Recurrent ischemic stroke is associated with the burden of risk factors

Moerch-Rasmussen A, Nacu A, Waje-Andreassen U, Thomassen L,Naess H. Recurrent ischemic stroke is associated with the burden ofrisk factors.Acta Neurol Scand: DOI: 10.1111/ane.12457.© 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Aim – To determine the characteristics of acute ischemic strokepatients admitted to hospital with history of prior ischemic stroke(s).We hypothesized that there is an association between the number ofrisk factors and prior ischemic stroke irrespective of age. Methods –All patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to HaukelandUniversity Hospital between 2006 and 2013 were registered in theNORSTROKE database. Variables included prior ischemic stroke(s)(based on self-report and patient records), risk factors, TOASTclassification, and CT and MRI findings. Comparison was madebetween patients with prior ischemic stroke and first-ever ischemicstroke. Multivariate analyses were performed. Results – In total, 2697patients were included and 461 (17.1%) had a history of priorischemic stroke(s). Logistic regression analyses showed that priorischemic stroke was associated with the number of risk factors,leukoaraiosis, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and atherosclerosis.Conclusion – History of prior ischemic stroke in patients with acuteischemic stroke was associated with the burden of risk factors,atherosclerosis, and atrial fibrillation compared to first-ever ischemicstroke. This has important implications for secondary preventivetreatment.