Risk factors for first-ever ischemic stroke: a hospital-based case-control study in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
BACKGROUND
Numerous population-based epidemiological studies have shown the prevalence and strength of vascular risk factors for stroke but little is known about risk factors of stroke in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to identify vascular risk factors in a group of first-ever ischemic stroke patients in Taiwan.


METHODS
The study consisted of 228 consecutively hospitalized cases of first-ever ischemic stroke and 228 healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects. Conditional logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factors.


RESULTS
Significant risk factors included hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.53-4.80), atrial fibrillation (OR 14.8, 95% CI = 2.32-94.73), ischemic heart disease (OR 4.4, 95% CI = 1.48-13.38), cigarette smoking (OR 2.3, 95% CI = 1.10-4.96), left ventricular hypertrophy (OR 2.7, 95% CI = 1.18-6.16), and other abnormal electrocardiographic findings (OR 2.1, 95% CI = 1.11-3.80).


CONCLUSIONS
Several vascular risk factors of first-ever ischemic stroke were identified. A population-based study involving more vascular risk factors is needed for generalization.
Tan
Teng-Yeow
TY
First Section, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung.
Tseng
Mei-Chiun
MC
Chang
Ku-Chou
KC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000209:etiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology*