Seasonal and Circadian Variations in Stroke Subtypes in the Muscat Governorate of the Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

Introduction The influence of climatic, weather conditions, and circadian variations on cerebrovascular diseases has been evaluated in many studies. However, the results have been controversial. Objective This study aims at identifying the relationship between the circadian and circannual climatic patterns in the Governorate of Muscat and their impact on stroke and its subtype. Method From January 2016 to December 2019, a retrospective study of all confirmed acute stroke cases admitted to the central stroke unit was conducted. Only Omani Patients were included. The data was collected through a computerized medical record system. Results A total of 836 Omani patients were involved in the study. Ischemic stroke accounted for 731 cases (87.4%), while intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounted for 105 (12.6%). 62.7% of the overall sample size was made up of men. Between different days times, there was a statistically significant difference in the occurrence of ischemic stroke and ICH (likelihood ratio, P = .010). The majority of ischemic strokes (62.2%) occurred between 6 am and 6 pm (daytime), and the majority of ICH (54%) occurred between 6 pm and 6 am (nighttime). The majority of ischemic strokes (52.9%) and ICH (61.9%) occurred during the winter months. Conclusion The majority of both stroke subtypes were found to occur in the morning hours and during winter months. These findings might aid in the better organization of acute stroke care. Further analysis of these findings could aid in the development of better primary prevention strategies.