Predictors of death among long-term stroke survivors.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the risk factors for death among long-term stroke survivors compared with stroke-free subjects.


METHODS
In 1997 we investigated 221 stroke survivors (mean, 9.4 years after index stroke) and 243 stroke-free subjects; both groups were recruited from a population-based health study. During the subsequent 5 years, all deaths (51 and 21 in the stroke and stroke-free groups, respectively) were registered.


RESULTS
The age- and sex-adjusted total mortality rate for the 5-year follow-up was 21.0% in the stroke group and 7.9% in the stroke-free group (P<0.0001), depending on different rates of cardiovascular deaths (P<0.0001). Better physical and social functioning (P<0.0001) and moderate use of alcohol (P<or=0.004), the latter compared with no use, decreased risk of death, irrespective of stroke status. A myocardial infarction risk score had no impact on death in the stroke group, in contrast to the increased risk seen among the stroke-free group (P=0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
The long-term stroke survivors had significant excess risk of death compared with stroke-free subjects. Better physical and social functioning and moderate use of alcohol were associated with decreased risk, whereas a myocardial infarction risk score increased risk for death only in the stroke-free group.
Engstad
Torgeir
T
Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway. Torgeir.Engstad@ism.uit.no
Viitanen
Matti
M
Arnesen
Egil
E
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D012306:Risk; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D020521:Stroke / Q000401:mortality*; D015996:Survival Rate; D017741:Survivors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013995:Time