ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for ischemic stroke in
patients undergoing cardiac surgery.MethodsFrom January 2010 to December 2012, 519 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac
surgery were analyzed prospectively. The sample was divided into two groups:
patients with stroke per and postoperative were allocated in Group GS (n=22) and
the other patients in the group CCONTROL (n=497). The following variables were
compared between the groups: gender, age, carotid stenosis ≥ 70%, diabetes
on insulin, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral arteriopathy,
unstable angina, kidney function, left ventricular function, acute myocardial
infarction, pulmonary arterial hypertension, use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
Ischemic stroke was defined as symptoms lasting over 24 hours associated with
changes in brain computed tomography scan. The variables were compared using
Fisher’s exact test, Chi square, Student’s t-test and logistic regression.ResultsStroke occurred in 4.2% of patients and the risk factors statistically significant
were: carotid stenosis of 70% or more (P=0.03; OR 5.07; IC 95%:
1.35 to 19.02), diabetes on insulin (P=0.04; OR 2.61; IC 95%:
1.10 to 6.21) and peripheral arteriopathy (P=0.03; OR 2.61; 95%
CI: 1.08 to 6.28).ConclusionRisk factors for ischemic stroke were carotid stenosis of 70% or more, diabetes on
insulin and peripheral arteriopathy.