 10. At 90 days, 510 patients had mRS ≥3. A linear correlation was found between the prestroke CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score and severity of stroke (P = .001). On multivariate analysis, CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score correlated with severity of stroke (P = .041) and adverse functional outcome (mRS ≥3) (P = .001). A logistic regression with the receiver operating characteristic graph procedure (C-statistics) evidenced an area under the curve of .60 (P = .0001) for severe stroke. Furthermore, a correlation was found between prestroke CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score and lesion size. In patients with AF, in addition to the risk of stroke, a high CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score was independently associated with both stroke severity at onset and disability and mortality at 90 days. Copyright © 2017 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chocolate consumption in relation to blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease in German adults.

PubMed

Buijsse, Brian; Weikert, Cornelia; Drogan, Dagmar; Bergmann, Manuela; Boeing, Heiner

2010-07-01

To investigate the association of chocolate consumption with measured blood pressure (BP) and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dietary intake, including chocolate, and BP were assessed at baseline (1994-98) in 19 357 participants (aged 35-65 years) free of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke and not using antihypertensive medication of the Potsdam arm of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. Incident cases of MI (n = 166) and stroke (n = 136) were identified after a mean follow-up of approximately 8 years. Mean systolic BP was 1.0 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI) -1.6 to -0.4 mmHg] and mean diastolic BP 0.9 mmHg (95% CI -1.3 to -0.5 mmHg) lower in the top quartile compared with the bottom quartile of chocolate consumption. The relative risk of the combined outcome of MI and stroke for top vs. bottom quartiles was 0.61 (95% CI 0.44-0.87; P linear trend = 0.014). Baseline BP explained 12% of this lower risk (95% CI 3-36%). The inverse association was stronger for stroke than for MI. Chocolate consumption appears to lower CVD risk, in part through reducing BP. The inverse association may be stronger for stroke than for MI. Further research is needed, in particular randomized trials.

Factors predicting high estimated 10-year stroke risk: thai epidemiologic stroke study.

PubMed

Hanchaiphiboolkul, Suchat; Puthkhao, Pimchanok; Towanabut, Somchai; Tantirittisak, Tasanee; Wangphonphatthanasiri, Khwanrat; Termglinchan, Thanes; Nidhinandana, Samart; Suwanwela, Nijasri Charnnarong; Poungvarin, Niphon

2014-08-01

The purpose of the study was to determine the factors predicting high estimated 10-year stroke risk based on a risk score, and among the risk factors comprising the risk score, which factors had a greater impact on the estimated risk. Thai Epidemiologic Stroke study was a community-based cohort study, which recruited participants from the general population from 5 regions of Thailand. Cross-sectional baseline data of 16,611 participants aged 45-69 years who had no history of stroke were included in this analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of high estimated 10-year stroke risk based on the risk score of the Japan Public Health Center Study, which estimated the projected 10-year risk of incident stroke. Educational level, low personal income, occupation, geographic area, alcohol consumption, and hypercholesterolemia were significantly associated with high estimated 10-year stroke risk. Among these factors, unemployed/house work class had the highest odds ratio (OR, 3.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.47-5.69) followed by illiterate class (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.44-3.66). Among risk factors comprising the risk score, the greatest impact as a stroke risk factor corresponded to age, followed by male sex, diabetes mellitus, systolic blood pressure, and current smoking. Socioeconomic status, in particular, unemployed/house work and illiterate class, might be good proxy to identify the individuals at higher risk of stroke. The most powerful risk factors were older age, male sex, diabetes mellitus, systolic blood pressure, and current smoking. Copyright © 2014 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

5-year survival and rehospitalization due to stroke recurrence among patients with hemorrhagic or ischemic strokes in Singapore.

PubMed

Sun, Yan; Lee, Sze Haur; Heng, Bee Hoon; Chin, Vivien S

2013-10-03

Stroke is the 4th leading cause of death and 1st leading cause of disability in Singapore. However the information on long-term post stroke outcomes for Singaporean patients was limited. This study aimed to investigate the post stroke outcomes of 5-year survival and rehospitalization due to stroke recurrence for hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke patients in Singapore. The outcomes were stratified by age, ethnic group, gender and stroke types. The causes of death and stroke recurrence were also explored in the study. A multi-site retrospective cohort study. Patients admitted for stroke at any of the three hospitals in the National Healthcare Group of Singapore were included in the study. All study patients were followed up to 5 years. Kaplan-Meier was applied to study the time to first event, death or rehospitalization due to stroke recurrence. Cox proportional hazard model was applied to study the time to death with adjustment for stroke type, age, sex, ethnic group, and admission year. Cumulative incidence model with competing risk was applied for comparing the risks of rehospitalization due to stroke recurrence with death as the competing risk. Totally 12,559 stroke patients were included in the study. Among them, 59.3% survived for 5 years; 18.4% were rehospitalized due to stroke recurrence in 5 years. The risk of stroke recurrence and mortality increased with age in all stroke types. Gender, ethnic group and admitting year were not significantly associated with the risk of mortality or stroke recurrence in hemorrhagic stroke. Male or Malay patient had higher risk of stroke recurrence and mortality in ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke had higher early mortality while ischemic stroke had higher recurrence and late mortality. The top cause of death among died stroke patients was cerebrovascular diseases, followed by pneumonia and ischemic heart diseases. The recurrent stroke was most likely to be the same type as the initial stroke among rehospitalized stroke patients. Five year post-stroke survival and rehospitalization due to stroke recurrence as well as their associations with patient demographics were studied for different stroke types in Singapore. Specific preventive strategies are needed to target the high risk groups to improve their long-term outcomes after acute stroke.

Using Large-Scale Linkage Data to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a National Educational Program on Antithrombotic Prescribing and Associated Stroke Prevention in Primary Care.

PubMed

Liu, Zhixin; Moorin, Rachael; Worthington, John; Tofler, Geoffrey; Bartlett, Mark; Khan, Rabia; Zuo, Yeqin

2016-10-13

The National Prescribing Service (NPS) MedicineWise Stroke Prevention Program, which was implemented nationally in 2009-2010 in Australia, sought to improve antithrombotic prescribing in stroke prevention using dedicated interventions that target general practitioners. This study evaluated the impact of the NPS MedicineWise Stroke Prevention Program on antithrombotic prescribing and primary stroke hospitalizations. This population-based time series study used administrative health data linked to 45 and Up Study participants with a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) to assess the possible impact of the NPS MedicineWise program on first-time aspirin prescriptions and primary stroke-related hospitalizations. Time series analysis showed that the NPS MedicineWise program was significantly associated with increased first-time prescribing of aspirin (P=0.03) and decreased hospitalizations for primary ischemic stroke (P=0.03) in the at-risk study population (n=90 023). First-time aspirin prescription was correlated with a reduction in the rate of hospitalization for primary stroke (P=0.02). Following intervention, the number of first-time aspirin prescriptions increased by 19.8% (95% confidence interval, 1.6-38.0), while the number of first-time stroke hospitalizations decreased by 17.3% (95% confidence interval, 1.8-30.0). Consistent with NPS MedicineWise program messages for the high-risk CVD population, the NPS MedicineWise Stroke Prevention Program (2009) was associated with increased initiation of aspirin and a reduced rate of hospitalization for primary stroke. The findings suggest that the provision of evidence-based multifaceted large-scale educational programs in primary care can be effective in changing prescriber behavior and positively impacting patient health outcomes. © 2016 The Authors and NPS MedicineWise. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

The Effects of Delirium Prevention Guidelines on Elderly Stroke Patients.

PubMed

Song, Jihye; Lee, Minkyung; Jung, Dukyoo

2017-07-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the delirium prevention interventions recommended by the Delirium Prevention Guidelines for Elderly Stroke Patients (DPGESP). The DPGESP comprises nine dimensions with 28 interventions, including risk factor assessment, orientation disorder prevention, sleeping pattern maintenance, sensory interventions, constipation, dehydration, hypoxia and infection prevention, pain management, and appropriate nutrition maintenance. This quasi-experimental study used a nonequivalent control group and a pretest-posttest design. The experimental and control groups each included 54 patients, and the participants were elderly patients who were admitted to the stroke unit. The study outcomes were the delirium incidence and severity, stroke impact, and length of hospitalization. Posttest values for delirium incidence, severity, stroke impact, and length of hospitalization were significantly improved in the experimental group. Implementation of the DPGESP had beneficial effects on the delirium incidence and severity, stroke impact, and length of hospitalization among elderly patients admitted to a stroke unit.

Reflections on 50 Years of Neuroscience Nursing: The Growth of Stroke Nursing.

PubMed

Jackson, Nancy; Haxton, Elaine; Morrison, Kathy; Markey, Erin; Andreoli, Linda J; Maloney, Theresa; Omelchenko, Nataliya; Aroose, Amanda; Stevens, Lynn B

2018-05-10

Over the past 50 years, the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing (JNN) has grown from a neurosurgical focus to the broader neuroscience focus alongside the professional nursing organization that it supports. Stroke care in JNN focused on the surgical treatment and nursing care for cranial treatment of conditions such as cerebral aneurysm, carotid disease, arteriovenous malformation, and artery bypass procedures. As medical science has grown and new medications and treatment modalities have been successfully trialed, JNN has brought to its readership this information about recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, endovascular trials, and new assessment tools such as the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. JNN is on the forefront of publishing nursing research in the areas of stroke caregiver needs and community education for rapid treatment of stroke and stroke risk reduction. The journal has been timely and informative in keeping neuroscience nurses on the forefront of the changing world of stroke nursing.

Stroke mimic diagnoses presenting to a hyperacute stroke unit.

PubMed

Dawson, Ang; Cloud, Geoffrey C; Pereira, Anthony C; Moynihan, Barry J

2016-10-01

Stroke services have been centralised in several countries in recent years. Diagnosing acute stroke is challenging and a high proportion of patients admitted to stroke units are diagnosed as a non-stroke condition (stroke mimics). This study aims to describe the stroke mimic patient group, including their impact on stroke services. We analysed routine clinical data from 2,305 consecutive admissions to a stroke unit at St George's Hospital, London. Mimic groupings were derived from 335 individual codes into 17 groupings. From 2,305 admissions, 555 stroke mimic diagnoses were identified (24.2%) and 72% of stroke mimics had at least one stroke risk factor. Common mimic diagnoses were headache, seizure and syncope. Medically unexplained symptoms and decompensation of underlying conditions were also common. Median length of stay was 1 day; a diagnosis of dementia (p=0.028) or needing MRI (p=0.006) was associated with a longer stay. Despite emergency department assessment by specialist clinicians and computed tomography brain, one in four suspected stroke patients admitted to hospital had a non-stroke diagnosis. Stroke mimics represent a heterogeneous patient group with significant impacts on stroke services. Co-location of stroke and acute neurology services may offer advantages where service reorganisation is being considered. © Royal College of Physicians 2016. All rights reserved.

Predictors of stroke associated with coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with diabetes mellitus and multivessel coronary artery disease.

PubMed

Domanski, Michael J; Farkouh, Michael E; Zak, Victor; Feske, Steven; Easton, Donald; Weinberger, Jesse; Hamon, Martial; Escobedo, Jorge; Shrader, Peter; Siami, Flora S; Fuster, Valentin

2015-05-15

This study assesses demographic and clinical variables associated with perioperative and late stroke in diabetes mellitus patients after multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Future Revascularization Evaluation in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Optimal Management of Multivessel Disease (FREEDOM) is the largest randomized trial of diabetic patients undergoing multivessel CABG. FREEDOM patients had improved survival free of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke and increased overall survival after CABG compared to percutaneous intervention. However, the stroke rate was greater following CABG than percutaneous intervention. We studied predictors of stroke in CABG-treated patients analyzing separately overall, perioperative (≤30 days after surgery), and late (>30 days after surgery) stroke. For long-term outcomes (overall stroke and late stroke), Cox proportional hazards regression was used, accounting for time to event, and logistic regression was used for perioperative stroke. Independent perioperative stroke predictors were previous stroke (odds ratio [OR] 6.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43 to 33.96; p = 0.02), warfarin use (OR 10.26, 95% CI 1.10 to 96.03; p = 0.02), and surgery outside the United States or Canada (OR 9.81, 95% CI 1.28 to 75.40; p = 0.03). Independent late stroke predictors: renal insufficiency (hazard ratio [HR] 3.57, 95% CI 1.01 to 12.64; p = 0.048), baseline low-density lipoprotein ≥105 mg/dl (HR 3.28, 95% CI 1.19 to 9.02; p = 0.02), and baseline diastolic blood pressure (each 1 mm Hg increase reduces stroke hazard by 5%; HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.99; p = 0.03). There was no overlap between predictors of perioperative versus late stroke. In conclusion, late post-CABG strokes were associated with well-described risk factors. Nearly half of the strokes were perioperative. Independent risk factors for perioperative stroke: previous stroke, previous warfarin use, and CABG performed outside the United States or Canada. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Thromboembolism prophylaxis in old age].

PubMed

Röhrig, Gabriele; Kolb, Gerald

2018-04-01

Anticoagulation in geriatric patients is challenging regarding the risk of bleeding complications and thromboembolic problems. Age, comorbidities, such as renal insufficiency and polymedication have a vital impact on bleeding and thromboembolic risks; however, age is not an exclusion criterion for withholding anticoagulation. Age is the main risk factor for deep vein thrombosis and atrial fibrillation becomes more relevant with aging. Older patients with atrial fibrillation have a particularly high risk of having a stroke. Therefore, very old patients benefit particularly from oral anticoagulation because the risk of bleeding is outweighed by the clinical benefit of stroke prevention. Risk of bleeding and thromboembolic problems can be easily assessed by established diagnostic tools. This article reviews the epidemiology of thromboembolic problems in the aged as well as current diagnostic and therapeutic steps for primary and secondary prevention.

Choices in the use of ICD-9 codes to identify stroke risk factors can affect the apparent population-level risk factor prevalence and distribution of CHADS2 scores

PubMed Central

Rothendler, James A; Rose, Adam J; Reisman, Joel I; Berlowitz, Dan R; Kazis, Lewis E

2012-01-01

While developed for managing individuals with atrial fibrillation, risk stratification schemes for stroke, such as CHADS2, may be useful in population-based studies, including those assessing process of care. We investigated how certain decisions in identifying diagnoses from administrative data affect the apparent prevalence of CHADS2-associated diagnoses and distribution of scores. Two sets of ICD-9 codes (more restrictive/ more inclusive) were defined for each CHADS2-associated diagnosis. For stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), the more restrictive set was applied to only inpatient data. We varied the number of years (1-3) in searching for relevant codes, and, except for stroke/TIA, the number of instances (1 vs. 2) that diagnoses were required to appear. The impact of choices on apparent disease prevalence varied by type of choice and condition, but was often substantial. Choices resulting in substantial changes in prevalence also tended to be associated with more substantial effects on the distribution of CHADS2 scores. PMID:22937488

Early menopause predicts future coronary heart disease and stroke: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Wellons, Melissa; Ouyang, Pamela; Schreiner, Pamela J; Herrington, David M; Vaidya, Dhananjay

2012-10-01

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. Identifying women at risk of cardiovascular disease has tremendous public health importance. Early menopause is associated with increased cardiovascular disease events in some predominantly white populations, but not consistently. Our objective was to determine if self-reported early menopause (menopause at an age <46 y) identifies women as at risk for future coronary heart disease or stroke. The study population came from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, a longitudinal, ethnically diverse cohort study of US men and women aged 45 to 84 years enrolled in 2000-2002 and followed up until 2008. The association between a personal history of early menopause (either natural menopause or surgical removal of ovaries at an age <46 y) and future coronary heart disease and stroke was assessed in 2,509 women (ages 45-84 y; 987 white, 331 Chinese, 641 black, and 550 Hispanic) from the Multi-ethnic Study Atherosclerosis who were free of cardiovascular disease at baseline. Of 2,509 women, 693 (28%) reported either surgical or natural early menopause. In survival curves, women with early menopause had worse coronary heart disease and stroke-free survival (log rank P = 0.008 and P = 0.0158). In models adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, Multi-ethnic Study Atherosclerosis site, and traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, this risk for coronary heart disease and stroke remained (hazard ratio, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.17-3.70; and hazard ratio, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.11-4.32, respectively). Early menopause is positively associated with coronary heart disease and stroke in a multiethnic cohort, independent of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Early Menopause Predicts Future Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

PubMed Central

Wellons, Melissa; Ouyang, Pamela; Schreiner, Pamela J; Herrington, David M; Vaidya, Dhananjay

2012-01-01

Objective Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women. Identifying women at risk of cardiovascular disease has tremendous public health importance. Early menopause is associated with increased cardiovascular disease events in some predominantly white populations, but not consistently. Our objective was to determine if a self-reported early menopause (menopause at an age <46) identifies women as at risk for future coronary heart disease or stroke. Methods The study population came from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, a longitudinal, ethnically diverse cohort study of US men and women aged 45 to 84 years enrolled in 2000–2002 and followed up until 2008. The association between a personal history of early menopause (either natural menopause or surgical removal of ovaries at an age <46) and future coronary heart disease and stroke was assessed in 2509 women (ages 45–84, 987 White, 331 Chinese, 641 Black, 550 Hispanic) from the Multi-Ethnic Study Atherosclerosis, who were free of cardiovascular disease at baseline. Results 693/2509 (28%) of women reported either surgical or natural early menopause. In survival curves, women with early menopause had worse coronary heart disease and stroke-free survival (log rank p=<0.008 and 0.0158). In models adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, Multi-Ethnic Study Atherosclerosis site and traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, this risk for coronary heart disease and stroke remained (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.17, 3.70 and 2.19, 95% CI 1.11, 4.32, respectively). Conclusions Early menopause is positively associated with coronary heart disease and stroke in a multiethnic cohort, independent of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. PMID:22692332

Effect of white-matter lesions on the risk of periprocedural stroke after carotid artery stenting versus endarterectomy in the International Carotid Stenting Study (ICSS): a prespecified analysis of data from a randomised trial

PubMed Central

Ederle, Jörg; Davagnanam, Indran; van der Worp, H Bart; Venables, Graham S; Lyrer, Philippe A; Featherstone, Roland L; Brown, Martin M; Jäger, H Rolf

2013-01-01

Summary Background Findings from randomised trials have shown a higher early risk of stroke after carotid artery stenting than after carotid endarterectomy. We assessed whether white-matter lesions affect the perioperative risk of stroke in patients treated with carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy. Methods Patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis included in the International Carotid Stenting Study (ICSS) were randomly allocated to receive carotid artery stenting or carotid endarterectomy. Copies of baseline brain imaging were analysed by two investigators, who were masked to treatment, for the severity of white-matter lesions using the age-related white-matter changes (ARWMC) score. Randomisation was done with a computer-generated sequence (1:1). Patients were divided into two groups using the median ARWMC. We analysed the risk of stroke within 30 days of revascularisation using a per-protocol analysis. ICSS is registered with controlled-trials.com, number ISRCTN 25337470. Findings 1036 patients (536 randomly allocated to carotid artery stenting, 500 to carotid endarterectomy) had baseline imaging available. Median ARWMC score was 7, and patients were dichotomised into those with a score of 7 or more and those with a score of less than 7. In patients treated with carotid artery stenting, those with an ARWMC score of 7 or more had an increased risk of stroke compared with those with a score of less than 7 (HR for any stroke 2·76, 95% CI 1·17–6·51; p=0·021; HR for non-disabling stroke 3·00, 1·10–8·36; p=0·031), but we did not see a similar association in patients treated with carotid endarterectomy (HR for any stroke 1·18, 0·40–3·55; p=0·76; HR for disabling or fatal stroke 1·41, 0·38–5·26; p=0·607). Carotid artery stenting was associated with a higher risk of stroke compared with carotid endarterectomy in patients with an ARWMC score of 7 or more (HR for any stroke 2·98, 1·29–6·93; p=0·011; HR for non-disabling stroke 6·34, 1·45–27·71; p=0·014), but there was no risk difference in patients with an ARWMC score of less than 7. Interpretation The presence of white-matter lesions on brain imaging should be taken into account when selecting patients for carotid revascularisation. Carotid artery stenting should be avoided in patients with more extensive white-matter lesions, but might be an acceptable alternative to carotid endarterectomy in patients with less extensive lesions. Funding Medical Research Council, the Stroke Association, Sanofi-Synthélabo, the European Union Research Framework Programme 5. PMID:23849948

Effect of white-matter lesions on the risk of periprocedural stroke after carotid artery stenting versus endarterectomy in the International Carotid Stenting Study (ICSS): a prespecified analysis of data from a randomised trial.

PubMed

Ederle, Jörg; Davagnanam, Indran; van der Worp, H Bart; Venables, Graham S; Lyrer, Philippe A; Featherstone, Roland L; Brown, Martin M; Jäger, H Rolf

2013-09-01

Findings from randomised trials have shown a higher early risk of stroke after carotid artery stenting than after carotid endarterectomy. We assessed whether white-matter lesions affect the perioperative risk of stroke in patients treated with carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy. Patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis included in the International Carotid Stenting Study (ICSS) were randomly allocated to receive carotid artery stenting or carotid endarterectomy. Copies of baseline brain imaging were analysed by two investigators, who were masked to treatment, for the severity of white-matter lesions using the age-related white-matter changes (ARWMC) score. Randomisation was done with a computer-generated sequence (1:1). Patients were divided into two groups using the median ARWMC. We analysed the risk of stroke within 30 days of revascularisation using a per-protocol analysis. ICSS is registered with controlled-trials.com, number ISRCTN 25337470. 1036 patients (536 randomly allocated to carotid artery stenting, 500 to carotid endarterectomy) had baseline imaging available. Median ARWMC score was 7, and patients were dichotomised into those with a score of 7 or more and those with a score of less than 7. In patients treated with carotid artery stenting, those with an ARWMC score of 7 or more had an increased risk of stroke compared with those with a score of less than 7 (HR for any stroke 2·76, 95% CI 1·17-6·51; p=0·021; HR for non-disabling stroke 3·00, 1·10-8·36; p=0·031), but we did not see a similar association in patients treated with carotid endarterectomy (HR for any stroke 1·18, 0·40-3·55; p=0·76; HR for disabling or fatal stroke 1·41, 0·38-5·26; p=0·607). Carotid artery stenting was associated with a higher risk of stroke compared with carotid endarterectomy in patients with an ARWMC score of 7 or more (HR for any stroke 2·98, 1·29-6·93; p=0·011; HR for non-disabling stroke 6·34, 1·45-27·71; p=0·014), but there was no risk difference in patients with an ARWMC score of less than 7. The presence of white-matter lesions on brain imaging should be taken into account when selecting patients for carotid revascularisation. Carotid artery stenting should be avoided in patients with more extensive white-matter lesions, but might be an acceptable alternative to carotid endarterectomy in patients with less extensive lesions. Medical Research Council, the Stroke Association, Sanofi-Synthélabo, the European Union Research Framework Programme 5. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of MCA stenosis on the early outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients

PubMed Central

Jeng, Jiann-Shing; Hsieh, Fang-I; Yeh, Hsu-Ling; Chen, Wei-Hung; Chiu, Hou-Chang; Tang, Sung-Chun; Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Lin, Huey-Juan; Hsu, Shih-Pin; Lo, Yuk-Keung; Chan, Lung; Chen, Chih-Hung; Lin, Ruey-Tay; Chen, Yu-Wei; Lee, Jiunn-Tay; Yeh, Chung-Hsin; Sun, Ming-Hui; Lai, Ta-Chang; Sun, Yu; Sun, Mu-Chien; Chen, Po-Lin; Chiang, Tsuey-Ru; Lin, Shinn-Kuang; Yip, Bak-Sau; Chen, Chin-I; Bai, Chi-Huey; Chen, Sien-Tsong; Chiou, Hung-Yi; Lien, Li-Ming; Hsu, Chung Y.

2017-01-01

Background Asians have higher frequency of intracranial arterial stenosis. The present study aimed to compare the clinical features and outcomes of ischemic stroke patients with and without middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis, assessed by transcranial sonography (TCS), based on the Taiwan Stroke Registry (TSR). Methods Patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack registered in the TSR, and received both carotid duplex and TCS assessment were categorized into those with stenosis (≥50%) and without (<50%) in the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and MCA, respectively. Logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model were applied to assess relevant variables between groups. Results Of 6003 patients, 23.3% had MCA stenosis, 10.1% ICA stenosis, and 3.9% both MCA and ICA stenosis. Patients with MCA stenosis had greater initial NIHSS, higher likelihood of stroke-in-evolution, and more severe disability than those without (all p<0.001). Patients with MCA stenosis had higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Patients with combined MCA and extracranial ICA stenosis had even higher NIHSS, worse functional outcome, higher risk of stroke recurrence or death (hazard ratio, 2.204; 95% confidence intervals, 1.440–3.374; p<0.001) at 3 months after stroke than those without MCA stenosis. Conclusions In conclusion, MCA stenosis was more prevalent than extracranial ICA stenosis in ischemic stroke patients in Taiwan. Patients with MCA stenosis, especially combined extracranial ICA stenosis, had more severe neurological deficit and worse outcome. PMID:28388675

Microalbuminuria could improve risk stratification in patients with TIA and minor stroke.

PubMed

Elyas, Salim; Shore, Angela C; Kingwell, Hayley; Keenan, Samantha; Boxall, Leigh; Stewart, Jane; James, Martin A; Strain, William David

2016-09-01

Transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and minor strokes are important risk factors for recurrent strokes. Current stroke risk prediction scores such as ABCD2, although widely used, lack optimal sensitivity and specificity. Elevated urinary albumin excretion predicts cardiovascular disease, stroke, and mortality. We explored the role of microalbuminuria (using albumin creatinine ratio (ACR)) in predicting recurrence risk in patients with TIA and minor stroke. Urinary ACR was measured on a spot sample in 150 patients attending a daily stroke clinic with TIA or minor stroke. Patients were followed up at day 7, 30, and 90 to determine recurrent stroke, cardiovascular events, or death. Eligible patients had a carotid ultrasound Doppler investigation. High-risk patients were defined as those who had an event within 90 days or had >50% internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. Fourteen (9.8%) recurrent events were reported by day 90 including two deaths. Fifteen patients had severe ICA stenosis. In total, 26 patients were identified as high risk. These patients had a higher frequency of previous stroke or hypercholesterolemia compared to low-risk patients (P = 0.04). ACR was higher in high-risk patients (3.4 [95% CI 2.2-5.2] vs. 1.7 [1.5-2.1] mg/mmol, P = 0.004), independent of age, sex, blood pressure, diabetes, and previous stroke. An ACR greater than 1.5 mg/mmol predicted high-risk patients (Cox proportional hazard ratio 3.5 (95% CI 1.3-9.5, P = 0.01). After TIA or minor stroke, a higher ACR predicted recurrent events and significant ICA stenosis. Incorporation of urinary ACR from a spot sample in the acute setting could improve risk stratification in patients with TIA and minor stroke.

Restless legs syndrome after high-risk TIA and minor stroke: association with reduced quality of life.

PubMed

Boulos, Mark I; Wan, Anthony; Black, Sandra E; Lim, Andrew S; Swartz, Richard H; Murray, Brian J

2017-09-01

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a movement disorder that is associated with poor quality of life and depressive symptoms in the general population. Emerging evidence suggests that RLS is closely associated with cerebrovascular disease. We assessed the effect of RLS on quality of life after stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). In this single-center prospective study, we recruited patients within 14 days of high-risk TIA or minor stroke. Patients were diagnosed with RLS using a questionnaire based on the 2003 International RLS Study Group criteria, and diagnoses were confirmed by a sleep neurologist. Follow-up assessments were conducted within 2-6 months of recruitment. The outcome of quality of life was measured using the Stroke-specific Quality of Life (SS-QoL). Of the 94 patients recruited into the study, 23 (24.4%) were diagnosed with RLS: 11 were newly diagnosed with RLS and 12 had RLS preceding the index stroke/TIA. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between those with or without RLS. Median SS-QoL in patients with RLS was lower at baseline (p = 0.008) and at follow-up (p = 0.002). RLS patients had more depressive symptoms at follow-up (p = 0.007). Ordinal logistic regression demonstrated that RLS was negatively associated with quality of life at baseline (OR = 0.28; p = 0.010) and at follow-up (OR = 0.14; p = 0.029), independent of functional outcome and depressive symptoms. RLS is common after stroke or TIA and negatively affects the quality of life. Screening for RLS after cerebrovascular events may be warranted, and future research should assess whether treatment of RLS can improve post-stroke quality of life. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Risk of ischemic stroke after atrial fibrillation diagnosis: A national sample cohort

PubMed Central

Son, Mi Kyoung; Lim, Nam-Kyoo; Kim, Hyung Woo

2017-01-01

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke and associated with a 5-fold higher risk of stroke. In this retrospective cohort study, the incidence of and risk factors for ischemic stroke in patients with AF were identified. All patients (≥30 years old) without previous stroke who were diagnosed with AF in 2007–2013 were selected from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. To identify factors that influenced ischemic stroke risk, Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted. During a mean follow-up duration of 3.2 years, 1022 (9.6%) patients were diagnosed with ischemic stroke. The overall incidence rate of ischemic stroke was 30.8/1000 person-years. Of all the ischemic stroke that occurred during the follow-up period, 61.0% occurred within 1-year after AF diagnosis. Of the patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥2, only 13.6% were receiving warfarin therapy within 30 days after AF diagnosis. Relative to no antithrombotic therapy, warfarin treatment for >90 days before the index event (ischemic stroke in stroke patients and death/study end in non-stroke patients) associated with decreased ischemic stroke risk (Hazard Ratio = 0.41, 95%confidence intervals = 0.32–0.53). Heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus associated with greater ischemic stroke risk. AF patients in Korea had a higher ischemic stroke incidence rate than patients in other countries and ischemic stroke commonly occurred at early phase after AF diagnosis. Long-term (>90 days) continuous warfarin treatment may be beneficial for AF patients. However, warfarin treatment rates were very low. To prevent stroke, programs that actively detect AF and provide anticoagulation therapy are needed. PMID:28636620

Risk factors for ischemic stroke and its subtypes in Chinese vs. Caucasians: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Tsai, Chung-Fen; Anderson, Niall; Thomas, Brenda; Sudlow, Cathie L M

2015-06-01

Chinese populations are reported to have a different distribution of ischemic stroke subtypes compared with Caucasians. To understand this better, we aimed to evaluate the differences in prevalence of risk factors in ischemic stroke and their distributions among ischemic stroke subtypes in Chinese vs. Caucasians. We systematically sought studies conducted since 1990 with data on frequency of risk factors among ischemic stroke subtypes in Chinese or Caucasians. For each risk factor, we calculated study-specific and random effects pooled estimates in Chinese and Caucasians separately for: prevalence among ischemic stroke; odds ratios, comparing prevalence for each ischemic stroke subtype vs. all others. We included seven studies among 16,199 Chinese, and eleven among 16,189 Caucasian ischemic stroke patients. Risk factors studied were hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, smoking and alcohol. Chinese ischemic stroke patients had younger onset of stroke than Caucasians, similar prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, smoking and alcohol, and significantly lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease and hypercholesterolemia. Risk factor associations with ischemic stroke subtypes were mostly similar among Chinese and Caucasian ischemic stroke patients. Compared with all other ischemic subtypes, diabetes was more common in large artery stroke, atrial fibrillation and ischemic heart disease in cardioembolic stroke, and hypertension and diabetes in lacunar stroke. Our study showed a lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease and hypercholesterolemia in Chinese, and mostly similar risk factor associations in Chinese and Caucasian ischemic stroke patients. Further analyses of individual patient data to allow adjustment for confounders are needed to confirm and extend these findings. © 2015 World Stroke Organization.

Factors Associated with Increased Rates of Post-procedural Stroke or Death following Carotid Artery Stent Placement: A Systematic Review.

PubMed Central

Khan, Muhib; Qureshi, Adnan I

2014-01-01

Background and Purpose We provide an assessment of clinical, angiographic, and procedure related risk factors associated with stroke and/or death in patients undergoing carotid artery stent placement which will assist in patient stratification and identification of high-stent risk patients. Methods A comprehensive search of Medline from January 1st 1996 to December 31st 2011 was performed with key words “carotid artery stenosis”, “ carotid artery stenting”, “carotid artery stent placement”, “death” , ” mortality”, “stroke”, “outcome”, “clinical predictors”, “angiographic predictors”, was performed in various combinations. We independently abstracted data and assessed the quality of the studies. This analysis led to the selection of 71 articles for review. Results Clinical factors including age≥80 years, symptomatic status, procedure within 2 weeks of symptoms, chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus, and hemispheric TIA were associated with stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and death within 1 month after carotid artery stent placement. Angiographic factors including left carotid artery intervention, stenosis > 90%, ulcerated and calcified plaques, lesion length > 10mm, thrombus at the site, ostial involvement, predilation without EPD, ICA-CCA angulation > 60%, aortic arch type III, and aortic arch calcification were also associated with 1 month stroke and/or death. Intra-procedural platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, protamine use, multiple stents, predilatation prior to stent placement were associated with stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and death after carotid artery stent placement. Intraprocedural use of embolic protection devices and stent design (open versus closed cell design) did not demonstrate a consistent relationship with 1 month stroke and/or death. Procedural statin use, and operator and center experience of more than 50 procedures per year were protective for 1 month stroke and/or death. Conclusions Our review identified risk factors for stroke, death, and MI within 1 month in patients undergoing carotid artery stent placement. Such information will result in better patient selection for carotid artery stent placement particularly in those who are also candidates for carotid endarterectomy. PMID:24920983

Hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes compared: stroke severity, mortality, and risk factors.

PubMed

Andersen, Klaus Kaae; Olsen, Tom Skyhøj; Dehlendorff, Christian; Kammersgaard, Lars Peter

2009-06-01

Stroke patients with hemorrhagic (HS) and ischemic strokes were compared with regard to stroke severity, mortality, and cardiovascular risk factors. A registry started in 2001, with the aim of registering all hospitalized stroke patients in Denmark, now holds information for 39,484 patients. The patients underwent an evaluation including stroke severity (Scandinavian Stroke Scale), CT, and cardiovascular risk factors. They were followed-up from admission until death or censoring in 2007. Independent predictors of death were identified by means of a survival model based on 25,123 individuals with a complete data set. Of the patients 3993 (10.1%) had HS. Stroke severity was almost linearly related to the probability of having HS (2% in patients with the mildest stroke and 30% in those with the most severe strokes). Factors favoring ischemic strokes vs HS were diabetes, atrial fibrillation, previous myocardial infarction, previous stroke, and intermittent arterial claudication. Smoking and alcohol consumption favored HS, whereas age, sex, and hypertension did not herald stroke type. Compared with ischemic strokes, HS was associated with an overall higher mortality risk (HR, 1.564; 95% CI, 1.441-1.696). The increased risk was, however, time-dependent; initially, risk was 4-fold, after 1 week it was 2.5-fold, and after 3 weeks it was 1.5-fold. After 3 months stroke type did not correlate to mortality. Strokes are generally more severe in patients with HS. Within the first 3 months after stroke, HS is associated with a considerable increase of mortality, which is specifically associated with the hemorrhagic nature of the lesion.

Left ventricular hypertrophy assessed by electrocardiogram is associated with more severe stroke and with higher in-hospital mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Tziomalos, Konstantinos; Sofogianni, Areti; Angelopoulou, Stella-Maria; Christou, Konstantinos; Kostaki, Stavroula; Papagianni, Marianthi; Satsoglou, Sarantis; Spanou, Marianna; Savopoulos, Christos; Hatzitolios, Apostolos I

2018-07-01

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), assessed by electrocardiogram (ECG), is associated with increased risk for stroke. However, few studies that evaluated whether ECG-detected LVH predicts ischemic stroke severity and outcome. We aimed to evaluate these associations. We prospectively studied 922 patients consecutively admitted with acute ischemic stroke (age 79.6 ± 6.9 years). Stroke severity was assessed at admission with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Severe stroke was defined as NIHSS≥5. LVH was evaluated with the Sokolow-Lyon index and the Cornell voltage-duration product criteria in an ECG obtained at admission. The outcome was assessed with dependency at discharge (modified Rankin scale 2-5) and in-hospital mortality. Independent predictors of severe stroke were age (relative risk (RR) per year 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.11, p<0.001), female gender (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.17-0.76, p<0.01), atrial fibrillation (RR 2.07, 95% CI 1.30-3.29, p<0.005), chronic kidney disease (RR 2.38, 95% CI 1.04-5.44, p<0.05), heart rate (RR per 1/min 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.04, p<0.005), glucose levels (RR 1.012, 95% CI 1.006-1.018, p<0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (RR 0.976, 95% CI 0.960-0.993, p<0.005) and LVH defined according to the Cornell voltage-duration product criteria (RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.12-3.86, p<0.05). Independent predictors of dependency at discharge were age (RR per year 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.13, p<0.001), past smoking (RR versus no smoking 0.42, 95% 0.19-0.89, p<0.05), history of ischemic stroke (RR 2.13, 95% CI 1.23-3.71, p<0.01) and NIHSS at admission (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.35-1.63, p<0.001). Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were glucose levels (RR 1.014, 95% CI 1.003-1.025, p<0.05), NIHSS at admission (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.19-1.41, p<0.001) and LVH according to the Cornell voltage-duration product criteria (RR 4.95, 95% CI 1.09-22.37, p<0.05). LVH according to the Cornell voltage-duration product criteria appears to be associated with more severe stroke and with higher in-hospital mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Association of black race with recurrent stroke risk.

PubMed

Park, Jong-Ho; Ovbiagele, Bruce

2016-06-15

The significantly higher risk of primary stroke in Black vs. Whites is very well established. However, very few studies have specifically examined the presence of this racial disparity in recurrent stroke risk. We conducted an analysis of a clinical trial dataset comprising 3470 recent non-cardioembolic stroke patients aged ≥35years and followed for 2years. Subjects were categorized by race into Whites and Blacks. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between Black (vs. White) and ischemic stroke (primary outcome); and stroke/coronary heart disease (CHD)/vascular death as major vascular events (secondary outcome) with and without adjustment for comorbid conditions associated with stroke. Among participants (2925 Whites and 545 Blacks), a total of 287 (8.3%) incident stroke and 582 (16.8%) major vascular events occurred. Compared with Whites, Blacks had higher frequencies of prior stroke, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking; but were younger with lower prevalence of CHD. Frequency of stroke was higher in Blacks vs. Whites (11.4% vs. 7.7%; P=0.004), but there was no difference in major vascular events (16.9% vs. 16.8%). Compared with Whites, Blacks experienced a significantly higher risk of recurrent stroke (HR 1.58; 95% CI, 1.19-2.09), but the stroke risk was not significant after multivariable adjustment (1.13; 0.81-1.59). Blacks are ~60% more likely to experience a recurrent stroke within 2years than their Whites, but this risk is likely mediated via stroke risk factors. These results underscore a need to optimize and sustain risk factor control in Black stroke populations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Poor drug adherence and lack of awareness of hypertension among hypertensive stroke patients in Kampala, Uganda: a cross sectional study.

PubMed

Mugwano, Isaac; Kaddumukasa, Mark; Mugenyi, Levi; Kayima, James; Ddumba, Edward; Sajatovic, Martha; Sila, Cathy; DeGeorgia, Michael; Katabira, Elly

2016-01-02

Raised blood pressure (BP) remains an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke. Adherence to therapeutic recommendations especially antihypertensive drugs is important in BP control. The aim of the study was to assess the stroke risk factors and levels of adherence among hypertensive patients with stroke in Kampala Uganda. In a cross-sectional study we describe 112 hypertensive subjects with stroke from two Kampala city hospitals. A standardized pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect medical history, clinical details, radiological findings and laboratory data. A total of 112 hypertensive subjects with stroke were enrolled between May 2013 and April 2014. The median ages were 63.5 years (52.5-75.0) for the cases. Seventy percent (78/112) of the study participants had ischemic strokes. Only 17% were adherent to anti-hypertensive medications. The main cause of non-adherence appears to be lack of knowledge. Poor adherence of anti-hypertensive medications among hypertensive patients remains a big challenge in our setting. This has been attributed to lack of adequate knowledge and cost of the prescribed drugs. There is therefore an urgent need to promptly diagnose and educate hypertensive patients with emphasis on adherence to anti hypertensive drugs.

Alcohol consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease among hypertensive women.

PubMed

Bos, Sarah; Grobbee, Diederick E; Boer, Jolanda M A; Verschuren, W Monique; Beulens, Joline W J

2010-02-01

This study investigated the relation between alcohol consumption and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among 10 530-hypertensive women from the EPIC-NL cohort. Alcohol consumption was assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire and participants were followed for occurrence of CVD. During 9.4 years follow-up, we documented 580 coronary heart disease (CHD) events and 254 strokes, 165 of which were ischemic. An inverse association (Ptrend=0.009) between alcohol consumption and risk of CHD was observed with a multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio of 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.52-1.01) for those consuming 70-139.9 g alcohol/week compared to lifetime abstainers. Of different beverages, only red wine consumption was associated with a reduced risk of CHD. A U-shaped relation (P=0.08) was observed for total stroke with a hazard ratio of 0.65 (0.44-0.95) for consuming 5-69.9 g alcohol/week compared with lifetime abstainers. Similar results were observed for ischemic stroke with a hazard ratio of 0.56 (0.35-0.89) for consuming of 5-69.9 g alcohol/week. We conclude that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk of CHD among hypertensive women. Light alcohol consumption tended to be related to a lower risk of stroke. Current guidelines for alcohol consumption in the general population also apply to hypertensive women.

Prevalence, incidence, and factors associated with pre-stroke and post-stroke dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Pendlebury, Sarah T; Rothwell, Peter M

2009-11-01

Reliable data on the prevalence and predictors of post-stroke dementia are needed to inform patients and carers, plan services and clinical trials, ascertain the overall burden of stroke, and understand its causes. However, published data on the prevalence and risk factors for pre-stroke and post-stroke dementia are conflicting. We undertook this systematic review to assess the heterogeneity in the reported rates and to identify risk factors for pre-stroke and post-stroke dementia. Studies published between 1950 and May 1, 2009, were identified from bibliographic databases, reference lists, and journal contents pages. Studies were included if they were on patients with symptomatic stroke, were published in English, reported on a series of consecutive eligible patients or volunteers in prospective cohort studies, included all stroke or all ischaemic stroke, measured dementia by standard criteria, and followed up patients for at least 3 months after stroke. Pooled rates of dementia were stratified by study setting, inclusion or exclusion of pre-stroke dementia, and by first, any, or recurrent stroke. Pooled odds ratios were calculated for factors associated with pre-stroke and post-stroke dementia. We identified 22 hospital-based and eight population-based eligible cohorts (7511 patients) described in 73 papers. The pooled prevalence of pre-stroke dementia was higher (14.4%, 95% CI 12.0-16.8) in hospital-based studies than in population-based studies (9.1%, 6.9-11.3). Although post-stroke (

Barriers and facilitators to staying in work after stroke: insight from an online forum.

PubMed

Balasooriya-Smeekens, Chantal; Bateman, Andrew; Mant, Jonathan; De Simoni, Anna

2016-04-06

To explore barriers and facilitators to staying in work following stroke. Qualitative analysis of posts regarding staying in work following stroke using the archives of an online forum for stroke survivors. 60 stroke survivors (29 male, 23 female, 8 not stated; mean age at stroke 44 years) who have returned to work, identified using terms 'return to work' and 'back at work'. Posts from UK stroke survivors and family members on Talkstroke, the forum of the Stroke Association, between 2004 and 2011. Stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) survivors reported residual impairments that for many had impact on work. Most impairments were 'invisible', including fatigue, problems with concentration, memory and personality changes. Participants described positive (eg, back at work being better than expected) and negative work experiences, including being at risk of losing the job because of stroke-related impairments. Barriers to successfully staying in work included lack of understanding of stroke--in particular invisible impairments--of survivors, employers and general practitioners (GPs), and lack of support in terms of formal adjustments, and 'feeling supported'. Stroke survivors described how they developed their own coping strategies, and how workplace and employer helped them to stay in work. Despite having been able to return to work after a stroke, people may still experience difficulties in staying in work and risking losing their job. There is a need to improve awareness, in particular of invisible stroke-related impairments, among stroke survivors, work personnel and clinicians. This might be achieved through improved assessments of residual impairments in the workplace and in general practice. Future studies should investigate the effect of unrecognised fatigue and invisible impairments on staying in work following stroke, and explore the potential role for primary care in supporting stroke survivors who have returned to employment. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Rates and predictors of stroke-associated case fatality in black Central African patients.

PubMed

Longo-Mbenza, B; Lelo Tshinkwela, M; Mbuilu Pukuta, J

2008-01-01

To identify case fatality rates and predictors of stroke in a private clinic in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Two hundred and twelve black Africans were consecutively admitted to a clinic and prospectively assessed during the first 30 days by CT scan-proven stroke types and outcome. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to estimate the in-hospital mortality risk for the following baseline characteristics: age, gender, education, arterial hypertension, diabetes, stroke types, leukocyte count, and haematocrit, blood glucose, uric acid, fibrinogen and total cholesterol levels. Haemorrhagic and ischaemic strokes were present in 52 and 48% of the study population, respectively; and 44% of all stroke type patients, 29% of haemorrhagic stroke and 31% of ischaemic stroke patients died. Compared to the survivors, deceased patients were significantly (p < 0.001) older with higher leukocyte counts and haematocrit, haemoglobin and fibrinogen levels, but lower glycaemic levels. The variable significantly associated with all stroke type mortalities in the multivariate model was ischaemic stroke (HR = 4.28, p < 0.001). The univariate risk factors of mortality in patients with ischaemic stroke were higher fibrinogenaemia (RR = 6.4; 95% CI = 4.8-8.2 for tertile 3 and RR = 12.9; 95% CI = 7.8-18.4 for tertile 4; p < 0.001) and higher glycaemia (RR = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.4-5.7 for tertile 3 and RR = 6.7; 95% CI = 5.2-9.2 for tertile 4; p < 0.001). We have shown that all acute stroke types remain a deadly nosological entity, and ischaemic stroke, baseline haematocrit and fibrinogen levels, and dependency on others' care were significantly associated with all stroke mortalities. Moreover, hyperfibrinogaemia and hyperglycaemia were the significant predictors of case fatality in ischaemic stroke patients. In Africa, the top priority for resource allocation for stroke services should go to the primary prevention of stroke.

The effect of growth hormone replacement in patients with hypopituitarism on pituitary tumor recurrence, secondary cancer, and stroke.

PubMed

Jasim, Sina; Alahdab, Fares; Ahmed, Ahmed T; Tamhane, Shrikant U; Sharma, Anu; Donegan, Diane; Nippoldt, Todd B; Murad, M Hassan

2017-05-01

Growth hormone replacement therapy has benefits for patients with hypopituitarism. The safety profile in regard to tumor recurrence or progression, development of secondary malignancies, or cerebrovascular stroke is still an area of debate. A comprehensive search of multiple databases-MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus was conducted through August 2015. Eligible studies that evaluated long-term adverse events in adult patients with hypopituitarism treated with growth hormone replacement therapy and reported development of pituitary tumor recurrence or progression, secondary malignancies, or cerebrovascular stroke were selected following a predefined protocol. Reviewers, independently and in duplicate, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool relative risks and 95 % confidence intervals. We included 15 studies (published 1995-2015) that reported on 46,148 patients. Compared to non-replacement, growth hormone replacement therapy in adults with hypopituitarism was not associated with statistically significant change in pituitary tumor progression or recurrence (relative risk, 0.77; 95 % confidence interval, 0.53-1.13) or development of secondary malignancy (relative risk, 0.99; 95 % confidence interval, 0.70-1.39). In two retrospective studies, there was higher risk of stroke in patients who did not receive replacement (relative risk, 2.07; 95 % confidence interval, 1.51-2.83). The quality of evidence is low due to study limitations and imprecision. This systematic review and meta-analysis supports the overall safety of growth hormone therapeutic use in adults with hypopituitarism with no clear evidence of increased risk of pituitary tumor recurrence, malignancy, or stroke.

Menopause and Stroke: An Epidemiologic Review

PubMed Central

Lisabeth, Lynda; Bushnell, Cheryl

2012-01-01

Although women have a lower risk of stroke during middle age, the menopausal transition is a time when many women develop cardiovascular risk factors. In addition, during the 10 years after menopause, the risk of stroke roughly doubles in women. Endogenous estrogen levels decline by 60% during the menopausal transition, leading to a relative androgen excess, which could contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk factors in women. Earlier onset of menopause may influence the risk of stroke, but the data are not clear. Because of the stroke risk associated with hormone therapy, this is only indicated for treatment of vasomotor symptoms, but some formulations may be safe than others. More research is needed to understand which women are at greatest stroke risk during midlife and to determine the safest formulation, dose, and duration of hormone therapy that will treat vasomotor symptoms without increasing the risk for stroke. PMID:22172623

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindication for anticoagulation.

PubMed

Grosset-Janin, D; Barth, E; Bertrand, B; Detante, O

2015-05-01

Stroke, as the third cause of death in developed countries, is a public health issue. Atrial fibrillation is an important cause of ischemic stroke and its prevention is efficient with oral anticoagulation. However, oral anticoagulation can be contraindicated because of hemorrhagic risk related to these treatments. Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion is a new alternative of oral anticoagulation for patients with atrial fibrillation and high risk of cardio-embolic stroke but contraindicated for oral anticoagulation. We describe in this paper the procedure of left atrial appendage occlusion with the Amplatzer cardiac plug device, used in our center in Grenoble university hospital, for the first three patients who have been treated with this device. These three patients (one man and two women) have all atrial fibrillation with neurological complication of this arrhythmia, as ischemic stroke. Oral anticoagulation is indicated to prevent another ischemic stroke. However, they all have a high risk of cerebral bleeding for different reasons (cavernomatosis, history of intracerebral hemorrhage and aneurysm of the polygon of Willis). Consequently, they have a high risk of cardio-embolic complication but contraindication for oral anticoagulation. They have been treated by left atrial appendage occlusion with Amplatzer cardiac plug device by percutaneous and trans-septal access. Then, they have been followed by neurologist and cardiologist, with clinical and paraclinical evaluation by echocardiography. Our three first patients have been successfully implanted, without periprocedural complication. No latest adverse event was observed, and particularly no cardiac or neurologic adverse event. The technique of left atrial appendage occlusion is a very interesting and promising technique for ischemic stroke prevention in patient with high risk of cardio-embolic complication because of atrial fibrillation, but high risk of bleeding and contraindication for oral anticoagulation. Because of frequency of both atrial fibrillation and contraindication for oral anticoagulation, occlusion of the left atrial appendage should become an interesting alternative for many patients. However, it remains an invasive procedure and efficacy and indications need to be evaluated in further clinical trials. Risk/benefit ratio must be carefully assessed and compared to that of the new anticoagulant drugs. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Trends in ethnic disparities in stroke incidence in Auckland, New Zealand, during 1981 to 2003.

PubMed

Carter, Kristie; Anderson, Craig; Hacket, Maree; Feigin, Valery; Barber, P Alan; Broad, Joanna B; Bonita, Ruth

2006-01-01

Although geographical variations in stroke rates are well documented, limited data exist on temporal trends in ethnic-specific stroke incidence. We assessed trends in ethnic-specific stroke rates using standard diagnostic criteria and community-wide surveillance procedures in Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) in 1981 to 1982, 1991 to 1992, and 2002 to 2003. Indirect and direct methods were used to adjust first-ever (incident) and total (attack) rates for changes in the structure of the population and reported with 95% CIs. Ethnicity was self-defined and categorized as "NZ/European," "Maori," "Pacific peoples," and "Asian and other." Stroke attack (19%; 95% CI, 11% to 26%) and incidence rates (19%; 95% CI, 12% to 24%) declined significantly in NZ/Europeans from 1981 to 1982 to 2002 to 2003. These rates remained high or increased in other ethnic groups, particularly for Pacific peoples in whom stroke attack rates increased by 66% (95% CI; 11% to 225%) over the periods. Some favorable downward trends in vascular risk factors, such as cigarette smoking, were counterbalanced by increasing age, body mass index, and diabetes in certain ethnic groups. Divergent trends in ethnic-specific stroke incidence and attack rates, and of associated risk factors, have occurred in Auckland over recent decades. The findings provide mixed views as to the future burden of stroke in populations undergoing similar lifestyle and structural changes.

Smoking and hemorrhagic stroke mortality in a prospective cohort study of older Chinese.

PubMed

Xu, Lin; Schooling, Catherine Mary; Chan, Wai Man; Lee, Siu Yin; Leung, Gabriel M; Lam, Tai Hing

2013-08-01

Hemorrhagic stroke is more common in non-Western settings and does not always share risk factors with other cardiovascular diseases. The association of smoking with hemorrhagic stroke subtypes has not been established. We examined the association of cigarette smoking with hemorrhagic stroke, by subtype (intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage), in a large cohort of older Chinese from Hong Kong. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to assess the adjusted associations of smoking at baseline with death from hemorrhagic stroke and its subtypes, using a population-based prospective cohort of 66 820 Chinese aged>65 years enrolled from July 1998 to December 2001 at all the 18 Elderly Health Centers of the Hong Kong Government Department of Health and followed until May 31, 2012. After follow-up for an average of 10.9 years (SD=3.1), 648 deaths from hemorrhagic stroke had occurred, of which 530 (82%) were intracerebral hemorrhage. Current smoking was associated with a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke (hazard ratio, 2.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-3.22), intracerebral hemorrhage (1.94; 1.25-3.01), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (3.58; 1.62-7.94), adjusted for age, sex, education, public assistance, housing type, monthly expenditure, alcohol use, and exercise. Further adjustment for hypertension and body mass index slightly changed the estimates. Smoking is strongly associated with hemorrhagic stroke mortality, particularly for subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Predictors of Stroke and Coma After Neurosurgery: An ACS-NSQIP Analysis.

PubMed

Larsen, Alexandra M G; Cote, David J; Karhade, Aditya V; Smith, Timothy R

2016-09-01

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database aims to reduce 30-day postoperative complications. Reduction of postoperative stroke and coma can decrease length and cost of hospitalization, improve patient functional status, and decrease morbidity and mortality. We performed a search of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for all patients from 2006 to 2013 undergoing an operation with a surgeon whose primary specialty was neurologic surgery. Of 94,546 neurosurgical patients reported, there were 687 (0.73%) cases of postoperative stroke and coma. The annual rate of coma longer than 24 hours decreased from 0.90% in 2006 to 0.002% in 2013 (P < 0.001), and the annual rate of stroke decreased from 1.2% in 2006 to 0.5% in 2013 (P = 0.013). Multivariate analysis showed that inpatient status (P = 0.001; odds ratio [OR], 30.3), age (P = 0.005; OR, 1.012), history of diabetes (P = 0.017; OR, 1.515), ventilator dependence (P < 0.001; OR, 4.379), impaired sensorium (P < 0.001; OR, 2.314), history of coma longer than 24 hours (P < 0.001; OR, 2.655), hemiparesis (P = 0.022; OR, 1.492), cerebrovascular accident/stroke with neurologic deficit (P < 0.001; OR, 2.091), cerebrovascular accident/stroke without neurologic deficit (P = 0.001; OR, 2.44), and tumor involving central nervous system (P < 0.001; OR, 2.928) are significant risk factors for developing postneurosurgical stroke and coma. The rate of postneurosurgical stroke decreased from 1.2% in 2006 to 0.5% in 2013 and the rate of postneurosurgical coma greater than 24 hours decreased from 0.9% in 2006 to 0.002% in 2013. Ten risk factors for developing postneurosurgical stroke and coma were identified using multivariable analysis. These risk factors should be assessed preoperatively and incorporated into clinical decision making so that individuals who are at higher risk for the development of stroke and coma can be appropriately monitored during the postoperative period. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diabetes mellitus and stroke: A clinical update

PubMed Central

Tun, Nyo Nyo; Arunagirinathan, Ganesan; Munshi, Sunil K; Pappachan, Joseph M

2017-01-01

Cardiovascular disease including stroke is a major complication that tremendously increases the morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). DM poses about four times higher risk for stroke. Cardiometabolic risk factors including obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia often co-exist in patients with DM that add on to stroke risk. Because of the strong association between DM and other stroke risk factors, physicians and diabetologists managing patients should have thorough understanding of these risk factors and management. This review is an evidence-based approach to the epidemiological aspects, pathophysiology, diagnostic work up and management algorithms for patients with diabetes and stroke. PMID:28694925

Impact of CHA2DS2VASc Score on Candidacy for Anticoagulation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Multi-payer Analysis.

PubMed

Patel, Aarti A; Nelson, Winnie W; Schein, Jeff

2016-10-01

The purpose of this study is to report on the effect of using CHA 2 DS 2 VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years [doubled], type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke or transient ischemic attack or thromboembolism [doubled], vascular disease [prior myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease, or aortic plaque], age 65-75 years, sex category [female]) rather than CHADS 2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, and prior stroke) to determine candidacy for anticoagulant prophylaxis in insured patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Six administrative claims databases that included medical and pharmacy claims for patients aged ≥18 years with a new or existing diagnosis of AF and patient outcomes assessed for 1 year after diagnosis were analyzed. Retrospective health plan data analyses were performed using a software tool (Anticoagulant Quality Improvement Analyzer). Study measures included stroke risk (identified by CHADS 2 and CHA 2 DS 2 VASc scores), bleeding risk (identified by the Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation score), and anticoagulant use. A total of 115,906 patients with AF (range of mean ages among the 6 databases, 56-79 years) met the inclusion criteria. All ranges reported represent the minimum and maximum values among the 6 databases. Using the CHA 2 DS 2 VASc compared with the CHADS 2 index to assess stroke risk resulted in a 23% to 32% increase in patients considered potential candidates for anticoagulant prophylaxis. This translated to a 38% to 114% increase in the number of ostensibly undertreated patients. Among patients with high stroke and low bleeding risk, 18% to 28% more patients were considered potential candidates for anticoagulation treatment using CHA 2 DS 2 VASc compared with CHADS 2 , or a 57% to 151% increase in the number of undertreated patients. Use of the CHA 2 DS 2 VASc score to determine the risk of stroke increased the number of AF patients for whom oral anticoagulation would be recommended. Additional research is needed to determine whether this paradigm shift to greater use of oral anticoagulants improves patient outcomes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of Transferring to the Rehabilitation Ward on Long-Term Mortality Rate of First-Time Stroke Survivors: A Population-Based Study.

PubMed

Chen, Chien-Min; Yang, Yao-Hsu; Chang, Chia-Hao; Chen, Pau-Chung

2017-12-01

To assess the long-term health outcomes of acute stroke survivors transferred to the rehabilitation ward. Long-term mortality rates of first-time stroke survivors during hospitalization were compared among the following sets of patients: patients transferred to the rehabilitation ward, patients receiving rehabilitation without being transferred to the rehabilitation ward, and patients receiving no rehabilitation. Retrospective cohort study. Patients (N = 11,419) with stroke from 2005 to 2008 were initially assessed for eligibility. After propensity score matching, 390 first-time stroke survivors were included. None. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess differences in 5-year poststroke mortality rates. Based on adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), the patients receiving rehabilitation without being transferred to the rehabilitation ward (adjusted HR, 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-3.57) and patients receiving no rehabilitation (adjusted HR, 4.00; 95% CI, 2.55-6.27) had significantly higher mortality risk than the patients transferred to the rehabilitation ward. Mortality rate of the stroke survivors was affected by age ≥65 years (compared with age <45y; adjusted HR, 3.62), being a man (adjusted HR, 1.49), having ischemic stroke (adjusted HR, 1.55), stroke severity (Stroke Severity Index [SSI] score≥20, compared with SSI score<10; adjusted HR, 2.68), and comorbidity (Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Index [CCI] score≥3, compared with CCI score=0; adjusted HR, 4.23). First-time stroke survivors transferred to the rehabilitation ward had a 5-year mortality rate 2.2 times lower than those who received rehabilitation without transfer to the rehabilitation ward and 4 times lower than those who received no rehabilitation. Copyright © 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Risk modelling study for carotid endarterectomy.

PubMed

Kuhan, G; Gardiner, E D; Abidia, A F; Chetter, I C; Renwick, P M; Johnson, B F; Wilkinson, A R; McCollum, P T

2001-12-01

The aims of this study were to identify factors that influence the risk of stroke or death following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and to develop a model to aid in comparative audit of vascular surgeons and units. A series of 839 CEAs performed by four vascular surgeons between 1992 and 1999 was analysed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to model the effect of 15 possible risk factors on the 30-day risk of stroke or death. Outcome was compared for four surgeons and two units after adjustment for the significant risk factors. The overall 30-day stroke or death rate was 3.9 per cent (29 of 741). Heart disease, diabetes and stroke were significant risk factors. The 30-day predicted stroke or death rates increased with increasing risk scores. The observed 30-day stroke or death rate was 3.9 per cent for both vascular units and varied from 3.0 to 4.2 per cent for the four vascular surgeons. Differences in the outcomes between the surgeons and vascular units did not reach statistical significance after risk adjustment. Diabetes, heart disease and stroke are significant risk factors for stroke or death following CEA. The risk score model identified patients at higher risk and aided in comparative audit.

Reducing stroke in women with risk factor management: blood pressure and cholesterol.

PubMed

Baghshomali, Sanam; Bushnell, Cheryl

2014-09-01

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in adults worldwide. Prevention focused on modifiable risk factors, such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, has shown them to be of significant importance in decreasing the risk of stroke. Multiple studies have brought to light the differences between men and women with regards to stroke and these risk factors. Women have a higher prevalence of stroke, mortality and disability and it has been shown that preventive and treatment options are not as comprehensive for women. Hence, it is of great necessity to evaluate and summarize the differences in gender and stroke risk factors in order to target disparities and optimize prevention, especially because women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke. The purpose of this review is to summarize sex differences in the prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. In addition, we will review the sex differences in stroke prevention effectiveness and adherence to blood pressure and cholesterol medications, and suggest future directions for research to reduce the burden of stroke in women.

Quantifying links between stroke and risk factors: a study on individual health risk appraisal of stroke in a community of Chongqing.

PubMed

Wu, Yazhou; Zhang, Ling; Yuan, Xiaoyan; Wu, Yamin; Yi, Dong

2011-04-01

The objective of this study is to investigate the risk factors of stroke in a community in Chongqing by setting quantitative criteria for determining the risk factors of stroke. Thus, high-risk individuals can be identified and laid a foundation for predicting individual risk of stroke. 1,034 cases with 1:2 matched controls (2,068) were chosen from five communities in Chongqing including Shapingba, Xiaolongkan, Tianxingqiao, Yubei Road and Ciqikou. Participants were interviewed with a uniform questionnaire. The risk factors of stroke and the odds ratios of risk factors were analyzed with a logistic regression model, and risk exposure factors of different levels were converted into risk scores using statistical models. For men, ten risk factors including hypertension (5.728), family history of stroke (4.599), and coronary heart disease (5.404), among others, were entered into the main effect model. For women, 11 risk factors included hypertension (5.270), family history of stroke (4.866), hyperlipidemia (4.346), among others. The related risk scores were added to obtain a combined risk score to predict the individual's risk of stoke in the future. An individual health risk appraisal model of stroke, which was applicable to individuals of different gender, age, health behavior, disease and family history, was established. In conclusion, personal diseases including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, etc., were very important to the prevalence of stoke. The prevalence of stroke can be effectively reduced by changing unhealthy lifestyles and curing the positive individual disease. The study lays a foundation for health education to persuade people to change their unhealthy lifestyles or behaviors, and could be used in community health services.

Brain microbleeds, anticoagulation, and hemorrhage risk: Meta-analysis in stroke patients with AF.

PubMed

Charidimou, Andreas; Karayiannis, Christopher; Song, Tae-Jin; Orken, Dilek Necioglu; Thijs, Vincent; Lemmens, Robin; Kim, Jinkwon; Goh, Su Mei; Phan, Thanh G; Soufan, Cathy; Chandra, Ronil V; Slater, Lee-Anne; Haji, Shamir; Mok, Vincent; Horstmann, Solveig; Leung, Kam Tat; Kawamura, Yuichiro; Sato, Nobuyuki; Hasebe, Naoyuki; Saito, Tsukasa; Wong, Lawrence K S; Soo, Yannie; Veltkamp, Roland; Flemming, Kelly D; Imaizumi, Toshio; Srikanth, Velandai; Heo, Ji Hoe

2017-12-05

To assess the association between cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and future spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) risk in ischemic stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) taking oral anticoagulants. This was a meta-analysis of cohort studies with >50 patients with recent ischemic stroke and documented AF, brain MRI at baseline, long-term oral anticoagulation treatment, and ≥6 months of follow-up. Authors provided summary-level data on stroke outcomes stratified by CMB status. We estimated pooled annualized ICH and ischemic stroke rates from Poisson regression. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) of ICH by CMB presence/absence, ≥5 CMBs, and CMB topography (strictly lobar, mixed, and strictly deep) using random-effects models. We established an international collaboration and pooled data from 8 centers including 1,552 patients. The crude CMB prevalence was 30% and 7% for ≥5 CMBs. Baseline CMB presence (vs no CMB) was associated with ICH during follow-up (OR 2.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-6.01, p = 0.017). Presence of ≥5 CMB was related to higher future ICH risk (OR 5.50, 95% CI 2.07-14.66, p = 0.001). The pooled annual ICH incidence increased from 0.30% (95% CI 0.04-0.55) among CMB-negative patients to 0.81% (95% CI 0.17-1.45) in CMB-positive patients ( p = 0.01) and 2.48% (95% CI 1.2-6.2) in patients with ≥5 CMBs ( p = 0.001). There was no association between CMBs and recurrent ischemic stroke. The presence of CMB on MRI and the dichotomized cutoff of ≥5 CMBs might identify subgroups of ischemic stroke patients with AF with high ICH risk and after further validation could help in risk stratification, in anticoagulation decisions, and in guiding randomized trials and ongoing large observational studies. © 2017 American Academy of Neurology.

Prescription Opioid Use and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke, and Cardiovascular Death Among Adults from a Prospective Cohort (REGARDS Study).

PubMed

Khodneva, Yulia; Muntner, Paul; Kertesz, Stefan; Kissela, Brett; Safford, Monika M

2016-03-01

Despite unknown risks, prescription opioid use (POU) for nonmalignant chronic pain has grown in the US over the last decade. The objective of this study was to examine associations between POU and coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) death in a large cohort. POU was assessed in the prospective cohort study of 29,025 participants of the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study, enrolled between 2003 and 2007 from the continental United States and followed through December 31, 2010. CHD, stroke, and CVD death were expert adjudicated outcome measures. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for CVD risk factors were used. Over a median (SD) of 5.2 (1.8) years of follow-up, 1,362 CHD events, 749 strokes, and 1,120 CVD death occurred (105, 55, and 104, respectively, in the 1,851 opioid users). POU was not associated with CHD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]) 1.03 [95% CI 0.83-1.26] or stroke (aHR 1.04 [95% CI 0.78-1.38]), but was associated with CVD death (aHR 1.24 [95% CI 1.00-1.53]) in the overall sample. In the sex-stratified analyses, POU was associated with increased risk of CHD (aHR 1.38 [95% CI 1.05-1.82]) and CVD death (aHR 1.66 [95% CI 1.27-2.17]) among females but not males (aHR 0.70 [95% CI 0.50-0.97] for CHD and 0.78 [95% CI 0.54-1.11] for CVD death). Female but not male POU were at higher risk of CHD and CVD death. POU was not associated with stroke in overall or sex-stratified analyses. © 2015 American Academy of Pain Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Residential Proximity to Major Roadways and Risk of Incident Ischemic Stroke in NOMAS (The Northern Manhattan Study).

PubMed

Kulick, Erin R; Wellenius, Gregory A; Boehme, Amelia K; Sacco, Ralph L; Elkind, Mitchell S

2018-04-01

The evidence supporting the deleterious cardiovascular health effects of living near a major roadway is growing, although this association is not universal. In primary analyses, we hypothesized that residential proximity to a major roadway would be associated with incident ischemic stroke and that cardiovascular risk factors would modify that association. NOMAS (The Northern Manhattan Study) is an ongoing, population-based cohort study designed to measure cardiovascular risk factors, stroke incidence, and other outcomes in a multiethnic urban population. Recruitment occurred from 1993 to 2001 and participants are followed-up annually by telephone. Residential addresses at baseline were geocoded and Euclidean distance to nearest major roadway was estimated and categorized as in prior studies. We used Cox proportional hazard models to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association of this distance to incidence of stroke and other outcomes, adjusting for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors, year at baseline, and neighborhood socioeconomic status. We assessed whether these associations varied by age, sex, smoking status, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. During a median follow-up period of 15 years (n=3287), 11% of participants were diagnosed with ischemic stroke. Participants living <100 m from a roadway had a 42% (95% confidence interval, 1.01-2.02) higher rate of ischemic stroke versus those living >400 m away. This association was more pronounced among noncurrent smokers (hazard ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.26) and not evident among smokers (hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-2.06). There was no clear pattern of association between proximity to major roadways and other cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction, all-cause death, or vascular death. In this urban multiethnic cohort, we found evidence supporting that within-city variation in residential proximity to major roadway is associated with higher risk of ischemic stroke. An individual's smoking history modified this association, with the association remaining only among participants not currently smokers. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

Suicidal ideation and attempts in patients with stroke: a population-based study.

PubMed

Chung, Jae Ho; Kim, Jung Bin; Kim, Ji Hyun

2016-10-01

Stroke is known to be associated with an increase in the risk for suicide. However, there are very few population-based studies investigating the risk of suicidal ideation and attempts in patients with stroke. The purpose of this study was to compare the risk of suicidal ideation and attempts between patients with stroke and population without stroke using nationwide survey data. Individual-level data were obtained from 228,735 participants (4560 with stroke and 224,175 without stroke) of the 2013 Korean Community Health Survey. Demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, physical health status, and mental health status were compared between patients with stroke and population without stroke. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to investigate the independent effects of the stroke on suicidal ideation and attempts. Stroke patients had more depressive mood (12.6 %) than population without stroke (5.7 %, p < 0.001). Stroke patients experienced more suicidal ideation (24.4 %) and attempts (1.3 %) than population without stroke (9.8 and 0.4 %, respectively; both p < 0.001). Stroke was found to increase the risk for suicidal ideation (OR 1.65, 95 % CI 1.52-1.79) and suicidal attempts (OR 1.64, 95 % CI 1.21-2.22), adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic factors, and physical health and mental health factors. We found that stroke increased the risk for suicidal ideation and attempts, independent of other factors that are known to be associated with suicidality, suggesting that stroke per se may be an independent risk factor for suicidality.

Obstructive sleep apnea and stroke: links to health disparities☆, ☆☆

PubMed Central

Ramos, Alberto R.; Seixas, Azizi; Dib, Salim I.

2018-01-01

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a novel cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk factor that presents unique opportunities to understand and reduce seemingly intractable stroke disparity among non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanic/Latinos. Individuals from these 2 groups have up to a 2-fold risk of stroke and greater burden of OSA. Obstructive sleep apnea directly and indirectly increases risk of stroke through a variety of autonomic, chemical, and inflammatory mechanisms and vascular risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. Untreated OSA exacerbates poststroke prognosis, as it may also influence rehabilitation efforts and functional outcomes such as cognitive function after a stroke. Conversely, treatment of OSA may reduce the risk of stroke and may yield better poststroke prognosis. Unfortunately, in racial/ethnic minority groups, there are limited awareness, knowledge, and screening opportunities for OSA. Increasing awareness and improving screening strategies for OSA in minorities may alleviate stroke risk burden and improve stroke outcomes in these populations. This review article is intended to highlight the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of OSA in relation to stroke risk, with an emphasis on race-ethnic disparities. PMID:29073399

A new paradigm for primary prevention strategy in people with elevated risk of stroke.

PubMed

Feigin, Valery L; Norrving, Bo

2014-07-01

Existing methods of primary stroke prevention are not sufficiently effective. Based on the recently developed Stroke Riskometer app, a new 'mass-elevated risk stroke/cardiovascular disease prevention' approach as an addition to the currently adopted absolute risk stroke/cardiovascular disease prevention approach is being advocated. We believe this approach is far more appealing to the individuals concerned and could be as efficient as the conventional population-based approach because it allows identification and engagement in prevention of all individuals who are at an increased (even slightly increased) risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. The key novelty of this approach is twofold. First, it utilizes modern far-reaching mobile technologies, allowing individuals to calculate their absolute risk of stroke within the next 5 to 10 years and to compare their risk with those of the same age and gender without risk factors. Second, it employs self-management strategies to engage the person concerned in stroke/cardiovascular disease prevention, which is tailored to the person's individual risk profile. Preventative strategies similar to the Stroke Riskometer could be developed for other non-communicable disorders for which reliable predictive models and preventative recommendations exist. This would help reduce the burden of non-communicable disorders worldwide. © 2014 The Authors. International Journal of Stroke published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of World Stroke Organization.

10-year stroke prevention after successful carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic stenosis (ACST-1): a multicentre randomised trial.

PubMed

Halliday, Alison; Harrison, Michael; Hayter, Elizabeth; Kong, Xiangling; Mansfield, Averil; Marro, Joanna; Pan, Hongchao; Peto, Richard; Potter, John; Rahimi, Kazem; Rau, Angela; Robertson, Steven; Streifler, Jonathan; Thomas, Dafydd

2010-09-25

If carotid artery narrowing remains asymptomatic (ie, has caused no recent stroke or other neurological symptoms), successful carotid endarterectomy (CEA) reduces stroke incidence for some years. We assessed the long-term effects of successful CEA. Between 1993 and 2003, 3120 asymptomatic patients from 126 centres in 30 countries were allocated equally, by blinded minimised randomisation, to immediate CEA (median delay 1 month, IQR 0·3-2·5) or to indefinite deferral of any carotid procedure, and were followed up until death or for a median among survivors of 9 years (IQR 6-11). The primary outcomes were perioperative mortality and morbidity (death or stroke within 30 days) and non-perioperative stroke. Kaplan-Meier percentages and logrank p values are from intention-to-treat analyses. This study is registered, number ISRCTN26156392. 1560 patients were allocated immediate CEA versus 1560 allocated deferral of any carotid procedure. The proportions operated on while still asymptomatic were 89·7% versus 4·8% at 1 year (and 92·1%vs 16·5% at 5 years). Perioperative risk of stroke or death within 30 days was 3·0% (95% CI 2·4-3·9; 26 non-disabling strokes plus 34 disabling or fatal perioperative events in 1979 CEAs). Excluding perioperative events and non-stroke mortality, stroke risks (immediate vs deferred CEA) were 4·1% versus 10·0% at 5 years (gain 5·9%, 95% CI 4·0-7·8) and 10·8% versus 16·9% at 10 years (gain 6·1%, 2·7-9·4); ratio of stroke incidence rates 0·54, 95% CI 0·43-0·68, p<0·0001. 62 versus 104 had a disabling or fatal stroke, and 37 versus 84 others had a non-disabling stroke. Combining perioperative events and strokes, net risks were 6·9% versus 10·9% at 5 years (gain 4·1%, 2·0-6·2) and 13·4% versus 17·9% at 10 years (gain 4·6%, 1·2-7·9). Medication was similar in both groups; throughout the study, most were on antithrombotic and antihypertensive therapy. Net benefits were significant both for those on lipid-lowering therapy and for those not, and both for men and for women up to 75 years of age at entry (although not for older patients). Successful CEA for asymptomatic patients younger than 75 years of age reduces 10-year stroke risks. Half this reduction is in disabling or fatal strokes. Net benefit in future patients will depend on their risks from unoperated carotid lesions (which will be reduced by medication), on future surgical risks (which might differ from those in trials), and on whether life expectancy exceeds 10 years. UK Medical Research Council, BUPA Foundation, Stroke Association. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Irregularity and lack of p waves in short tachycardia episodes predict atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Johnson, Linda S B; Persson, Anders P; Wollmer, Per; Juul-Möller, Steen; Juhlin, Tord; Engström, Gunnar

2018-02-13

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is defined as an irregular supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) without p waves, with duration >30 seconds. Whether AF characteristics during short SVT episodes predict AF and stroke is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine whether irregularity and lack of p waves, alone or in combination, during short SVT episodes increase the risk of incident AF and ischemic stroke. The population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer study includes 24-hour ECG screening of 377 AF-free individuals (mean age 64.5 years; 43% men) who were prospectively followed for >13 years. There were 65 AF events and 25 ischemic stroke events during follow-up. Subjects with an SVT episode ≥5 beats were identified, and the longest SVT episode was assessed for irregularity and lack of p waves. The association between SVT classification and AF and stroke was assessed using multivariable adjusted Cox regression. The incidence of AF increased with increasing abnormality of the SVTs. The risk-factor adjusted hazard ratio for AF was 4.95 (95% confidence interval 2.06-11.9; P <.0001) for those with short irregular SVTs (<70 beats) without p waves. The incidence of ischemic stroke was highest in the group with regular SVT episodes without p waves (hazard ratio 14.2; 95% confidence interval 3.76-57.6; P <.0001, adjusted for age and sex). Characteristics of short SVT episodes detected at 24-hour ECG screening are associated with incident AF and ischemic stroke. Short irregular SVTs without p waves likely represent early stages of AF or atrial myopathy. Twenty-four-hour ECG could identify subjects suitable for primary prevention efforts. Copyright © 2018 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Racial differences in thoracic aorta atherosclerosis among ischemic stroke patients.

PubMed

Gupta, Vishal; Nanda, Navin C; Yesilbursa, Dilek; Huang, Wen Ying; Gupta, Vijaya; Li, Qing; Gomez, Camilo R

2003-02-01

Atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta is an independent risk factor for stroke. There is little information on the impact of race in the prevalence of thoracic aorta atherosclerotic plaques among ischemic stroke patients. This study was an attempt to objectively assess the prevalence, thickness, and burden of thoracic aorta atherosclerotic plaques in a large population of ischemic stroke patients and to compare the differences between American blacks and whites. This is a retrospective study of clinical data and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) of 1553 ischemic stroke patients (664 blacks, 889 whites) over a period of 4.5 years. Atherosclerotic plaque prevalence, thickness, morphology, and burden (sum of maximum thickness in ascending aorta [AA], aortic arch [AO], and descending aorta [DA]) were assessed with TEE. Charts were reviewed for clinical information. Age and sex were similar among blacks and whites. Analyses of clinical data found that blacks had significantly higher hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 2.61; P<0.0001) and diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.99; P<0.0001) and significantly lower coronary artery disease (OR, 0.75; P=0.017) and carotid artery disease (OR, 0.62; P=0.0008) compared with whites. TEE showed that whites had significantly greater plaque prevalence (AA: OR, 1.37; P=0.04; AO: OR, 1.26; P=0.03; DA: OR, 1.39; P=0.002) and plaque burden (blacks, 4.28 mm; whites, 4.97 mm; P=0.007). Whites also had a trend of increased complex plaques and plaques >4 mm thick in all regions of the thoracic aorta. Among ischemic stroke patients, blacks had a lower prevalence of extra cranial atherosclerotic disease even though they had significantly higher hypertension and diabetes mellitus compared with whites. This difference cannot be explained by the existing risk factors in ischemic stroke patients.

Ischemic stroke in patients with cancer: is it different from usual strokes?

PubMed

Lee, Eun-Jae; Nah, Hyun-Wook; Kwon, Joo-Young; Kang, Dong-Wha; Kwon, Sun U; Kim, Jong S

2014-06-01

It remains unclear whether the characteristics of ischemic stroke in patients with cancer (ISC) differ from usual ischemic strokes (non-ISC). Although a small number of studies have been conducted to characterize ISC, the status of cancer has rarely been considered seriously. We aimed to investigate the features of ISC according to the status of cancer, and compare their characteristics with those of non-ISC. We assessed and classified 204 ISC patients into two groups: 104 with active (ISC-active) and 100 with inactive (ISC-inactive) cancer. For each ISC patient, two age- and gender-matched ischemic stroke patients without history of cancer were selected as non-ISC control subjects. We compared the clinical/laboratory data, stroke mechanisms, and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) lesion patterns between ISC-active and non-ISC patients, and between ISC-inactive and non-ISC patients. ISC-active patients demonstrated higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer, more frequent cryptogenic stroke and patterns of multiple DWI lesions (in bilateral anterior or in anterior and posterior circulations), and less prevalent conventional risk factors than non-ISC patients, while ISC-inactive patients revealed no such marked differences. Among ISC-active patients, both elevated CRP and D-dimer levels were associated with cryptogenic mechanism and multiple lesion patterns. Furthermore, ISC-active patients with cryptogenic strokes tended to have multiple lesion patterns and metastasis. ISC-active, but not ISC-inactive, is distinct in terms of risk factors, stroke mechanisms, and lesion patterns. Chronic inflammation and an activated coagulation system may contribute to the pathogenic mechanism of strokes, the extent of each depending on the activity and severity of cancer. © 2013 The Authors. International Journal of Stroke © 2013 World Stroke Organization.

De novo Diagnosis of Fabry Disease among Italian Adults with Acute Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack.

PubMed

Romani, Ilaria; Borsini, Walter; Nencini, Patrizia; Morrone, Amelia; Ferri, Lorenzo; Frusconi, Sabrina; Donadio, Vincenzo Angelo; Liguori, Rocco; Donati, Maria Alice; Falconi, Serena; Pracucci, Giovanni; Inzitari, Domenico

2015-11-01

Cerebrovascular complications are often the first cause of hospitalization in patients with Fabry disease (FD). Screenings for FD among stroke patients have yielded discrepant results, likely as a result of heterogeneous or incomplete assessment. We designed a study to identify FD among adults 60 years of age or younger who were consecutively admitted for acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) to a stroke neurology service in Italy. Patients with first-ever or recurrent events were included, irrespective of gender, risk factors, or stroke type. We screened male patients using α-galactosidase A enzyme assay, and female patients using DNA sequencing. FD was eventually established after a broad multidisciplinary discussion. We screened 108 patients (61% males, median age: 48 years); 84% of these patients had stroke. De novo FD diagnosis was established in 3 patients (2.8%; 95% confidence interval, .57-8.18): a 59-year-old man with recurrent lacunar-like strokes and multiple risk factors; a 42-year-old woman with recurrent cryptogenic minor strokes; and a 32-year-old woman with recurrent strokes previously attributed to Behçet's disease. Screened patients were systematically asked for typical FD symptoms; each of the de novo patients reported one or more of the following: episodes of hand/foot pain during fever, angiokeratoma, and family history of heart disease. In all of the patients events were recurrent, and lacunar-like infarcts characterized their brain imaging. Prevalence of FD among nonselected adults 60 years of age or younger with acute ischemic stroke or TIA is not negligible. A systematic search for FD in a stroke setting, using a comprehensive clinical, biochemical, and genetic screening protocol, may be worthwhile. Copyright © 2015 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optimal combination treatment and vascular outcomes in recent ischemic stroke patients by premorbid risk level.

PubMed

Park, Jong-Ho; Ovbiagele, Bruce

2015-08-15

Optimal combination of secondary stroke prevention treatment including antihypertensives, antithrombotic agents, and lipid modifiers is associated with reduced recurrent vascular risk including stroke. It is unclear whether optimal combination treatment has a differential impact on stroke patients based on level of vascular risk. We analyzed a clinical trial dataset comprising 3680 recent non-cardioembolic stroke patients aged ≥35 years and followed for 2 years. Patients were categorized by appropriateness levels 0 to III depending on the number of the drugs prescribed divided by the number of drugs potentially indicated for each patient (0=none of the indicated medications prescribed and III=all indicated medications prescribed [optimal combination treatment]). High-risk was defined as having a history of stroke or coronary heart disease (CHD) prior to the index stroke event. Independent associations of medication appropriateness level with a major vascular event (stroke, CHD, or vascular death), ischemic stroke, and all-cause death were analyzed. Compared with level 0, for major vascular events, the HR of level III in the low-risk group was 0.51 (95% CI: 0.20-1.28) and 0.32 (0.14-0.70) in the high-risk group; for stroke, the HR of level III in the low-risk group was 0.54 (0.16-1.77) and 0.25 (0.08-0.85) in the high-risk group; and for all-cause death, the HR of level III in the low-risk group was 0.66 (0.09-5.00) and 0.22 (0.06-0.78) in the high-risk group. Optimal combination treatment is related to a significantly lower risk of future vascular events and death among high-risk patients after a recent non-cardioembolic stroke. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Barriers and facilitators to staying in work after stroke: insight from an online forum

PubMed Central

Balasooriya-Smeekens, Chantal; Bateman, Andrew; Mant, Jonathan; De Simoni, Anna

2016-01-01

Objective To explore barriers and facilitators to staying in work following stroke. Design Qualitative analysis of posts regarding staying in work following stroke using the archives of an online forum for stroke survivors. Participants 60 stroke survivors (29 male, 23 female, 8 not stated; mean age at stroke 44 years) who have returned to work, identified using terms ‘return to work’ and ‘back at work’. Setting Posts from UK stroke survivors and family members on Talkstroke, the forum of the Stroke Association, between 2004 and 2011. Results Stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) survivors reported residual impairments that for many had impact on work. Most impairments were ‘invisible’, including fatigue, problems with concentration, memory and personality changes. Participants described positive (eg, back at work being better than expected) and negative work experiences, including being at risk of losing the job because of stroke-related impairments. Barriers to successfully staying in work included lack of understanding of stroke—in particular invisible impairments—of survivors, employers and general practitioners (GPs), and lack of support in terms of formal adjustments, and ‘feeling supported’. Stroke survivors described how they developed their own coping strategies, and how workplace and employer helped them to stay in work. Conclusions Despite having been able to return to work after a stroke, people may still experience difficulties in staying in work and risking losing their job. There is a need to improve awareness, in particular of invisible stroke-related impairments, among stroke survivors, work personnel and clinicians. This might be achieved through improved assessments of residual impairments in the workplace and in general practice. Future studies should investigate the effect of unrecognised fatigue and invisible impairments on staying in work following stroke, and explore the potential role for primary care in supporting stroke survivors who have returned to employment. PMID:27053267

Summary of evidence-based guideline update: Prevention of stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

PubMed Central

Culebras, Antonio; Messé, Steven R.; Chaturvedi, Seemant; Kase, Carlos S.; Gronseth, Gary

2014-01-01

Objective: To update the 1998 American Academy of Neurology practice parameter on stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). How often do various technologies identify previously undetected NVAF? Which therapies reduce ischemic stroke risk with the least risk of hemorrhage, including intracranial hemorrhage? The complete guideline on which this summary is based is available as an online data supplement to this article. Methods: Systematic literature review; modified Delphi process recommendation formulation. Major conclusions: In patients with recent cryptogenic stroke, cardiac rhythm monitoring probably detects occult NVAF. In patients with NVAF, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban are probably at least as effective as warfarin in preventing stroke and have a lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Triflusal plus acenocoumarol is likely more effective than acenocoumarol alone in reducing stroke risk. Clopidogrel plus aspirin is probably less effective than warfarin in preventing stroke and has a lower risk of intracranial bleeding. Clopidogrel plus aspirin as compared with aspirin alone probably reduces stroke risk but increases the risk of major hemorrhage. Apixaban is likely more effective than aspirin for decreasing stroke risk and has a bleeding risk similar to that of aspirin. Major recommendations: Clinicians might obtain outpatient cardiac rhythm studies in patients with cryptogenic stroke to identify patients with occult NVAF (Level C) and should routinely offer anticoagulation to patients with NVAF and a history of TIA/stroke (Level B). Specific patient considerations will inform anticoagulant selection in patients with NVAF judged to need anticoagulation. PMID:24566225

Home blood pressure predicts stroke incidence among older adults with impaired physical function: the Ohasama study.

PubMed

Murakami, Keiko; Asayama, Kei; Satoh, Michihiro; Hosaka, Miki; Matsuda, Ayako; Inoue, Ryusuke; Tsubota-Utsugi, Megumi; Murakami, Takahisa; Nomura, Kyoko; Kikuya, Masahiro; Metoki, Hirohito; Imai, Yutaka; Ohkubo, Takayoshi

2017-12-01

Several observational studies have found modifying effects of functional status on the association between conventional office blood pressure (BP) and adverse outcomes. We aimed to examine whether the association between higher BP and stroke was attenuated or inverted among older adults with impaired function using self-measured home BP measurements. We followed 501 Japanese community-dwelling adults aged at least 60 years (mean age, 68.6 years) with no history of stroke. Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for 1-SD increase in home BP and office BP measurements were calculated by the Cox proportional hazards model. Functional status was assessed by self-reported physical function. During a median follow-up of 11.5 years, first strokes were observed in 47 participants. Higher home SBP, but not office SBP, was significantly associated with increased risk of stroke among both 349 participants with normal physical function and 152 participants with impaired physical function [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) per 14.4-mmHg increase: 1.74 (1.12-2.69) and 1.77 (1.06-2.94), respectively], with no significant interaction for physical function (P = 0.56). Higher home DBP, but not office DBP, was also significantly associated with increased risk of stroke (P ≤ 0.029) irrespective of physical function (all P > 0.05 for interaction). Neither home BP nor office BP was significantly associated with all-cause mortality irrespective of physical function. Higher home BP was associated with increased risk of stroke even among those with impaired physical function. Measurements of home BP would be useful for stroke prevention, even after physical function decline.

Regional Differences in Diabetes as a Possible Contributor to the Geographic Disparity in Stroke Mortality

PubMed Central

Voeks, Jenifer H.; McClure, Leslie A.; Go, Rodney C.; Prineas, Ronald J.; Cushman, Mary; Kissela, Brett M.; Roseman, Jeffrey M.

2013-01-01

Background and Purpose Diabetes and hypertension impart approximately the same increased relative risk for stroke, although hypertension has a larger population-attributable risk because of its higher population prevalence. With a growing epidemic of obesity and associated increasing prevalence of diabetes that disproportionately impacts the southeastern Stroke Belt states, any potential contribution of diabetes to the geographic disparity in stroke mortality will only increase. Methods Racial and geographic differences in diabetes prevalence and diabetes awareness, treatment, and control were assessed in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke study, a national population-based cohort of black and white participants older than 45 years of age. At the time of this report, 21 959 had been enrolled. Results The odds of diabetes were significantly increased in both white and black residents of the stroke buckle (OR, 1.26; [1.10, 1.44]; OR, 1.45 [1.26, 1.66], respectively) and Stroke Belt (OR, 1.22; [1.09, 1.36]; OR, 1.13 [1.02, 1.26]) compared to the rest of the United States. In the buckle, regional differences were not fully mediated and remained significant when controlling for socioeconomic status and risk factors. Addition of hypertension to the models did not reduce the magnitude of the associations. There were no significant differences by region with regard to awareness, treatment, or control for either race. Conclusions These analyses support a possible role of regional variation in the prevalence of diabetes as, in part, an explanation for the regional variation in stroke mortality but fail to support the potential for a contribution of regional differences in diabetes management. PMID:18388336

Remote pre-procedural ischemic stroke as the greatest risk in carotid‑stenting‑associated stroke and death: a single center's experience.

PubMed

Rašiová, Mária; Špak, Ľubomír; Farkašová, Ľudmila; Pataky, Štefan; Koščo, Martin; Hudák, Marek; Moščovič, Matej; Leško, Norbert

2017-08-01

The goal of carotid artery stenting (CAS) is to decrease the stroke risk in patients with carotid stenosis. This procedure carries an immediate risk of stroke and death and many patients do not benefit from it, especially asymptomatic patients. It is crucial to accurately select the patients who would benefit from carotid procedure, and to rule out those for whom the procedure might be hazardous. Remote ischemic stroke is a known risk factor for stroke recurrence during surgery. The aim of our study was to determine the periprocedural complication risk (within 30 days after CAS) associated with carotid stenting (stroke, death) in patients with and without remote pre-procedural ischemic stroke, to analyze periprocedural risk in other specific patient subgroups treated with CAS, and to determine the impact of observed variables on all-cause mortality during long-term follow-up. We conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from all patients treated with protected CAS between June 20, 2008 and December 31, 2015. Patient age, gender, type of carotid stenosis (symptomatic versus asymptomatic), side of stenosis (right or left carotid artery), type of cerebral protection (proximal versus distal), presence of comorbidities (remote ischemic pre-procedural ischemic stroke, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, peripheral artery disease), previous ipsilateral carotid endarterectomy (CEA), contralateral carotid occlusion (CCO) and previous contralateral CAS/CEA were analyzed to identify higher CAS risk and to determine the impact of these variables on all-cause mortality during follow-up. Survival data were obtained from the Health Care Surveillance Authority registry. Mean follow-up was 1054 days (interquartile range 547.3; 1454.8). Remote pre-procedural ischemic stroke was defined as any-territory ischemic stroke >6 months prior to CAS. Primary periprocedural endpoint incidence (stroke/death) in 502 patients was 3.8% (N.=19) of all patients, 5.4% (N.=10) of symptomatic patients and 2.8% (N.=9) of asymptomatic patients. The risk of periprocedural stroke/death was 3.4 times higher in patients with (N.=198) compared to patients without remote ischemic stroke (N.=304) (6.6% versus 2.0% of patients without remote ischemic stroke; P=0.008). Periprocedural stroke/death in symptomatic patients (N.=186) was non-significantly higher in patients with remote ischemic stroke (N.=76) compared with patients without remote ischemic stroke (N.=110) (7.9% versus 3.6%; P=0.206). Asymptomatic patients with remote ischemic stroke (N.=122) had a 5.6-time-higher periprocedural risk of stroke/death compared with asymptomatic patients without remote ischemic stroke (N.=194) (5.7% versus 1.0%; P=0.014). Patients ≥75 years (N.=83) had a 3.0-time-higher periprocedural risk of stroke/death compared with younger patients (N.=419) (8.4% versus 2.9%; P=0.015); a non-significant increase of periprocedural stroke/death was found in both symptomatic (N.=35) and asymptomatic (N.=48) elderly patients (11.4% versus 4.0%, P=0.078; and 6.3% versus 2.4%, P=0.124, respectively). Increased periprocedural risk of stroke/death was not documented in other analyzed patient subgroups. During long-term follow-up, a 1.5-time-higher mortality risk was found in patients with remote ischemic stroke compared with patients without remote ischemic stroke in multivariable analysis; other patient subgroups (except older versus younger patients) did not differ in long-term mortality following carotid stenting. In our experience, all patients with remote pre-procedural any-territory ischemic stroke belong to risky subgroup for periprocedural stroke death after CAS. All asymptomatic patients with remote ischemic stroke should not be treated with CAS. Remote ischemic stroke increases all-cause mortality in long-term follow-up after carotid stenting. Patients aged ≥75 years also have increased risk of periprocedural stroke and death after CAS. These factors should help us to be more selective when planning carotid procedures.

Cognitive assessments for the early diagnosis of dementia after stroke

PubMed Central

Al-Qazzaz, Noor Kamal; Ali, Sawal Hamid; Ahmad, Siti Anom; Islam, Shabiul

2014-01-01

The early detection of poststroke dementia (PSD) is important for medical practitioners to customize patient treatment programs based on cognitive consequences and disease severity progression. The aim is to diagnose and detect brain degenerative disorders as early as possible to help stroke survivors obtain early treatment benefits before significant mental impairment occurs. Neuropsychological assessments are widely used to assess cognitive decline following a stroke diagnosis. This study reviews the function of the available neuropsychological assessments in the early detection of PSD, particularly vascular dementia (VaD). The review starts from cognitive impairment and dementia prevalence, followed by PSD types and the cognitive spectrum. Finally, the most usable neuropsychological assessments to detect VaD were identified. This study was performed through a PubMed and ScienceDirect database search spanning the last 10 years with the following keywords: “post-stroke”; “dementia”; “neuro-psychological”; and “assessments”. This study focuses on assessing VaD patients on the basis of their stroke risk factors and cognitive function within the first 3 months after stroke onset. The search strategy yielded 535 articles. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, only five articles were considered. A manual search was performed and yielded 14 articles. Twelve articles were included in the study design and seven articles were associated with early dementia detection. This review may provide a means to identify the role of neuropsychological assessments as early PSD detection tests. PMID:25246795

[The prevalence and status of pre-hospital treatments of risk factors among patients with stroke in China].

PubMed

Tang, Meilian; Sun, Jiayi; Wang, Wei; Liu, Jing; Chao, Baohua; Liu, Jun; Cao, Lei; Qi, Yue; Wang, Ying; Zhao, Dong

2015-12-01

To analyze the distribution and treatment of risk factors in hospitalized stroke patients before stroke onset. This was a multi-center cross-sectional study. Patients with acute stroke were collected from 41 hospitals in 25 provinces in China from January to May in 2011. A total of 20 570 stoke patients (13 062 men, 7 508 women) aged (63.0 ± 12.9) years were enrolled and analyzed in this study. Among them, 15 329 were first-onset stroke, and 17 052 were ischemic stroke. (1) Of all the subjects, 75.5% were with hypertension, 53.5% with elevated LDL-C, 37.3% with diabetes, and 6.5% with atrial fibrillation. 75.2% of them had two or more above risk factors and 43.0% had three or more risk factors. (2) According to the current definition, 53.3% of the first-onset stroke patients were classified as at high risk and 25.9% were classified as at low risk. Noticeably, 42.1% of the patients below 65 years old were at low risk by the same definition. (3) The awareness rate of hypertension was 70.3% in the first-onset stroke patients. However, only 20.1% of the patients reached the target of blood pressure control in the treatment. Although the awareness rate of hypertension and diabetes among recurrent stroke patients were relatively high, the treatment and control rates of these risk factors were still low. Compared with the other two risk factors, the awareness, treatment and control rates of elevated LDL-C were much lower. Majority of the stroke patients are complicated with multiple risk factors before stroke onset, suggesting a great needs for improving the primary and secondary prevention of stroke in China. In addition, the definition for risk classification of stroke may need to be modified for subjects under 65 years old.

Clopidogrel with aspirin in acute minor stroke or transient ischemic attack.

PubMed

Wang, Yongjun; Wang, Yilong; Zhao, Xingquan; Liu, Liping; Wang, David; Wang, Chunxue; Wang, Chen; Li, Hao; Meng, Xia; Cui, Liying; Jia, Jianping; Dong, Qiang; Xu, Anding; Zeng, Jinsheng; Li, Yansheng; Wang, Zhimin; Xia, Haiqin; Johnston, S Claiborne

2013-07-04

Stroke is common during the first few weeks after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor ischemic stroke. Combination therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin may provide greater protection against subsequent stroke than aspirin alone. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at 114 centers in China, we randomly assigned 5170 patients within 24 hours after the onset of minor ischemic stroke or high-risk TIA to combination therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin (clopidogrel at an initial dose of 300 mg, followed by 75 mg per day for 90 days, plus aspirin at a dose of 75 mg per day for the first 21 days) or to placebo plus aspirin (75 mg per day for 90 days). All participants received open-label aspirin at a clinician-determined dose of 75 to 300 mg on day 1. The primary outcome was stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) during 90 days of follow-up in an intention-to-treat analysis. Treatment differences were assessed with the use of a Cox proportional-hazards model, with study center as a random effect. Stroke occurred in 8.2% of patients in the clopidogrel-aspirin group, as compared with 11.7% of those in the aspirin group (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.57 to 0.81; P<0.001). Moderate or severe hemorrhage occurred in seven patients (0.3%) in the clopidogrel-aspirin group and in eight (0.3%) in the aspirin group (P=0.73); the rate of hemorrhagic stroke was 0.3% in each group. Among patients with TIA or minor stroke who can be treated within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms, the combination of clopidogrel and aspirin is superior to aspirin alone for reducing the risk of stroke in the first 90 days and does not increase the risk of hemorrhage. (Funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China; CHANCE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00979589.).

Acupuncture treatment for ischaemic stroke in young adults: protocol for a randomised, sham-controlled clinical trial

PubMed Central

Chen, Lifang; Fang, Jianqiao; Jin, Xiaoming; Keeler, Crystal Lynn; Gao, Hong; Fang, Zhen; Chen, Qin

2016-01-01

Introduction Stroke in young adults is not uncommon. Although the overall incidence of stroke has been recently declining, the incidence of stroke in young adults is increasing. Traditional vascular risk factors are the main cause of young ischaemic stroke. Acupuncture has been shown to benefit stroke rehabilitation and ameliorate the risk factors for stroke. The aims of this study were to determine whether acupuncture treatment will be effective in improving the activities of daily living (ADL), motor function and quality of life (QOL) in patients of young ischaemic stroke, and in preventing stroke recurrence by controlling blood pressure, lipids and body weight. Methods and analysis In this randomised, sham-controlled, participant-blinded and assessor-blinded clinical trial, 120 patients between 18 and 45 years of age with a recent (within 1 month) ischaemic stroke will be randomised for an 8-week acupuncture or sham acupuncture treatment. The primary outcome will be the Barthel Index for ADL. The secondary outcomes will include the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for motor function; the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) for QOL; and risk factors that are measured by ambulatory blood pressure, the fasting serum lipid, body mass index and waist circumference. Incidence of adverse events and long-term mortality and recurrence rate during a 10-year and 30-year follow-up will also be investigated. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Protocol V.3 was approved in June 2013. The results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international congresses. The results will also be disseminated to patients by telephone during follow-up calls enquiring on the patient's post-study health status. Trial registration number ChiCTR-TRC- 13003317; Pre-results. PMID:26739742

Short-term exposures to ambient air pollution and risk of recurrent ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Wing, Jeffrey J; Adar, Sara D; Sánchez, Brisa N; Morgenstern, Lewis B; Smith, Melinda A; Lisabeth, Lynda D

2017-01-01

To investigate the association between short-term changes in ambient pollution (particulate matter <2.5µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM 2.5 ) and ozone (O 3 )) and the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke among individuals living in a bi-ethnic community. We identified recurrent ischemic stroke cases from the population-based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project between 2000 and 2012. Associations between PM 2.5 (mean 24-h) and O 3 (maximal 8-h) levels, measured on the previous day, and odds of ischemic stroke were assessed using a time-stratified case-crossover design and modeled using conditional logistic regression. There were 317 recurrent ischemic strokes after excluding 41 strokes that occurred on days with missing air pollution data. Mean age was 72 years (SD=12) and median time to stroke recurrence was 1.1 years (IQR: 0.2-2.8 years). Median levels of PM 2.5 and O 3 over the study period were 7.7μg/m 3 (IQR: 5.6-10.7μg/m 3 ) and 35.2 ppb (IQR: 25.0-46.1 ppb), respectively. We observed no associations between previous-day PM 2.5 and O 3 and odds of recurrent stroke (OR=0.95 per 10µg/m 3 of PM 2.5 , 95% CI: 0.71-1.28 and OR=0.97 per 10ppb of O 3 , 95% CI: 0.87-1.07) after adjusting for ambient temperature and relative humidity. Co-adjustment of both pollutants did not change the results. We found no evidence of associations between previous-day air pollution levels and recurrent ischemic stroke. Research on the influence of air pollutants on risk of stroke recurrence is still in its infancy, and more research is necessary in studies that are adequately powered to understand the relation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Finite element probabilistic risk assessment of transmission line insulation flashovers caused by lightning strokes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bacvarov, D.C.

1981-01-01

A new method for probabilistic risk assessment of transmission line insulation flashovers caused by lightning strokes is presented. The utilized approach of applying the finite element method for probabilistic risk assessment is demonstrated to be very powerful. The reasons for this are two. First, the finite element method is inherently suitable for analysis of three dimensional spaces where the parameters, such as three variate probability densities of the lightning currents, are non-uniformly distributed. Second, the finite element method permits non-uniform discretization of the three dimensional probability spaces thus yielding high accuracy in critical regions, such as the area of themore » low probability events, while at the same time maintaining coarse discretization in the non-critical areas to keep the number of grid points and the size of the problem to a manageable low level. The finite element probabilistic risk assessment method presented here is based on a new multidimensional search algorithm. It utilizes an efficient iterative technique for finite element interpolation of the transmission line insulation flashover criteria computed with an electro-magnetic transients program. Compared to other available methods the new finite element probabilistic risk assessment method is significantly more accurate and approximately two orders of magnitude computationally more efficient. The method is especially suited for accurate assessment of rare, very low probability events.« less

Smoking cessation and outcome after ischemic stroke or TIA.

PubMed

Epstein, Katherine A; Viscoli, Catherine M; Spence, J David; Young, Lawrence H; Inzucchi, Silvio E; Gorman, Mark; Gerstenhaber, Brett; Guarino, Peter D; Dixit, Anand; Furie, Karen L; Kernan, Walter N

2017-10-17

To assess whether smoking cessation after an ischemic stroke or TIA improves outcomes compared to continued smoking. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of 3,876 nondiabetic men and women enrolled in the Insulin Resistance Intervention After Stroke (IRIS) trial who were randomized to pioglitazone or placebo within 180 days of a qualifying stroke or TIA and followed up for a median of 4.8 years. A tobacco use history was obtained at baseline and updated during annual interviews. The primary outcome, which was not prespecified in the IRIS protocol, was recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), or death. Cox regression models were used to assess the differences in stroke, MI, and death after 4.8 years, with correction for adjustment variables prespecified in the IRIS trial: age, sex, stroke (vs TIA) as index event, history of stroke, history of hypertension, history of coronary artery disease, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures. At the time of their index event, 1,072 (28%) patients were current smokers. By the time of randomization, 450 (42%) patients had quit smoking. Among quitters, the 5-year risk of stroke, MI, or death was 15.7% compared to 22.6% for patients who continued to smoke (adjusted hazard ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.48-0.90). Cessation of cigarette smoking after an ischemic stroke or TIA was associated with significant health benefits over 4.8 years in the IRIS trial cohort. © 2017 American Academy of Neurology.

Increase in Ischemic Stroke Incident Hospitalizations Among Bedouin Arabs During Ramadan Month.

PubMed

Zimhony, Noa; Abu-Salameh, Ibrahim; Sagy, Iftach; Dizitzer, Yotam; Oxman, Liat; Yitshak-Sade, Maayan; Novack, Victor; Horev, Anat; Ifergane, Gal

2018-05-03

Previous studies have not shown any significant effect on stroke incidence during Ramadan. We aimed to investigate the association between ischemic stroke incident hospitalizations and Ramadan, accounting for seasonality and temperature. This retrospective cohort study included all patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke to Soroka University Medical Center from June 2012 to June 2016. We obtained daily mean temperatures and relative humidity rates from 2 monitoring stations in South Israel. We analyzed the association between stroke incidence and Ramadan month, adjusting for weekly temperature and seasonality using Poisson regression models. We compared the first versus the last Ramadan fortnight. We performed an effect specificity analysis by assessing stroke incidence in the non-Bedouin population. We identified 4727 cases of ischemic stroke, 564 cases of which were Bedouin Arabs. Fifty-one cases occurred during Ramadan. Ramadan was significantly associated with an increased risk for ischemic stroke (RR 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-2.09), mainly during the first fortnight (RR 1.73, 95% confidence interval, 1.13-2.66) when compared with non-Ramadan periods. Mean weekly temperatures and the summer season were not associated with stroke incidence among Bedouin Arabs (RR 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-1.18 and RR 0.77; confidence interval 0.56-1.06 accordingly). Such association was not observed in the non-Bedouin population. The Ramadan month, particularly in its first 2 weeks, is an independent and ethnicity specific risk factor for ischemic stroke hospitalizations among the Bedouin Arab fasting population. © 2018 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Factors Associated With Ischemic Stroke Survival and Recovery in Older Adults.

PubMed

Winovich, Divya Thekkethala; Longstreth, William T; Arnold, Alice M; Varadhan, Ravi; Zeki Al Hazzouri, Adina; Cushman, Mary; Newman, Anne B; Odden, Michelle C

2017-07-01

Little is known about factors that predispose older adults to poor recovery after a stroke. In this study, we sought to evaluate prestroke measures of frailty and related factors as markers of vulnerability to poor outcomes after ischemic stroke. In participants aged 65 to 99 years with incident ischemic strokes from the Cardiovascular Health Study, we evaluated the association of several risk factors (frailty, frailty components, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and cystatin C) assessed before stroke with stroke outcomes of survival, cognitive decline (≥5 points on Modified Mini-Mental State Examination), and activities of daily living decline (increase in limitations). Among 717 participants with incident ischemic stroke with survival data, slow walking speed, low grip strength, and cystatin C were independently associated with shorter survival. Among participants <80 years of age, frailty and interleukin-6 were also associated with shorter survival. Among 509 participants with recovery data, slow walking speed, and low grip strength were associated with both cognitive and activities of daily living decline poststroke. C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 were associated with poststroke cognitive decline among men only. Frailty status was associated with activities of daily living decline among women only. Markers of physical function-walking speed and grip strength-were consistently associated with survival and recovery after ischemic stroke. Inflammation, kidney function, and frailty also seemed to be determinants of survival and recovery after an ischemic stroke. These markers of vulnerability may identify targets for differing pre and poststroke medical management and rehabilitation among older adults at risk of poor stroke outcomes. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Association between recent sports activity, sports activity in young adulthood, and stroke.

PubMed

Grau, Armin J; Barth, Cordula; Geletneky, Beate; Ling, Paul; Palm, Frederik; Lichy, Christoph; Becher, Heiko; Buggle, Florian

2009-02-01

Leisure-time physical activity protects from stroke. It is insufficiently established whether early lifetime physical activity is independently protective and whether some etiologic stroke subgroups particularly benefit from physical activity. We tested the hypothesis that both recent and early-adulthood sports activities are associated with reduced odds of stroke and analyzed their effects in stroke subtypes. We performed a case-control study of 370 patients with acute stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and 370 age- and sex-matched control subjects randomly selected from the population and assessed recent and young adulthood sports activities and their weekly duration in standardized interviews. Recent regular sports activities were less often reported by patients (94/370, 25.4%) than by control subjects (162/370, 43.8%; P<0.0001). After adjustment for vascular risk factors, education, and other factors, recent participation in sports was significantly associated with reduced odds of stroke/TIA (odds ratio=0.64; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.96). Both groups did not differ with regard to sports activities in young adulthood. More control subjects (69/365, 18.9%) than patients (25/361, 6.9%) participated in sports recently after not having been active in young adulthood, and such a pattern was associated with reduced odds of stroke/TIA in multivariable analysis (odds ratio=0.37; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.85). Our study supports previous results that have shown stroke protection by physical activity. Results suggest that continuous lifetime activity or starting activities during later adulthood is required to reduce stroke risk.

Thrombolysis with Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator (rt-PA) Predicts Favorable Discharge Disposition in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

PubMed Central

Ifejika-Jones, Nneka L.; Harun, Nusrat; Mohammed-Rajput, Nareesa A.; Noser, Elizabeth A.; Grotta, James C.

2011-01-01

Background and Purpose Acute ischemic stroke patients receiving IV tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) within 3 hours of symptom onset are 30% more likely to have minimal disability at three months. During hospitalization, short-term disability is subjectively measured by discharge disposition, whether to home, Inpatient Rehabilitation (IR), Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) or Subacute Care (Sub). There are no studies assessing the role of rt-PA use as a predictor of post-stroke disposition. Methods Retrospective analysis of all ischemic stroke patients admitted to the University of Texas Houston Medical School (UTHMS) Stroke Service between Jan 2004 and Oct 2009. Baseline demographics and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score were collected. Cerebrovascular disease risk factors were used for risk stratification. Results Home vs. IR, SNF, Sub Of 2225 acute ischemic stroke patients, 1019 were discharged home, 1206 to another level of care. Patients who received rt-PA therapy were 1.9 times more likely to be discharged home (P = <0.0001; OR 1.945, 95% CI 1.538 to 2.459). IR vs. SNF, Sub / SNF vs. Sub Of 1206 acute ischemic stroke patients, 719 patients were discharged to acute IR, 371 were discharged to SNF, 116 to Sub. There were no differences in disposition between patients who received rt-PA therapy. Conclusions Stroke patients who receive IV rt-PA for acute ischemic stroke are more 1.9 times more likely to be discharged directly home after hospitalization. This study is limited by its retrospective nature and the undetermined role of psychosocial factors related to discharge. PMID:21293014

Revised Framingham Stroke Risk Profile to Reflect Temporal Trends.

PubMed

Dufouil, Carole; Beiser, Alexa; McLure, Leslie A; Wolf, Philip A; Tzourio, Christophe; Howard, Virginia J; Westwood, Andrew J; Himali, Jayandra J; Sullivan, Lisa; Aparicio, Hugo J; Kelly-Hayes, Margaret; Ritchie, Karen; Kase, Carlos S; Pikula, Aleksandra; Romero, Jose R; D'Agostino, Ralph B; Samieri, Cécilia; Vasan, Ramachandran S; Chêne, Genevieve; Howard, George; Seshadri, Sudha

2017-03-21

Age-adjusted stroke incidence has decreased over the past 50 years, likely as a result of changes in the prevalence and impact of various stroke risk factors. An updated version of the Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (FSRP) might better predict current risks in the FHS (Framingham Heart Study) and other cohorts. We compared the accuracy of the standard (old) and of a revised (new) version of the FSRP in predicting the risk of all-stroke and ischemic stroke and validated this new FSRP in 2 external cohorts, the 3C (3 Cities) and REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) studies. We computed the old FSRP as originally described and a new model that used the most recent epoch-specific risk factor prevalence and hazard ratios for individuals ≥55 years of age and for the subsample ≥65 years of age (to match the age range in REGARDS and 3C studies, respectively) and compared the efficacy of these models in predicting 5- and 10-year stroke risks. The new FSRP was a better predictor of current stroke risks in all 3 samples than the old FSRP (calibration χ 2 of new/old FSRP: in men: 64.0/12.1, 59.4/30.6, and 20.7/12.5; in women: 42.5/4.1, 115.4/90.3, and 9.8/6.5 in FHS, REGARDS, and 3C, respectively). In the REGARDS, the new FSRP was a better predictor among whites compared with blacks. A more contemporaneous, new FSRP better predicts current risks in 3 large community samples and could serve as the basis for examining geographic and racial differences in stroke risk and the incremental diagnostic utility of novel stroke risk factors. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Assessing the impact of health literacy on education retention of stroke patients.

PubMed

Sanders, Kalina; Schnepel, Loretta; Smotherman, Carmen; Livingood, William; Dodani, Sunita; Antonios, Nader; Lukens-Bull, Katryne; Balls-Berry, Joyce; Johnson, Yvonne; Miller, Terri; Hodges, Wayne; Falk, Diane; Wood, David; Silliman, Scott

2014-04-10

Inadequate health literacy is a pervasive problem with major implications for reduced health status and health disparities. Despite the role of focused education in both primary and secondary prevention of stroke, the effect of health literacy on stroke education retention has not been reported. We examined the relationship of health literacy to the retention of knowledge after recommended stroke education. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at an urban safety-net hospital. Study subjects were patients older than 18 admitted to the hospital stroke unit with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke who were able to provide informed consent to participate (N = 100). Health literacy levels were measured by using the short form of Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults. Patient education was provided to patients at an inpatient stroke unit by using standardized protocols, in compliance with Joint Commission specifications. The education outcomes for poststroke care education, knowledge retention, was assessed for each subject. The effect of health literacy on the Stroke Patient Education Retention scores was assessed by using univariate and multivariate analyses. Of the 100 participating patients, 59% had inadequate to marginal health literacy. Stroke patients who had marginal health literacy (mean score, 7.45; standard deviation [SD], 1.9) or adequate health literacy (mean score, 7.31; SD, 1.76) had statistically higher education outcome scores than those identified as having inadequate health literacy (mean score, 5.58; SD, 2.06). Results from multivariate analysis indicated that adequate health literacy was most predictive of education outcome retention. This study demonstrated a clear relationship between health literacy and stroke education outcomes. Studies are needed to better understand the relationship of health literacy to key educational outcomes for primary or secondary prevention of stroke and to refine stroke education for literacy levels of high-risk populations.

Lipoprotein(a) Levels and Recurrent Vascular Events After First Ischemic Stroke.

PubMed

Lange, Kristin S; Nave, Alexander H; Liman, Thomas G; Grittner, Ulrike; Endres, Matthias; Ebinger, Martin

2017-01-01

The association of elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels and the incidence of cardiovascular disease, especially coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke, is well established. However, evidence on the association between Lp(a) levels and residual vascular risk in stroke survivors is lacking. We aimed to elucidate the risk for recurrent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in the patients with first-ever ischemic stroke with elevated Lp(a). All patients with acute ischemic stroke who participated in the prospective Berlin C&S study (Cream & Sugar) between January 2009 and August 2014 with available 12-month follow-up data and stored blood samples were eligible for inclusion. Lp(a) levels were determined in serum samples using an isoform-insensitive nephelometry assay. We assessed the risk for the composite vascular end point of ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, nonelective coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular death with elevated Lp(a) defined as >30 mg/dL using Cox regression analyses. Of 465 C&S study participants, 250 patients were included into this substudy with a median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 2 (1-4). Twenty-six patients (10%) experienced a recurrent vascular event during follow-up. Among patients with normal Lp(a) levels, 11 of 157 subjects (7%) experienced an event at a median time of 161 days (interquartile range, 19-196 days), whereas in patients with elevated Lp(a) levels, 15 of 93 subjects (16%) experienced an event at a median time of 48 days (interquartile range, 9-194 days; P=0.026). The risk for a recurrent event was significantly higher in patients with elevated Lp(a) levels after adjustment for potential confounders (hazard ratio, 2.60; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-5.67; P=0.016). Elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with a higher risk for combined vascular event recurrence in patients with acute, first-ever ischemic stroke. This finding should be validated in larger, multicenter trials. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01378468. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Pioglitazone after Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack.

PubMed

Kernan, Walter N; Viscoli, Catherine M; Furie, Karen L; Young, Lawrence H; Inzucchi, Silvio E; Gorman, Mark; Guarino, Peter D; Lovejoy, Anne M; Peduzzi, Peter N; Conwit, Robin; Brass, Lawrence M; Schwartz, Gregory G; Adams, Harold P; Berger, Leo; Carolei, Antonio; Clark, Wayne; Coull, Bruce; Ford, Gary A; Kleindorfer, Dawn; O'Leary, John R; Parsons, Mark W; Ringleb, Peter; Sen, Souvik; Spence, J David; Tanne, David; Wang, David; Winder, Toni R

2016-04-07

Patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) are at increased risk for future cardiovascular events despite current preventive therapies. The identification of insulin resistance as a risk factor for stroke and myocardial infarction raised the possibility that pioglitazone, which improves insulin sensitivity, might benefit patients with cerebrovascular disease. In this multicenter, double-blind trial, we randomly assigned 3876 patients who had had a recent ischemic stroke or TIA to receive either pioglitazone (target dose, 45 mg daily) or placebo. Eligible patients did not have diabetes but were found to have insulin resistance on the basis of a score of more than 3.0 on the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. The primary outcome was fatal or nonfatal stroke or myocardial infarction. By 4.8 years, a primary outcome had occurred in 175 of 1939 patients (9.0%) in the pioglitazone group and in 228 of 1937 (11.8%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio in the pioglitazone group, 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62 to 0.93; P=0.007). Diabetes developed in 73 patients (3.8%) and 149 patients (7.7%), respectively (hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.69; P<0.001). There was no significant between-group difference in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.17; P=0.52). Pioglitazone was associated with a greater frequency of weight gain exceeding 4.5 kg than was placebo (52.2% vs. 33.7%, P<0.001), edema (35.6% vs. 24.9%, P<0.001), and bone fracture requiring surgery or hospitalization (5.1% vs. 3.2%, P=0.003). In this trial involving patients without diabetes who had insulin resistance along with a recent history of ischemic stroke or TIA, the risk of stroke or myocardial infarction was lower among patients who received pioglitazone than among those who received placebo. Pioglitazone was also associated with a lower risk of diabetes but with higher risks of weight gain, edema, and fracture. (Funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00091949.).