Identifying risk factors for recurrent mild ischemic stroke and high-risk population characteristics: A 1-year follow-up study

ObjectiveThis observational study examined the risk factors associated with recurrence in patients with mild ischemic stroke and determined the characteristics of high-risk groups.MethodsA total of 656 patients hospitalized for mild ischemic stroke were monitored for 1 year. Statistical analyses, including odds ratio calculations and K-means clustering, were conducted to examine risk factors for recurrence and the characteristics of high-risk groups.ResultsAfter 1 year of follow-up, 99 patients experienced recurrent mild ischemic stroke, resulting in a recurrence rate of 15.09%. The analysis revealed several significant risk factors, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, smoking and alcohol consumption, carotid artery stenosis, cerebral vascular stenosis, and multiple lesions. Propensity score matching confirmed these associations, and K-means clustering revealed that older males with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension were likely to be in the high-risk group.ConclusionsHealthcare professionals should focus on tailored treatment and prevention strategies for high-risk patients, prioritizing the management of the abovementioned risk factors to reduce recurrence and improve outcomes.