A Comparative Study of Risk Factors across Young and Old Acute Ischemic Strokes: A Hospital-based Study in North India

Cardioembolic stroke was found equally in old as in young. The number of patients with rheumatic heart disease showed comparatively higher numbers in the young group, while atrial fibrillation was higher in the old age-group, signifying the importance of detailed cardiac workup and Holter monitoring in the old age-group when indicated. Serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels should be done routinely in the evaluation of ischemic stroke irrespective of the age of onset of stroke(s), as their levels were impaired equally in both young and old age-groups in our study. Dyslipidemia, traditionally regarded as a risk factor in old, also showed deranged values in the form of raised serum cholesterol and triglycerides in both age-groups. Positive VDRL, ANA, and APLA showed an increased trend in the old age-group in our study compared to the young age-group. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and inadequate physical activity were significant risk factors associated with the old group.