Risk Factors for Stroke in Young Adults. Complejo Hospitalario Metropolitano Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid. 2008-2012. Panama.

Abstract

Background. Stroke and cerebrovascular disease ranked second in causes of death worldwide in 2008 with 6.15 million deaths. Studies reveal that 12% of cerebrovascular disease occurs in patients younger than 45 years old. The aim of this study is to determine the factors associated with cerebrovascular disease in young adults treated at Complejo Hospitalario Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid. 

Methods. Retrospective analytic, control-case study with confidence level of 95%. The sample consists of a total of 264 patients aged 16 to 45, of which 88 were cases and 176 controls. Data were obtained by reviewing files of patients treated in Complejo Hospitalario Metropolitano Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid during the period 2008 to 2012, with a form developed by the investigators.

Results. Significant risk factors for stroke in young adults were: hypertension(OR=4,33[2,51-7,47]), aged group 31-45 years old  (OR=2,63 [1,44-4,79]), smoking (OR=2,62[1,08-6,33]), and alcohol consumption (OR=2,06[1,05-4,02]).

Conclusions. Hypertension is the most associated risk factor for stroke in young adults.

Key Words: Stroke, young adult, risk factors, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, smoking, Alcohol Drinking, Cardiovascular Diseases.