FREQUENCY OF MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS IN STROKE PATIENTS ADMITTED TO TEACHING HOSPITALS IN BANNU DISTRICT

Background: Stroke is one of the common causes of admission in medical and neurological wards in the hospitals. The aim of this study to assess the prevalence of modifiable risks factors in stroke patients admitted to the teaching hospitals in Bannu District. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 56 patients admitted with stroke to medical units of District Headquarter and Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospitals, Bannu, from January 2011 to December 2011. History and thorough clinical examination were performed on all patients to collect all relevant information. Necessary laboratory investigations were done. CT was performed to establish the diagnosis of stroke. All the findings were recorded on printed proformas. Patients with focal neurological deficit for more than 24 hours, presenting within 7 days of onset, irrespective of age and sex were included in the study. Those with tubercular meningitis, brain tumor, encephalitis, trauma or multiple sclerosis were excluded. Results: Out of 56 patients, 34(60.71%) were males and 22(39.30%) females, with male to female ratio of 1.5:1. Mean age was 57.5 years. Cerebral infarction was found in 37(66%), while hemorrhagic stroke in 19(34%) patients. The risk factors were hypertension in 36(64%), diabetes mellitus14(25%), hyperlipidemia10(18%), and cardiovascular diseases 10(18%). Conclusion: The major modifiable risk factors for stroke in our set-up are hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and hyperlipidemia.