Incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction in women of reproductive age.
OBJECTIVE
Information on the incidence of vascular disease in women of reproductive age has been limited. These disease are rare in this age group, and a large population base is required for reliable estimation of incidence.


METHODS
For a case-control study of vascular disease and low-dose oral contraceptive use, we used emergency department logs and hospital admission and discharge records to ascertain fatal and nonfatal cases of first-ever stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) in women 15 to 44 years of age who were-members of a large California HMO. Incidence rates of stroke and MI were calculated on the basis of these data.


RESULTS
The incidence of MI not associated with pregnancy was 5.0 per 100,000 women-years. The incidence of stroke not associated with pregnancy was 10.7 per 100,000 women-years. MI was very rare until age 35 years. At every age, about half of hemorrhagic strokes were due to subarachnoid hemorrhage.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence rates of stroke and MI are low in women of reproductive age in the United States.
Petitti
D B
DB
Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, Southern California Region, USA.
Sidney
S
S
Quesenberry
C P
CP
Bernstein
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal