FREQUENCY OF RISK FACTORS LEADING TO STROKE IN PATIENTS ADMITTED TO MARDAN MEDICAL COMPLEX: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, with ischemic stroke comprising the majority of cases. Identification and assessment of modifiable risk factors are essential to inform effective prevention and management strategies, particularly in resource-limited settings where local data remain scarce. Objective: To determine the frequency and distribution of key risk factors among stroke patients admitted to Mardan Medical Complex. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted over six months in the Department of Medicine, Mardan Medical Complex. A total of 162 stroke patients aged 18–75 years were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Data were collected through structured proformas, including demographics, clinical history, laboratory investigations, and neuroimaging. Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, and family history of coronary artery disease were assessed based on standardized diagnostic criteria. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v23. Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages; continuous variables as mean ± SD. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used for post-stratification analysis. Results: The mean age was 61.2 ± 10.4 years, with 56.8% male participants. Ischemic stroke accounted for 79.6% of cases. Hypertension (66.7%) was the most prevalent risk factor, followed by smoking (39.5%), diabetes mellitus (32.1%), hypercholesterolemia (23.5%), and family history of CAD (11.7%). Nearly 29% had a history of previous stroke. Risk factors were more prevalent among ischemic stroke patients compared to hemorrhagic. Conclusion: Hypertension, smoking, and diabetes mellitus were the leading modifiable risk factors for stroke in this cohort. Strengthening early detection and risk factor control measures is crucial for reducing stroke incidence and improving patient outcomes.