[Risk factors for cerebral stroke].
BACKGROUND
Stroke is a heterogenic group of disorders. Cerebral infarction is the largest group (80-85%) and is followed by primary intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. This article gives a review of risk factors for cerebral stroke, with an emphasis on cerebral infarction.


METHODS
The article is based on literature identified through Medline, with emphasis on prospective, population-based studies.


CONCLUSIONS
Genetic studies of the Icelandic population have shown associations between single genes and common types of stroke, but it remains to be seen whether the results can be replicated in other populations. High blood pressure and cigarette smoking are the most important modifiable risk factors for stroke. Serum cholesterol is positively associated with cerebral infarction, but not with intracerebral hemorrhage. Diabetes, atrial fibrillation and carotid stenosis are important predictors of cerebral infarcts, especially in the elderly. Cohort studies and randomized trials have shown that hormone replacement therapy in women increases the risk of stroke, while modern oral contraceptives do not represent a risk factor for stroke in young women. There is a clear social gradient in stroke occurrence, with a higher incidence in lower social classes.
Mathiesen
Ellisiv Bøgeberg
EB
Institutt for klinisk medisin, Universitetet i Tromsø ,9037 Tromsø. ellisiv.mathiesen@ism.uit.no
Njølstad
Inger
I
Joakimsen
Oddmund
O
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics
D008055:Lipids