Age dependency of ischaemic stroke subtypes and vascular risk factors in western Norway: the Bergen Norwegian Stroke Cooperation Study

Abstract

ObjectivesAge dependency of acute ischaemic stroke aetiology and vascular risk factors have not been adequately evaluated in stroke patients in Norway. Aims of this study were to evaluate how stroke subtypes and vascular risk factors vary with age in a western Norway stroke population.Materials and methodsPatients aged 15–100 years consecutively admitted to our neurovascular centre with acute ischaemic stroke between 2006 and 2012 were included. The study population was categorized as young (15–49 years), middle‐aged (50–74 years) or elderly (≥75 years). Stroke aetiology was defined by TOAST criteria. Risk factors and history of cardiovascular disease were recorded.ResultsIn total, 2484 patients with acute cerebral infarction were included: 1418 were males (57.3%). Mean age was 70.8 years (SD ± 14.9), 228 patients were young, 1126 middle‐aged, and 1130 were elderly. The proportion of large‐artery atherosclerosis and of small‐vessel occlusion was highest among middle‐aged patients. The proportion of cardioembolism was high at all ages, especially among the elderly. The proportion of stroke of other determined cause was highest among young patients. Some risk factors (diabetes mellitus, active smoking, angina pectoris, prior stroke and peripheral artery disease) decreased among the elderly. The proportions of several potential causes increased with age.ConclusionThe proportion of stroke subtypes and vascular risk factors are age dependent. Age 50–74 years constitutes the period in life where cardiovascular risk factors become manifest and stroke subtypes change.

Risk Factors and Etiology of Young Ischemic Stroke Patients in Estonia

“…However, the relative age-specific proportions of TOAST subgroups reveal a higher rate of LAA (8 versus 0–6%) below age of 35 than previously reported [12, 13, 15, 23]. This very premature atherosclerosis could be the result of both early clustering of atherogenic risk factors and genetic susceptibility [24, 25].…”

When to Screen Ischaemic Stroke Patients for Cancer

“…Electrocardiogram and duplex- and color-coded sonography of the carotid arteries were performed in the stroke unit within 24 h. Holter monitoring was done in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined aetiology. Risk factors were registered and included hypertension, diabetes mellitus, paroxysmal or chronic atrial fibrillation, prior stroke, TIA, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease and smoking [19]. Stroke aetiology was determined by a neurologist (HN) in the stroke unit using the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria [20].…”

Prevalence of Fabry Disease and Outcomes in Young Canadian Patients With Cryptogenic Ischemic Cerebrovascular Events

“…1 This group generally faces favorable prognosis. 2 Etiologic diagnosis of IS is a key metric in estimation of clinical outcomes and the cornerstone of secondary prevention.…”

“…Despite extensive etiologic workup, one third of IS in the young remains without identified pathogenesis (ie, cryptogenic IS). 1,3,4 Data on clinical outcomes in young patients with cryptogenic IS are limited.…”