Importance rating of risk factors of ischemic stroke in patients over 85 years old in the polish population

Introduction The European population is aging and the number of elderly patients suffering from ischemic brain stroke increases. A better knowledge of the correlation between the risk factors and the course of the disease in old people may be useful for planning medical care and prophylactic strategies. Aim This prospective study aimed to perform a demographic and clinical analysis of the etiology of ischemic stroke, survival rate and severity of post-stroke disability in patients who developed ischemic stroke at the age of over 85 years in the Polish population. Method The study group consisted of 159 patients over 85 years old with ischemic stroke. The prevalence of risk factors such as sex, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and diabetes was evaluated. The outcome was assessed using the Barthel scale and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Results The most common risk factors of ischemic stroke were hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Patients with atrial fibrillation had a more severe course of ischemic stroke. Conclusion The course of brain stroke in the Polish population is more severe in patients over 85 years old than in younger ones. The key risk factor in this group is atrial fibrillation