title: [Incidence and lethality of ischaemic stroke among people 60 years or older in the region of Tarragona (Spain), 2008-2011].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Data available about the epidemiology of stroke is limited. This study investigated incidence and lethality of ischaemic stroke among the general population over 60 years in the region of Tarragona.
  
  
  METHODS
  Population-based cohort study that included 27,204 individuals >= 60 years assigned to nine Primary Care Centers in the Tarragones county (Catalonia, Spain), who were prospectively followed between December 1st, 2008 and November 30th, 2011. During follow-up, all episodes of ischaemic stroke were recruited among cohort members. Only confirmed ischaemic cases (confirmed by neuroimaging and validated alter checking hospital medical records) were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An amount of 343 confirmed cases of ischaemic stroke were observed, which means a global incidence rate of 453 episodes per 100,000 persons/year (95% confidence interval = 408-504). Incidence was higher among men than in women (531 vs 392 per 100,000; p < 0.001) and increases substantially with increasing age (195 vs 517 vs 1,006 per 100,000 in 60-69 years, 70-79 years and >= 80 years, respectively; p < 0.001). Incidence was eight times greater among persons with history of prior ictus as compared with those without history of ictus (2,962 vs 340 per 100,000; p < 0.001). Overall lethality rate was 13%, reaching 21% among patients >= 80 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Morbid-mortality by ischaemic ictus remains considerable among our population. Preventive measures and more efficacious therapies are imperative.
authors.forename: Ángel
authors.initials: Á
authors.lastname: Vila-Corcoles
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Satue-Gracia
authors.affiliation: Institut Catala de la Salut, Tarragona, Espana.
authors.forename: Olga
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ochoa-Gondar
authors.forename: Cinta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: de Diego-Cabanes
authors.forename: Ángel
authors.initials: Á
authors.lastname: Vila-Rovira
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Blade
authors.forename: Francesc
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bobé
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Casanova
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jariod
authors.forename: Rosaura
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Reig
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology