Publication:

Patterns of stroke subtypes among hypertensive patients: evidence from a hospital-based study in Bangladesh

Background Stroke is a leading global cause of disability and death, with a disproportionately high burden in developing nations. Hypertension is the primary modifiable risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke subtypes.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2015 at Sylhet M.A.G. Osmani Medical College Hospital. We enrolled 96 hypertensive patients admitted with a stroke diagnosis to the Department of Medicine and Neuromedicine. Data on demographics, clinical profiles, and stroke subtypes were collected via a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results The mean age of participants was 60.0 ± 11.46 years, with the highest proportion (34.4%) in the 51–60year age group. Most participants were female (68.8%) and housewives (59.4%), belonging to a lower-middle socioeconomic class (55.2%). Ischemic stroke was the predominant subtype (70.8%), consistent with global and regional patterns of stroke distribution, followed by intracerebral hemorrhage (25%) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (4.2%). A significant association was found between age and stroke subtype (p=0.01). Uncontrolled hypertension, a major driver of stroke risk, was prevalent in 74% of patients, and 61.5% reported irregular use of antihypertensive medications.

Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the most common subtype among hypertensive patients in this setting, heavily linked to uncontrolled blood pressure. These findings underscore the critical need for effective hypertension management, including regular medication adherence and early intervention, to mitigate the stroke burden in Bangladesh.