Multivariate Analysis of Risk Factors for Cerebral Infarction Based on Specific Health Checkups in Japan

Stroke is a progressive disease with remissions and exacerbations; it significantly reduces the quality of life of patients and their family and caregivers. Primary prevention is necessary to reduce the growing incidence of stroke globally. In this study, we determined the risk factors for cerebral infarction in elderly Japanese residents and proposed a primary care strategy to prevent cerebral infarction. We investigated the relationship between the incidence of cerebral infarction and the results of checkups 10 years ago. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the variables related to the occurrence of cerebral infarction in biochemical tests and questionnaires administered ten years ago. Hypertension and abnormal creatinine levels were related to increased risk of cerebral infarction based on our findings of the health checkups conducted 10 years previously. Furthermore, weight gain or loss of >3 kg over the last year and habit of eating an evening meal within 2 h before going to bed were associated with an increased risk of cerebral infarction based on the questionnaire results from the specific health checkups. Long-term, large-scale prospective studies are required to determine the specific health items related to increased risk of cerebral infarction.