Changes in Stroke Ratio in a Secondary Referral Center of Lahore District – Variations in Different Seasons

Abstract

Abstract

Background and Purpose:  Multiple studies suggest that there is a relationship between occurrence of stro-ke and the climate (ambient temperature and humi-dity). Exposure to a decrease in temperature has been correlated to the increase in stroke risk especially hemorrhagic stroke. The aim of this study was to find an association between weather and stroke occurrence.

Method:  It was retrospective cross sectional study in which data of patients admitted in Medical unit II, Jin-nah Hospital Lahore, Pakistan in the year 2009 was reviewed retrospectively. Total data of patients with stroke was separated and analyzed. Climate record for the year 2009 was used to find a correlation between the changes in weather and the types of stroke present-ing thereafter. An increase in Stroke ratio has been used a surrogate indicator of change in the proportion of patients presenting hemorrhagic strokes in various parts of the year.

Results:  Stroke presentation is commoner in cooler days. From the analysis of past records of 403 cases in the year 2009 it was found that hemorrhagic stroke was more frequent (38%) in cool and dry climate as compared to other days i.e 13% - 18%. Occurrence of ischemic stroke was almost uniform in all kind of wea-ther.

Conclusion:  Hemorrhagic stroke is more common in cooler days but the ischemic stroke occurs almost uni-formly in all kind of temperature. Many of our patients presenting with stroke have more than one risk factors for a cerebro vascular accident.

Key word:  Cerebral Hemorrhage, Temperature, wea-ther.