A Comparative Study of Risk Factors across Young and Old Acute Ischemic Strokes: A Hospital-based Study in North India

BACKGROUND: Stroke is an important cause of death and disability. Prevalence of stroke differs with age. The risk factors in young differ in comparison to the old age-group. In this study, risk factors of stroke in young are compared to the old age-group. AIM: To compare the established risk factors in young and old acute ischemic strokes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: levels. RESULTS: was found in 25% young and 32% old. Venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) was reactive in 1.3% in young and 4% in old. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) was positive in 6.6% in young and 2.6% in old. From those tested, antiphospholipid antibody (APLA) was positive in 3.64% in young and 4.16% in old. CONCLUSION: Cardioembolic stroke was found equally in old as in young. The number of patients with rheumatic heart disease showed comparatively higher numbers in the young group, while atrial fibrillation was higher in the old age-group, signifying the importance of detailed cardiac workup and Holter monitoring in the old age-group when indicated. Serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels should be done routinely in the evaluation of ischemic stroke irrespective of the age of onset of stroke(s), as their levels were impaired equally in both young and old age-groups in our study. Dyslipidemia, traditionally regarded as a risk factor in old, also showed deranged values in the form of raised serum cholesterol and triglycerides in both age-groups. Positive VDRL, ANA, and APLA showed an increased trend in the old age-group in our study compared to the young age-group. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and inadequate physical activity were significant risk factors associated with the old group.