Community Based Study of Cerebrovascular Risk Factors in Tripoli-Libya (North Africa)

Abstract

A stroke is the leading cause of adult mortality and disability. It is the second most common cause of death globally and may soon become the first cause of death worldwide. Among the most important risk factors for stroke are advanced age, hypertension, diabetes, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack. Hypertension and diabetes are the most important and frequent modifiable risk factors of stroke. Objectives: Estimate the most important risk factors associated with stroke in African population by using CHADS2 method. Study Design: Was community based descriptive cross-section. Place and Duration of Study: North Africa (North west of Libya), among Individuals living in Tripoli area the capital, Duration of the study, five years from 1/1/2010 in to 31/12/2014. Methodology: Data collected among 7497 individuals do not have atrial fibrillation (52.8% males & 48.2% females) which contained detailed histories (present, past, medical, hospital admission), available investigations, discharge letters and medical reports. Medical examinations was performed when necessary.

Diabetes Mellitus and Cerebrovascular Accident among North African Population (Libya) Community Based Survey

“…Mortel et al [20] reported that diabetes is second to hypertension as a risk factor for stroke, followed by heart disease and smoking which also showed by this study results and by Shambesh et al [14], were DM and hypertension are heading risk factor Followed by CHF.…”

“…The prevalence of DM among our participants (7497 individuals) in study done by Shambesh et al [14] was 39% (2908 patients), among males and females was 54.1% and 45.9% respectively (P =0.0001). Among different age groups, males have higher rates compared to females except in very young (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19) and very old (>80) as shown in Table 3 and Fig. 1.…”

“…Sampling was done from a large cohort of individuals living in a community, 7497 individuals were screened by Shambesh et al 2015 [14]. looking for risk factors of stroke.…”

“…Individuals were interviewed using CHADS2 Score questionnaire which is usually used to assess stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation [15], and was also adapted in this study to be used among a population without AF as it had been used in other studies elsewhere [16]. As well a local Libyan classification of stroke risk factors was used (called Community Stroke Risk Classification-CSRC) which was created to be used for the first time in Libya by Shambesh et al, 2015 [14]. CHADS2 score is derived from the sum of point values of individual stroke risk factors {congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertension (HT), age≥ 70, diabetes (DM) (1 point each), and prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (2 points) ( Table 1).…”

“…Methodology: The study was community based descriptive cross-sectional study used CHADS2 Questionnaire, as well a local Libyan classification of stroke risk factors called Community Stroke Risk Classification (CSRC). Shambesh et al; IJTDH, 10(2): 1-9, 2015; Article no.IJTDH.19028 2 Area: North Africa (North of Libya, the capital Tripoli). Time: Five years from 2010-2014.…”