INCIDENCE OF STROKE IN ADULTS ACCORDING TO AGE, SEX AND SUBTYPES IN URBAN INDIAN POPULATION

Abstract

Introduction: In a developing country like India, it is imperative to study the effects of age and gender on the incidence of stroke as it has important implications in making health policy decisions.

Methods: We evaluated the incidence of stroke in patients over 15 years of age at Navi Mumbai, India during the period 2013-19 in Navi Mumbai, India. Outcomes studied were incidence of stroke stratified by age, sex, and stroke subtype.

Results: Out of a total of 1377 patients, 1246 were ischemic and 131 haemorrhagic. The mean age was 49.06 years and 53% were males. Nearly half of the strokes occurred in 46-65 years group, and one-thirds in over 65 years of age. 21% bleeds and 16% of infarcts occurred under 45years of age. Younger females had lesser risk stroke as compared to males but females above 65years had a significantly greater risk of infarct (P value <0.005).The risk of intracerebral bleed in males under 45 years was significantly more than that of females (p value <0.001).

Conclusion: Incidence of stroke increases with age, peaking in the highly productive age group of 46-65 years. The risk of any stroke was lower in younger women as compared to men, but elderly women (>65 years of age) were more prone to ischemic stroke than elderly males. Intracerebral haemorrhage occurred significantly more often in men than women under the age of 45years. These findings have important implications for public health policy and sociocultural changes.