Epidemiology of Stroke and Risk Factors in Punjab, Pakistan:  A Comprehensive Hospital-Based Study

Saima Ahmad; Adnan Khan; Fatima Gul  Chaudhary; Haseeb  Manzoor; Hira  Jamil; Kausar  Tayyab; Uchechukwu Levi  Osuagwu

doi:10.56310/pjns.v19i03.403

Saima Ahmad Department of Radiology, Farooq Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Adnan Khan Faculty of Health Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
Fatima Gul Chaudhary Department of Radiology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Haseeb Manzoor Department of Radiology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Hira Jamil Department of Radiology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Kausar Tayyab Department of Biochemistry, Khyber Medical University, Pakistan
Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2560, Australia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56310/pjns.v19i03.403

Keywords: Prevalence, Stroke, South Asian

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a significant global health challenge, particularly burdening low- and middle-income countries where it leads to substantial mortality and disability-adjusted life years. Over the past four decades, these regions have witnessed a disturbing rise in stroke incidence. In Pakistan, the prevalence of stroke is of utmost public health concern, yet the absence of comprehensive epidemiological data obscures its true impact.

Method: This retrospective hospital-based study was conducted at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, serving as the primary referral center for stroke cases. Medical records from January 2019 to December 2020 were reviewed using the International Classification of Diseases. A structured data collection form captured demographics, stroke types, risk factors, medical histories, and outcomes.

Results: Among 159,824 emergency department visits, 1654 patients were diagnosed with stroke, yielding an incidence rate of 1.03% in Punjab. The majority (26.13%) of stroke patients were aged 60-69 years, with an average age of 57.19 years. Males (51.75%) showed higher susceptibility than females (48.25%). A significant proportion (62.39%) of cases resulted in discharge with disability. Ischemic stroke was predominant (44.2%), followed closely by hemorrhagic stroke (43.4%). Hypertension (61.63%), diabetes (17.65%), and heart disease (8.73%) emerged as prevalent comorbidities. Lahore was the primary location for a substantial number of cases (46.3%).

Conclusion: The high incidence of stroke (1.03%) in Punjab underscores urgent public health needs. Our study highlights prevalent risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease, emphasizing the necessity for targeted prevention strategies. Comprehensive epidemiological studies are crucial to accurately quantify stroke burden in Pakistan and implement effective interventions.