Prevalence of Acute Coronary Syndrome and Various Risk Factors in Patients with Acute Stroke

Background: After acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Both diseases share many risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smoking. Patients with ACS are at great risk of recurrent ischemic events such as ischemic strokes, one of the most feared cardiovascular events because of the risk of long -term disability. We tried to estimate the prevalence of underlying ACS among patients with acute stroke. Methods: This cross -sectional study was done at Super Speciality Block L. L. R. M., Medical College, Meerut (UP). A total of 221 acute stroke cases were selected for the study. Detailed history, investigations, and physical examinations were done. The primary outcome was the prevalence of ACS and secondary outcomes were the prevalence of hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and previous history of stroke in stroke patients. Results: Most of the patients that presented to us were above 50 years of age with the mean age of 58years (SD = 9.16years). Male predominance was seen with a total of 152 (69%) cases. Out of 221patients, 98 (44%, p >0.05) had underlying ACS, with 66 cases (67%) with unstable angina, 24 (25%) with non -ST -elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and 8 (8%) with STelevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Prevalence of risk factors in 221 stroke cases were, hypertension (176, 79%) and smoking (155, 71%). These results were statistically significant (p <0.05). Prevalence of Diabetes mellitus (102, 46%), Dyslipidemia (98, 44%), obesity (36, 16%) and previous stroke history (12, 6%) was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Acute coronary syndrome is still frequently present in patients with acute stroke. The need ofthe hour is to manage ACS efficiently so that its deadly complications such as stroke can be prevented.