Undiagnosed risks for stroke.
A new study presented at the 2022 Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) found that almost two-thirds of acute ischemic stroke patients had at least one undiagnosed significant risk factor. Many of the study participants were younger and women. André Rêgo, MD, the study investigator, noted that the results highlight the importance of clinicians recognizing that their patients may have risk factors they may be missing.
High Rate of Undiagnosed Major Risk Factors in Ischemic Stroke states that 90% of strokes are caused by risk factors that can be modified through lifestyle changes or medications. The subjects who were unaware of their risk factors were more often smokers, overweight, non-White, and younger. The study shows that more should be done to identify at-risk patients and take the necessary steps to prevent ischemic cerebrovascular events.