Risk Factors for Stroke

Abstract

Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD) or Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident, CVA, or Apoplexy) has been one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is also the second most common cause of neurologic disability after Alzheimer's disease and remains the major reason of institutional placement for loss of independence among adults. The etiology and pathophysiology of CVD are complex and multifactorial. The aim of the present study is to investigate the interrelationship between some candidate risk factors and stroke incidences among different age groups. The results demonstrated and/or confirmed the associations between hypertension and stroke incidence. More significantly, the data suggested that body height, especially in females, was inversely associated with stroke incidence for individuals from age 40 to 60. High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) appeared to play a protective role in stroke. In addition, the study revealed a circumstantial association between uric acid and stroke incidence. New findings obtained regarding the risk factors for stroke incidence could facilitate the identification of individuals at increased risk of the disease. To comprehend the risk factor basis of stroke would have immediate clinical and public health benefits by guiding novel therapeutic approaches, aiding new drug discovery, and suggesting an appropriate life style for those at risk.