ABSTRACT

Aim: To examine the causes and risk factors of ischemic strokes in patients with ages less than 50 years.

Study Design: Retrospective/Observational

Place & Duration of Study: Department of Medicine, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore from 1st January 2020 to 31st May 2020.

Methodology: Eighty patients of both genders with ages 15 to 50 years presented with ischemic strokes were included. Patient’s demographical detail including age, sex and education, residence and socio-economic status were recorded. Patients less than 15 years of age and above 50 years were excluded. Complete diagnostic tests were done. Risk factors were examined. Outcomes were recorded according to Rankin scale score.

Results: Fifty three (66.25%) patients were male while 33.75% patients were females. 6 (7.5%) patients were ages 15 to 25 years, 18 (22.5%) were ages 26 to 35 years, 48 (60%) patients were ages 36 to 45 years and 8 (10%) were ages 46 to 50 years. The most common risk factor was hypertension 28 (35%) followed by diabetes mellitus 23 (28.75%), dyslipidemia 20 (25%), smoking 18 (22.5%) respectively. The most common subtype was undetermined 30 (37.5%). Majority of the patients resulted good functional outcomes 87.5%. 3 (3.75%) patients were died.

Conclusion: The age group 36 to 45 years was the most common risk factor followed by hypertension, DM and smoking. Undetermined subtype was the most common cause of ischemic strokes.

Keywords: Ischemic strokes, Risk factors, Causes, Age