Risk factors for occurrence of acute stroke that required critical care unit admission in Egyptian population (RASEP study)

Introduction Stroke is a devastating and costly disease. That is the second leading cause of death worldwide and the first leading cause of long-term disability, making the prevention of stroke a global health priority. Stroke is preventable to a large extent due to modifiable risk factors. Although risk factors are well known, recent studies showed regional variations in the prevalence of risk factors. Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk factors for occurrence of acute stroke, either hemorrhagic or ischemic, that required admission at critical care units among Egyptian population at Alexandria Hospitals. Patients and methods In this retrospective observational study, 1202 participants were recruited from critical care units, comprising 535 (44.5%) cases of acute stroke, 282 (23.5%) cases of hemorrhagic stroke, and 385 controls of different diagnoses. Data from all the patients were collected retrospectively by revising the medical record and patients’ available medical data and then administered through a structured online questionnaire. Results Out of the studied cases, 817 cases of stroke were distributed: 60% of cases were males, 43% of cases were above 65 years old, 24% have family history of stroke, 83% were hypertensive, 60% were diabetic, 62% have ischemic heart disease, 51% have dyslipidemia, 60% were smokers, 35% have atrial fibrillation, 12% have renal disease, 18% have hepatic disease, 4% have vasculitis, 40% were obese, and 10% have psychiatric problems. Conclusion Hypertension is the most independent factor for occurrence of stroke followed by atrial fibrillation and then smoking among Egyptian population.