Frequency of known risk factors of stroke and its outcome in patients admitted in Sindh Government Qatar Hospital Karachi

Objective: To study the frequency of common modifiable risk factors of stroke in tow socioeconomic area. Methodology: This is a descriptive hospital based study conducted at Sindh Govt. Qatar Hospital, Orangi Town, Karachi from January 2006 to December 2006. All patients above the age of 20 years with features of stroke confirmed by CT scan brain were included. Various modifiable risk factors for stroke and functional outcome at the time of discharge were noted. Results: Out of ninety patients studied sixty seven (74.4%) had cerebral infarction and twenty three (25.5%) had cerebral hemorrhage. Hypertension was the most common modifiable risk factor in fifty four (60%) followed by smoking in forty (44.4%), Diabetes in twenty three (25.5%), Dyslipidemia in seventeen (18.8%), heart disease in 7.7% and alcoholism 3.3%. More than one risk factor was present in 61.1% of patients. Mortality from stroke was 20% and most of the patients at discharge were dependent on others for their daily activities. Conclusion: It is concluded that frequency of stroke is high in tow socioeconomic area of Karachi. This may be attributed to the presence of single or multiple modifiable risk factors. Educating masses and treating these risk factors aggressively can help in reducing morbidity and mortality of stroke patients.